I can’t tell you how many potentially awful mistakes were avoided because I deferred to a friend’s judgment instead of my own. And, you are right, it wasn’t just my life at stake, it was my son’s too! Good for you, for trusting in others, and I am SO glad you have those friends to rely on when you need them.

Thanks for sharing your story!!

As I’ve gone forward, working to keep depression at bay, my friends are my barometer and my compass, letting me know where I am and when I’m slipping. I trusted them with my life, and more importantly, my children.

I never knew how deep love ran until I hit bottom.

I’m heading over to read your story now…

“In my immediate family, I have dealt with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia…” Me, too! My Dad, brother and uncle – bipolar, my sister – schizophrenic, myself – severe depression, my mother – never diagnosed. I’ve written about it on my blog under the category “My Story.”
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I wonder if your dad got into psychiatry BECAUSE of the family history? I’ve often heard that mental health professionals get into that field because they struggle with those issues themselves (or in their lives). I have definitely thought about pursuing something along those lines when my homeschooling gig is up because, like your dad, I believe I could treat the mentally ill as people, without judging them for the actions they often cannot control.

I think it’s awesome that he is able to do that for them now. Feel free to e me any time if you want to throw around the old depression convo (myquestforbalance at gmail dot com). Sometimes it helps just to get it out of your head.