I too have chronic depression. I find that if I do things I feel better. I am retired and do volunteer work and also try to exercise and take care of myself. Recently I felt down and the doc increased my meds. I have other health problems which are frightening for me. They are all a drag on me.
I suggest you speak with a professional who is sympathic to your problems and will work with you. I have talk therapy and also take medicine.
The depression is not as bad as it was in the beginning after my husband (the light of my life) died. I come from a really mixed up horrible family and moved out of New York City about 13 years ago. Everybody in my small town is very "family oriented" and I feel out of it. I do a lot of cultural things and enjoy that. My neighbors sort of tolerate me and actually some have been friendly after ten years or so!
My depression just makes me sad and I feel it is a crummy world. I look at it this way at least I am living in a fairly nice environment and am surrounded by nature. I would like to feel more normal but maybe us oddballs are necessary to balance out the world.
Take care of yourselves everybody. 
Post Edited (Joan Mack) : 5/14/2006 8:22:52 PM (GMT-6)