Hi Everyone,
Please believe me when I say that I am not trying to make a dramatic post here but I'd just like to reintroduce myself to everyone.
I don't think most people would remember me but I posted here quite a while back and with some frequency.
I've had a rough five-year patch. I suffer from depression and have gone through a particularly hard spell for the last five years. I talk openly about this because it has been a lifetime struggle and there is such stigma surrounding this (and other mental health issues) that I think it's important to 'normalize' depression. After all, more people missed work due to depression last year than all other physical illnesses alone (although depression can have physical symptoms as well as psychological ones). I have learned much in the last five years though--about myself, about how to treat depression before it has a chance to settle in, and about mindfulness and being grateful.
There are so many nice people here and some of you have been so lovely in welcoming me, whether you remember me or not. I remember most of the long time members and it's really great to see everyone again.
xo, Melinda (aka melindaville).
Please believe me when I say that I am not trying to make a dramatic post here but I'd just like to reintroduce myself to everyone.
I don't think most people would remember me but I posted here quite a while back and with some frequency.
I've had a rough five-year patch. I suffer from depression and have gone through a particularly hard spell for the last five years. I talk openly about this because it has been a lifetime struggle and there is such stigma surrounding this (and other mental health issues) that I think it's important to 'normalize' depression. After all, more people missed work due to depression last year than all other physical illnesses alone (although depression can have physical symptoms as well as psychological ones). I have learned much in the last five years though--about myself, about how to treat depression before it has a chance to settle in, and about mindfulness and being grateful.
There are so many nice people here and some of you have been so lovely in welcoming me, whether you remember me or not. I remember most of the long time members and it's really great to see everyone again.
xo, Melinda (aka melindaville).