I am 28 years old and was first diagnosed with depression and generalised anxiety disorder at 16. I have come to accept that depressive episodes will probably be an ongoing part of my life, and as I am a health professional, accept that there is a perfectly sound neurobiological basis for this. Lately though I have felt very lonely and despondent. I usually love my job, and even this has become difficult and frustrating. I have been off work with a physical ailment and the time alone has not helped at all. I hope to return to work refreshed and ready to go, but I'm not optimistic about this.

I usually see a therapist but have not gone for some time as she only works one day a week, and I am usually working. I hope to make an appointment with her sometime soon, as I clearly need to! My main issue at present (apart from the work thing) is that I have been single for a long time. When I am well I am happy and grateful for my friends and family. At the moment I feel completely alone and adrift, and I'm scared that I'll never meet anyone again. I look back over the last twelve years and I've had several depressive episodes, even while receiving pharmacological treatment. I'm beginning to feel helpless and very distressed about this. I guess I'm wondering whether others feel that this journey is never ending, and what people have done to get themselves out of feeling that way? Any help or guidance would be wonderful. I know rationally that depression is very common, but right now I feel as if I'm on a desert island.