Hi -- I come from an emotionally dysfunctional family, and it has left me with scars that are difficult to heal, hopes for loving support that never is there, and tears over the horrible relationship I have with my only brother that had me in tears Friday and much of Saturday. Depression doesn't exist for my family: I am a "drama queen" who needs to "knock it off" etc. My mother told me she doesn't believe I really have lupus. She's in her 80s, I forgive her. But how invalidating is that?

I hope you find a family "of choice" among church friends, al-anon, or other places (like these forums) where we can find the souls who will love, comfort and help us through our lives.