[Shawnee123]

Oh I agree, and I don't think the solution to "REAL" depression (not just boo de hoo I feel badly) is "get a kitty." That statement is the equivalent of "get over it."

Yes, tigerwind should monitor, should vent, should decide herself if her symptoms are lasting and need attention.

Discounting and dismissing by saying, in effect, get over it, only adds to a depressive's already mounting feelings of guilt over NOT being able to just get over it. Clinical depression is certainly not the same thing as going through a rough patch, and it's important that people keep that in mind when deciding what action to take. For me, I decided wanting to drive my car off a cliff was not a reasonable level of sadness. The stigma society places on clinical depression, and the inability for some to see the difference between some sadness and depression, is dangerous territory for the individual who is trying to determine if their feelings should be cause for alarm.