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....
I know that I do.
