Whenever my depression kicks in, I don't feel like doing anything. The same applies when one of my many exotic chronic ailments kick in and I have to ration spoons to get through the day. It can be hard for others to understand because one doesn't "look" ill, off, out of sorts, whatever. I normally try to pace myself and gradually work up to it.

A PhD is not all its cracked up to be. Before my health took its toll on me, the academic infighting, pettiness and power struggles that were all around even when I chose not to involve myself in any of it was bloody awful. People will still find a way to screw you over, more so if they look down on your specialisation and/or you and/or your work. Perhaps it's a lot harder for me vis-a-vis people because I have asperger's as well. Hang in there in the meantime.