[Chill Cosby]

I completely agree with most of what is said. The way I've always seen it is that unhappy people have a solution to their unhappiness, while those with depression do not. There are of course long term treatments, but there is no simple "fix." The chair analogy is very apt. Sometimes you look at those choosing to sit in the chair and think "Why the hell wouldn't you want to go for a walk?"

I'll share a bit of my own experience if that's ok. It doesn't apply to EVERY person with depression, but I know there are many like myself:
Often times at work or amongst friends, I'm shown appreciation for talking things through with someone and giving them advice to help them through whatever situation they find themselves in. I always take the time to talk, or to attempt to cheer them up, but in a way it's for a selfish reason. It pains me to see others experiencing pain, because I know of one that is deeply ingrained into my everyday life. If I could fix it with a conversation, I would, so any time I see the opportunity to help someone else cheer up I do my absolute best.

When people say they were shocked by Robin Williams' suicide because he was so kind, funny, and seemingly full of joy, I know they simply do not understand depression. You can be all of those things some days, other days you can fake them if you're good at it, but the stories show that he just had a very real passion for trying to cheer people up and help others. Depression can make you a compassionate person, so when you're able to use any part of your depression for good, it's hard not to. What most people don't understand is that depression is, essentially, a misfire in the brain. It's a fog that dips right down to your bones. It aches. It's thoughts that seemingly come out of nowhere, and nobody tries to focus on them, but entertain them for a moment and they can suck you in.

For many people, happiness is indeed a choice. It saddens me seeing others grow upset over silly things. If you lose your phone, get a crack in your windshield, have a friend who isn't texting you back, aren't happy with your pay at work, etc. then I implore you to fix it. Choose not to let the little things get to you. Choose to take the bad with a grain of salt. I have depression, and when I have the choice, I ALWAYS choose to be happy, no matter the situation, because I know it's only a matter of time before a bad day comes and that choice is taken away from me. So if you can, do what many cannot and choose to enjoy every part of your day, no matter what.

Of course I known unhappiness is part of the human experience and everyone must embrace it from time to time. Next time you're unhappy though, really ask yourself why, and ask yourself if it's something worth getting upset over.

For someone who is unhappy, I think it can be an easy fix to vent to someone else and just tell them what you're thinking. For myself, one of my greatest struggles is speaking specifically about some of the thoughts I have, because one of my greatest fears is the idea that someone else might start thinking about it too.

Not to harsh the mellow of anyone's morning of course. Life can still be pretty awesome, and if you have the choice between happy and unhappy, choose happy, because you're missing out on a truly sensational gift if you don't.