byblion, I can totally relate to lack of career progression, I lack my dissertation, was working making 4x as much as I am no in terms of salary. And wham, like a knock up side the head, I was unable to work, in bed, not functioning at home, not interacting with anyone except my immediate family. My mother was coming to bring me dinner (so I'd have one meal a day) and making me leave the house with her. She would transport me to dr. appts. etc. I guess her death, was actually the catalyst that got me out of bed, but still I could not work. I year later I took a minimum wage position and the lowest level at a mental health facility (prior to that I was a counselor), I have a bit more than the minimum wage position after starting back to work about a year and a half ago. However, initially, I was only able to work 2 days a week, and from there a progression to working 5 days a week. Reaching this in May this year. Sometimes it is too much, but working at the type of facility that I do, they are quite understanding. I also see a therapist there (but not one I interact with, someone at a different site).
I can also relate to what you said about the "boring" vs. productive times.
No, you are not the only one with depression, but your depression has just as unique characteristics as you are, just like mine has unique characteristics specific to me. It doesn't make it better or worse than anyone elses and despite the fact that others have, we have to accept and work on it (It does get better, with hard work).
Your objective is to help yourself and so is mine, we do that in unique ways...don't feel obligated to type anything other than what YOU need to type. We gain from understanding what you write. Knowing that you can relate to my post, is definitely helpful to me, it helps me know know that I am not alone and reinforces observations about myself. We first must recognize before we can make change. Thanks for helping me.
Keep posting and responding to other posts!
wildcat! 
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