Hello Everyone,

It's been about year or so since I've been here. While my depression never really went away, I was managing it and things were ok. This forum seemed to help put me in that position, so I'm back to try and pull myself back together. I guess I never should have left and perhaps I wouldn't find myself back in this deep hole, and been able to better cope with the things that have put me back here.
Fall and winter has always been a tough time for me, but this time has hit me especially hard. 2 of my family members and a friend have passed away, and I am not myself at work. I'm a teacher and it has been so tough trying to do my job, each day is a challenge to get up and go to work. Today I failed that challenge and called in this morning. It's been about the 5th time I've taken off this year. I usually don't take 5 days off in a couple of school years. I'm afraid that I'll not be able to climb out of the hole this year and will not be able to continue as a teacher. This scares me to death. I'm still 7 or 8 years away from retirement. I am seeking encouragement, advice, prayers and maybe even just someone else who suffers as I do to hear me. Heck, I'll even take a few million bucks if someone wants to help a brother out. But seriously, thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope we all can get better and be happy.