Bill
It happened with me years ago.
It was terribe and i took two years to discover what was happening with me.
I though i was getting crazy, I quit my job, tried suicide many times, lost my "friends", and caused much pain to my family.
I had to learn what is depression, know the disease and all it' faces, understand what was happening with me.
knowing your enemy is the best way to fight against it
I discovered it's really serious and depression can and do kill or destroy a life and a career forever, but there's always a light by the end of the tunnel. Don't think it's easy because it's not. BUT IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
I did a great treatment surrounded by psychiatrics, psychologists, nurses and support group. My body took 45 days to start reacting and start to have a normal life again. I got my job back at same company (electrolux) but only part time because of the treatment.
since then i feel much better and stronger each day i have a super normal stressing life like any other executive and teacher around the world. Nothing makes me feel sad or weak.
3 years ago my doctor decided to stop my medication and he also told me the depression is so controlled that is very difficult for it to happen again.
I still visit him every six months, just to make sure everything still ok.
The best thing? after years suffering and spending thousands of dollars with different doctors, different drugs, new and "revoutionary alternatives", i found the solution in a public hospital. It's wierd because all I used to know about public health in Brazil is that the service is terrible. since my treatment, my opinion has changed a lot.
If there's something I can do to help you, please drop me a line.