hi Dragonfly,
I am happy to have helped to changed a thought!
You know, we all deal with stress differently. So if this other person likes the charge that work gives her all the better. But, if she has been off work more than once, she might not be telling the whole story!!! And those are her lessons in life. Yours are all about healing and taking time to listen to your body and mind.
I would be VERY hesitant to share my Depressive feelings and thoughts that I have with a non-professional. Okay, I would be scared to be judged and that feels and thoughts would be circulated - by accident. But also, these are issues that I have to deal with. If my "ingrown-toenail" has led to a major depression then everything that led up to it and how I deal with the treatment of that foot is part of my issue. (sorry, i had to come up with a quick description that would not point to anyone in particular, No one has a problem toe??). My Friend who has this illness should be the first to know the inner termoil and respect my need for space. I just might be ashmed of my ugly toe and the smelly infected foot, that it is too hard to discuss! I might -even not want to live with this eyesore- and be ready to wear closed crocs all summer because of it. fashion suicide.
Dragonfly.
I use a bit of humor to pass a hard message. When we are miserable, and can barely find a reason to want to make it to tomorrow ... It is impossible to find the right expression for the feeling. We want to hide from the pain, from ourself, from reality. So it is normal to not want to discuss everything with this woman. You do not need to justify yourself. She is the one that is being un-respectful of your needs in this time. If you want to smooth things, you can explain that you have deep emotional issues that need to be explored with professionals.
But, right now. focus on your health. this person will still be around then the dust settles.