I suffer from depression (bipolar II, to be exact) and I have also never experienced any kind of sexual abuse--nor any other kind of abuse. I always found it so strange that I had such a great childhood; I have loving parents and grew up in a community, where I now live again, where I know I am loved and respected.
And yet I struggle with depression and sometimes major suicidal thoughts.
But then you must look at the basics again: Clinical depression and bipolar, etc. are all biochemical conditions. I have had depression in the past that was "motivated" by the sudden death of my best friend. I have hit depression after the suicide of my sister-in-law.
But I'm now experiencing a long-lasting depression after having gone through a month and a half of hypomanic FUN, and, to boot, I have absolutely no "reason" to be depressed at the moment. But I am. And I'm doing my best to combat it. But it's still here.
And anyone who dares to tell anyone that their problems mean nothing because other people's problems are bigger or more important, obviously needs a lesson in compassion.
I think the bottom line is that we, who suffer from any kind of depression, illness, abuse...any and all of it...have to try to tear ourselves away from a place of victimization and try to get to a place of reality. We all have our moments or days of feeling sorry for ourselves, but I can honestly say that I've come a long way and my moments of self-pity are now fewer and farther between. It doesn't mean my depression is cured...but rather, it just helps me to accept my illness as an ILLNESS and not as a punishment, nor as a weakness of my character.
Fern