Hi French Empress... I was suicidal for years, and hopefully that feeling will never, ever, ever come back. I made many attempts, mostly cries for help I think, and one time I came very, very close to ending it all. Waking up the next morning was very disappointing and embarrassing, and the days that followed were miserable. Thank God (or whoever may have helped me through that) that it didn't happen. Soon after that I was diagnosed with depression, but only recently, years later, with bipolar. Since I've been diagnosed, and I finally know what was "wrong with me" this whole time, I am determined to work through the depression. So far, so good... no suicidal thoughts for about a year now. I guess my last bout with those feelings is what finally convinced me to stop drinking and get help.

It is great to share with people who truly understand. After years and years of the most horrible feelings and thoughts, I now realize that life is definitely worth living. The good times wouldn't be so good without the bad times. Very hard to acknowledge when you're depressed. I agree, these kinds of hardships make us stronger. I guess that's why I can push through the rapid mood swings, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and the days that I just can't make it in to work.

Stay strong! We can overcome anything. We have been through the worst, and we're still here to tell our stories. That definitely counts for a lot.

RK