I hope your depression doesn’t get a chance to take hold (I’d send you some Australian sunshine, but it’s raining here right now). Being so open about it is good, really good.

And don’t be down on yourself, BJ’s parent’s know how things are….

You’ve touched my heart. Thank you.

Here’s hoping that you can write love on your arms, instead of carving hate.
I understand.

Having been depressed as a teenager does not necessarily mean you are going to be depressed for life (being a teenager is a special situation that many people have trouble dealing with). However, after what you have experienced over the past 10 days, it is hardly necessary to have a history of depression to be “hearing the big D coming” — depression seems like a perfectly normal response to the stuff you have been dealing with. Do find yourself a professional counselor to talk with — note that there are plenty of ‘em who are not licensed to dole out meds…

I suffer from depression as well so I know the path you’re on. If you need someone to listen or commisserate (or however ya spell it) Just send an email hon. We’re all here for you.

I’ve been reading for days, thinking about you, running to the computer to check for updates (even the kids know, and ask for news when they see me checking), and praying for you, but haven’t commented yet. We’re no strangers to depression here–my husband struggles with it daily and was hospitalized last year. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that on top of everything else. My husband does better when he talks about it, so I believe doing what you’re doing here is the best thing of all. There are lots of us listening and lots of us who care, whether you know us or not. In some ways you are always alone, going through something like this, but I hope you can pull some strength from the concern of so many people and from God. When I feel all alone I use this as my mantra (it’s Tennyson, IIRC): “Cast your cares on God; that anchor holds.”

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I agree with the poster above about the light. A visit to a tanning bed works wonders for me.

I can’t tell you how much respect and admiration I have for you. Good luck with going back to work.

they probably understand more than you think– about your need to not make small talk, etc. they of all people can understand– so you shouldn’t beat yourself up for thinking that you are slighting them or whatever— just do your best with them.

thinking of you and praying for you.