What a struggle and I'm sorry you are amidst it. I'm also saddened that your mental healthcare team seems to be failing you.

This time of year is usually very depressing for me. Reminders of my old life trigger it and spring summer are full of them.

I had a really down week last month which only got worse the next. I actually feared I would again fall into the hole that usually leads to hospitalization every year or two.

But, I challenged it and I have been increasingly feeling better. Physical activity has helped but the biggest thing in my feeling better was when I took a look at what my summer was going to look like.

Until I pulled out my calendar and started filling in all the commitments and plans already made I was feeling pretty glib. Much of what fills it is humdrum but I actually have things to do. I filled in some blanks - like "coffee with son" - Until I now have a calendar with at least one thing to do each week until labour day. The goals are simple (and measurable) and most cost me little or no money.

Does this sound like something you could do. I believe it would uplift your spirits.