Thanks. I don't mind advise at all. Especially from someone who has been through it. My Dad is very well aware of my depression problems over the course of my life but not aware of anything I am currently dealing with. He has a much tougher process to go through than me.

For me relapse with drugs and alcohol is very preventable and I have and use the resources available. Namely AA.

Depression is another matter. It has always been very cyclical without any situations that trigger it. Seasonal biological. Now a situation is causing me some difficulties.

I do get away every night in my car by myself. That is my "me" time. I find any excuse or no excuse to get in my car and go for an hour. This has worked for me for years. Plus I have meetings and I play cards with the boys once a week which is an escape. I have friends. What worries me is if the depression were to get real bad for an extended period. I am the only sibling that is in the same town as my parents and I need to be there for them.

I can hide it and go through the motions if it isn't very severe. I am sure that given this a situational thing there are things I can do to prevent it. Processing the emotions in the biggest. It has hit me in stages which is normal. I don't want hitting those walls to trigger a bad one.