Hi Justme,

I too am new to this forum and though my situation is different from yours I've suffered from depression from a very young age, going through high and low periods and therapy helped me a lot when I was going through a very rough spot.

My advice to you is to listen to your therapist, because, although what you need to talk about is going to hurt, and likely open old wounds, opening those wounds and talking about them, seeing them in a different light and being ABLE to talk to someone about them who WILL NOT JUDGE YOU makes all the difference.

It is a long, slow process and it takes time, so if it doesn't help straight away, don't give up, just keep at it and with time you'll see an improvement. Take time out for yourself, even if its just a long soak in the bath when the kids are in bed with scented candles and relax, or read a book. Something, anything that you used to enjoy doing for yourself and know you can enjoy doing again.

I wish you luck on your journey and know that you are a strong woman despite what you may think or feel. But you don't need to be strong with your therapist, you can let everything out without fear of shame or reprisal, or worry.

I too avoided the TALK, for some time, I think most of us that go through therapy do! but got there eventually. I still suffer from depression, but for the most part have it under control now, and my therapist helped me to do that.

But most of all, know that you are not alone!

Calypso