Depression is one of the symptoms of PTSD. I realized after several years of counseling I use depression to put a damper on the anger generated by the hurt, fear and frustration I experience every night in my nightmares. If I am depressed and tired enough, I won’t have nightmares. A break of sorts. I am learning to accept the depression for the in-between step as I learn to mange and feel my emotions. The interesting thing about depression it is like running a fever. When your emotions are hurting, frustrated or scared, anger jumps in and depression softens the anger. I am noticing that as I take a healthier approach to my emotions, I use depression less often. I have a new appreciation of what depression can do for me.