I can definitely relate to some of this. I am have been going through a bout of depression for the last three and a half years or so, although it has probably been present for at least a decade at a lower level. What you said about your isolation during your youth, drifting from job to job, struggling to make social connections, and immersing yourself in fiction are all things I have experienced too.

I agree that having people who will support you is really important to combating depression. There is no support group where I live, but fortunately I have some true friends and family members who I can rely upon. One of the toughest things about depression is that most other people either can’t or won’t deal with it, and tend to keep their distance, if not cut ties entirely. This can be devastating, but the up side is that those relationships which remain are special, having been truly tested.

The fight against depression is a long and lonely one, but sites like this where people can realize how many others have the same experience are invaluable.

Once again, thanks for the site, and I hope you keep posting!