My late wife was a psychotherapist. She said Depression could be caused by a biological illness, but often it’s a symptom because your life sucks. Both causes are difficult to cope with, particularly when you’re feeling bad about everything including yourself.

Peer support is very important. Your friends and family can only help so far. Appointments with shrinks and therapists are short and infrequent.

There is a wonderful online community, dailystrength.org which has all kinds of groups. After my wife died, I found daily strength there. It’s moderated, safe and friendly, and teens are welcome.

I also facilitate a DBSA group that meets once a week. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has groups all over. We had a teen come for a while, at first she was not so sure, but I think she really liked the group & the people in it.

When my daughter was 5, we lost everything, I mean EVERYTHING — we became homeless, and everything we owned was auctioned from storage. It took more than a decade for us to recover. Now 27, my daughter built a meaningful life, she is happily married, has good friends and likes her work. Sometimes she goes to punk rock shows with her dad.

Recovery takes time. Your plans never work out the way you hoped. There are setbacks, but also unexpected opportunities. Recovery is possible, I can personally attest to that.