the mention of ocean swims gave it away for me too ...
but the fact you have come here to where Kay gives and receives so much support is fantastic!
Now I'm not sure, but I got the impression from your post that maybe you feel the need for help with depression as well as maybe others in the family.
There are many things that got me through - no one thing will do it, dealing with ALS is as big as it gets!
It's kind of all been said but sometimes it helps to hear things more than once:
1. anti depressant meds are a must if you feel you can't quite stay on top. They work best if you start them early, as you prevent falling into total despair and low doses are usually able to keep you afloat. If you think you should just battle along, then you find yourself suddenly in a deep hole and it takes a lot to get out.
2. counselling - it's true there are good and bad counsellors. Find out what is available in your area and be prepared to work at finding the right person to help. As Paulette says, it could be a good pastor, the point is to find someone who you 'click' with. Phone organisations and ask to speak to the counsellor they would assign you first and 'interview' them. Get a good idea in your head of what they would be like. Don't be afraid to choose another. I had a brilliant counsellor (well I'm seeing him again next week so it's not quite past tense lol), but I can't say he would be brilliant for the next person. He was for me, so I stuck with him.
3. the peer support here is brilliant, it will help a lot, I needed all of these supports and still do (except I'm off the meds now)
4. Friends/family - only those that 'get it' and can give you support. Never underestimate the value of a coffee with a friend, a walk, a phone call, someone shopping for you. Whatever it is doesn't matter so much as accepting support. You never know when you will get to pay it all back sometime when they need you, so take it.
Kay it's wonderful that your sister care so much eh? She can't help but worry, and you better fill us in here if you do need extra support xx
OK off my high horse ...