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FP edit: really did not expect this to blow up. I agree with a lot of the most popular comments, it really feels a lot more like just nothing most of the time, with bouts of anxiety and self-loathing. In fact I would say sadness barely even makes an appearance except on bad days. And yes there are good days, too. The difference between chronic depression and normal "feeling down" though is that those good days are fewer and further between.

For those suffering from it, please find a good professional support network. You probably already know that but it doesn't hurt to repeat it. I have a good network and am doing fine overall, don't worry about me. medication helps, but only if it's the right medication, and you don't miss any doses. Make sure you spend the time (and, I know, money...) to get it properly dialed in with a good psychiatrist, and recognize that your needs can change over time. My own best advice there is don't accept negative side effects that degrade your quality of life. If it helps with the anxiety, but makes you gain weight and hurts your self image, or takes away the joy of good days, it's not helping and you need to find something else that will help you in the long run.

P.S., for those who don't suffer from depression and are seeing this, don't ask "what's wrong". People who suffer from chronic depression don't need to have a reason to feel depressed, and they don't like being pestered to talk about it. The best you can do is just provide moral support and be there for them when they need it. Offer to go do something together, or just hang out to keep their mind off it, but respect their boundaries if they want to be left alone. That's the most helpful thing you can do.