Can depression turn on and off?

I have social phobia and have been working this summer. I worked at the same place last summer, and it was hard at times, but I pulled through with a smile on my face. Last summer they had everything set up for me, so I knew what to do and when. THis time, they expect me to initiate everything, set up meetings with people and socialize and network, which is driving me nuts! I am WAY out of my comfort zone and almost had a nervous break down b/c I have two meetings tomorrow (one is an hour chat and the other a lunch meeting) and am really scared. I am trying to hide it and do what I can, but everything I learned in therapy is loosing to the pressures of work. I have cried like 5 times in 3 days. I have been very unenthusiastic for the past two weeks and that isn't good. I just want to hide under the covers and not do anything. Why am I feeling this way and not just get over it!?

This is a very common problem and your employers, by law, MUST accomodate you.
i worry you're having almost manic-sounding ups and downs, but you seem to be cognizant of what's happening.
i don't know if you are seeing a shrink and being medicated, but it sounds like you aren't (and that's a good thing)...although if you ARE seeing a shrink and being medicated, that's ok too...

The first problem is to assume you can "just get over it" -- if there was a switch or a button you could flip and you'd be "normal"...well, that would be awesome, but it doesn't exist.

i don't know, but i would see if your bosses would work with you a little. Sounds like you know what is going on...and that is a really good sign.

Good luck. Remember - there are a LOT of people like you (like us) and we're functional and you can be accomodated.

Good luck!! I'm very much rooting for you.

You are feeling overwhelmed and are trying to do too much on your own. be open and honest with your employer, they will appreciate it. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness, ask for help.
Employers cannot help you if they do not know there is a problem.
you can do it, good luck

Don't try to escape of your own problems is always better confront them,youre gonna be okay,its learning youre just scared but nothing bad is going to happen to you.I wish you good luck.Think positive and your depression will disappear.

you've taken on too much. Maybe this is't the right kind of job for you. Ask the boss for help.; Tell him or her that you're not ready for this much responsibility. Take better care of yourself. Sometimes even a forced smile can get us through.