Can you separate yourself from your depression?

[Robespierre]

For some people, depression seems to descend on them, from outside, because of some sad events, or because of some neurological blip. It isn't them it is something that happens to them.

But for other people it is just there, always, just what they are.

For the second kind of person, how can you say that they are not just bad, or lazy, or pathetic, or weak? I mean, how can I say that? When I repeatedly fail to get things done, or get stressed and irritable and negative with the children?

You are like me, Robespierre - I have the same feelings about myself, and beat myself up about all the things I don't get done. I don't think you are lazy or pathetic or weak - but I often think that I am.

Depression is an illness which can affect anyone at any time. Yes, it can have an external cause, but there is also a genetic predisposition.
Would you say you are bad, lazy, pathetic or weak if you had motor neurone disease or MS, or any other physically debilitating illness?

You are doing the best you can with the cards life has dealt you - those with a lifelong illness have to be stronger than the rest to get even part way through 'normal' life, so you must be very strong to do all you do

Be kind to yourself and get help when you need it to deal with the stress etc