Hey Ltlredvett:
It sounds like you have made a TON of progress since you first started on the board. It takes a strong man to acknowledge his weaknesses. It sounds as though you have found a super therapist and I have a lot of confidence that you are going to be A-OK.

I can relate to your comments on the escape part of it, too. When my boyfriend was in his lowest periods (which he is not right now), I was absolutely addicted to a couple of depression forums. It felt like I was doing SOMETHING during a time when it felt impossible to accomplish anything. It was very frustrating and stressful to see him lay in bed crying day after day, and there didn't seem to be any way to help him. So I turned to these forums. My therapist actually told me to stay off them, but they were an outlet that helped me in a way that nothing could. It's hard when you can't really discuss a situation like this with your friends or family, but since it's on your mind 24 hours/day, for some of us, it's critical to talk to SOMEONE who understands (better yet that it's free!)

Thanks for the update, LTLREDVETT