depression

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are we depressed because of our condition or is depression inherent and part of aspieness?
I am sure I was depressed at 11 at times (only recenlty doctors finlly admit that children can also suffer from depression)
It is said that once a depression always a depression as it leaves a mark or scar in your brain, a dimple in the brain that gets bigger, hence depression.

It's definately something that can be overcome, on a minute by minute, day by day basis. Artists are frequently prone to depression. I was depressed from birth and know what you're talking about. It does get easier, although nothing is constant, but especially if things in the environment that are making you more unhappy than not can be corrected or alleviated. Just don't think it's something that never changes. Everything changes both good and bad. Maybe if you are able to use the quote "This too shall pass" and in that way not be too identified with either the good emotion or the bad. If we remain in a state of non-attachment, it frees us to be content and likewise happy more often than not.

I've suffered from depression all of my life, even before I had hit my pre-teen years. But I was not diagnosed with clinical depression. I have been depressed because life for me has been such a struggle. I knew I was "different" my whole life, struggled in school, my self esteem has always been low, and I was picked on especially in my pre-teen years which basically at the time... confirmed that "I was not worthy". I have had depression BECAUSE of having to struggle to survive in a "neuro-typical" world and having to take a lot of s**t from others. And my depression has led me to eating for comfort and just basically not thinking that I was worthy of anything. But I am finally once and for all trying to overcome those feelings and change my ways. If my kids love me for the way I am, and look up to me no matter what... then that is a huge sign right there that I am worthy.

I was picked at and bullied as soon as I entered art school at 15, for some reason I was different and the fact that some maybe sensed I was in the closet made it worse, so I not only fought for my self esteem and being different-that's where I started rebelling against the school institution.

I also suffered a dysfunctional and abusive family until at 17 I ran a way from home and chose to stay in psychiatry for 2 years where I was treated as a social case and where no one yet knew about Asperger. Struggling to survive as an aritst, haven't had any real job, lived of the dole and medical pay outs I have lived and basically survived until now.

I am 49 and now probably the middle age crisis is hitting me and the knowledge that Had I had a different headstart and no apserger problems I would have been in a different situation now. I teach English as a non native speaker, but now get the no's for either my age or anything else. Written a book and so far I don't get it Publishe...in short I see no exit and get and dig myself deeper into depression.

Due to my Asperger I have been restless and no discipline to really pursue my career as an artist, I roamed the world a bit like the cricket in the ant story.

I have 2 kids, I couldn be a father my shrink said to my partner but she tricked me into fatherhood for selfish interests, I couldn't stay at home or I went mad so I traveled and exhibited abroad.

Once in a while I saw my children and now my son of 17 resents me, basically he doesn't want to write me. He feels I have abandoned them. How much can you explain to them about Asperger and how I function before they see me as a wreck?

I tried to explain all the history of my absence to him and his sister-who stays in touch with me- but I feel like my life is slipping through my fingers like sand.

Where will I be in 10 years or 20 years from here, I think, homeless?
sorry for the ranting and wailing, I just had to...

Have you noticed the add to cure depression in 3 minutes? Is that some joke?

I've been depressed at least since I was a teenager. I consider it a symptom of my overall condition and I really hate it when it is suggested to me that I might have a "chemical imbalance." I'm in my head every day; I've run self-diagnostics on my mind and I know what's wrong....it's that everyday life is a challenge for me and since I seem unable to emotionally bond with any other human beings I have no outlet for any of my emotions, so the anxiety and fear and frustration just slowly kills me.