text: nobody "allows" theirself to be depressed.? those with true physical clinical depression do not "allow" this to happen to them.  perhaps someone who has a temporary case of the blues or is upset about something can "allow" themselves to think negatively and wallow in their misery but real clincial depression is not about just thinking "happy thoughts" and willing negativity away.  what if you do try to think positive and make an effort to find ways to be happy and get out among people but that sick empty, funeral, black cloud feeling still hangs over your head and is in the pit of your stomach?  what if you know that you have everything to be thankful for ie, family, friends, money but still for some reason (despite trying to be positive) you still have a sad sick feeling that won't go away no matter how hard you try to pretend it is not there.  unfortunately for those with clincial depression the option of "just be happy and positive" does not take away physical symptoms. depression is a mental illness that is caused by a chemical imbalance, so thinking "happy thoughts" will not "cure" depression. it is normal to be depressed even though you have "everything", the best thing to do is, seek medical attention. people fail to realize that a mental illness is a disease. for example a person who has cancer, diabetes or any other type of bodily disease, can't just wish away their disease and neither can a person who is depressed... you just can't wish away the depression. depression is nothing to be ashamed of... would any of you be ashamed if you had cancer/diabetes etc.? don't listen to all these people who have probably never ever been depressed, seek medical attention good luck...