I have suffered from depression for around 40 years, there it's out there. Why do I feel as if I'm 'coming out' to everyone when I admit that?
I have lost friends and family through my condition. I have attempted suicide and that's hard to take for my husband, children and anyone who's close to me. I generally have a relapse on average every one to two years.
I am, however a really cheerful, positive person, people often appear shocked that I suffer from depression as I am so cheerful and friendly, but you know what? it's an illness like any other which can strike indiscriminately at all of us at anytime.
It's an incredibly lonely illness.
I am 58 now and have been advised by doctors to give up work. I still manage, however to volunteer for a few hours each week with the elderly in a day centre and I love it! I paint their nails and give them relaxing neck and shoulder massages, and listen to all their worries and woes.
I have two sons and three grandchildren but they all live away so I don't see them much. My husband works so I spend a lot of my time alone.
I live in Bagshot and after everything you've read about me would anyone like to meet up for a coffee nearby? I'd love to chat to anyone that would like to get to know me better....
Good Morning Tuesday 23rd April St Georges Day
To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic