I totally understand what she's saying but she doesn't have depression. Not really. It's obvious. You know that when we get depressed it makes it harder for us to do anything much less go out. I do understand there are times we have to push ourselves to go out. I think it's up to us to decide if we can do it. We should try our hardest to do it. It may make us feel better.
There are times I don't want to go out but Todd or Timothy will make me go out with them just to get me out and it feels better after I did it. It's makes the day go by faster. It makes me feel as though I accomplished something. So I do think you should try your hardest to do it. No matter what.

Hi y'all,
The thought of choosing to be depressed and/or anxious is a ridiculous idea. . .

My brother recently communicated to me that he was "tired of my self-pity" so I cut him off since he mistakes my depression and anxiety for self-pity. . .
I do not need his perspective as I am already struggling and
suffering too much without it. . .

My best peace, love, and good vibes to you all, each and every one,

Cool Cat aka He who Rises Daily And Dances With Wolves. . .

Kathy I do agree that we did not choose depression but trying to help yourself through the difficulty of living with it with all that is out there M help you makes a difference. Caregiving for my Mother help me understand I need as much even more help with my health, physical and mental. Sharing is a big deal for me.

It's really uncomfortable for me to 'act' happy, 'to fake everything is fine'. So for me choosing to be happy goes against the grain. I can 'choose it' but it's not real and I don't last long at it either. I can be content with what I have and do, but 'happiness' is the carboard on a stick with a smiley face on it.

My situation is one of living the consequences of making many bad decisions all m life, having a mental illness all my life. Choose to be happy? If you have a mental illness, you can not 'choose' to be happy. Just from experience.