+1...everyone notices it before you do. Another thing I've noticed, about myself in a depressive state is that I sometimes almost like it. Not, like it, but wierdly, it's my comfort zone. Keep in mind I've been depressed since I was young, something like 8-9 years old. I would lie in bed and WORRY about what would happen if my grandpa, grandma or mother died...and I would work myself into what I know now was depression. I was actually diagnosed when i was 19, put on antidepressants..(which were not exactly like the ones today).
Anyway, I've been there so often, sometimes I didn't want to crawl out of the pit...I knew this feeling and it was soooo much effort to change it. I guess it's similar to a woman who lives with abuse....that is HER normal.
Luckily, it isn't nearly as bad as it used to be. The episodes are much less intense and MUCH shorter lived. I think my periods of sadness are now just normal ups and downs.
Take care Ian. It's a process, but one you can come
through.
I've also noticed that my "depressed" friends have a very dry, dark
sense of humor too. When we're "normal" we're great fun to be around.