Madness returns, you're so right about keeping a certain distance from unhealthy family members. One thing I've learned while recovering is that there are soooo many people struggling with mental disorders-namely depression-but are not, nor will they ever be, ready to accept it & work on it. I think there's a sense of insecurity when it comes to people who aren't working on their issues to see someone who has the strength to actually do so.

Hey water knob, they say hindsight is 20/20. Looking back on things, I probably should've held off on telling my family about it because they have judged me. However, I feel like someone has to break the cycle especially in terms of shame. My mother is still in denial that depression can be crippling, even after she's watched me go through episodes barely eating, not sufficiently taking care of myself, making irrational decisions, etc. people are really blind to the fact that this is an every day battle & though I expected my family to understand, apart of me knew this would be the outcome.