Two years ago this fall I fell into severe depression, followed by several cycles of depression and hypomania. I have been working with a pdoc for two years to find the right med cocktail.

I am certainly much better than I was, but I am sure I still have a ways to go. Recently my spouse and I made the decision to move so that he can be the main financial provider now. What a relief!

I will be moving next month to join my partner so I went up to visit and see old friends and find a place to live.

It feels like a new beginning....... leaving the four walls I have hated since being sick, the community that has housed me during illness, the doctors offices, the people who "know about me"

Whilst visiting, I was just "Blue Poppy". I wasn't that person with the illness. I didn't feel that heavy weight of oppression on my shoulders, the one that has been holding me back for six years. I know I really have to watch my stress levels, put plans in place to adjust slowly to my new environment, take my meds and continue with follow-up care, but for the first time in a long time I heard myself say inside my head "maybe things are going to be alright".