Dear Mother of Thine_self_untrue:

A little over two months ago your daughter joined PsychCentral, a diverse online community of people suffering from a variety of mental illnesses. We realize strong stigmas attach to these illnesses.

Perhaps you may feel your daughter's reaching out to this community reflects poorly on yourself or your family. Maybe you feel slighted because she did not come directly to you.

Depression is a fierce, indiscriminate monster who attacks all sorts of people who you would never suspect had any external cause to be depressed. The way your daughter is feeling does not by itself say anything about the relationship you two share.

During these past couple of months “Thine_self_untrue” has significantly contributed to this community, endearing herself to many of us. Hopefully she has derived some benefit and comfort for herself as well.

Please discuss these issues with your daughter. Her well-being and that of your whole family is our primary concern. It is our hope “Thine_self_untrue” will grow in health, strength and confidence.

Respectfully yours, “Rohag”