(((((((((((((((((kindness))))))))))))))))))))

I don't know how long I've been depressed. Probably most of my life, now that I think about it, but thinking about how horrible I've felt only makes me sad, so I try not to fixate on an exact point when it set in.

What I can tell you is that I've been depressed probably half my life, at least, and it does get better. Goodness knows it takes time and energy and a lot of false starts, but it happens. I promise it happens. It happened for me, and it can happen for you. It doesn't seem like it now, does it? I never believed I was going to get better -- I felt like I was just going through the motions to appease my doctor and counsellor and family, but then one day ... I don't know. Something clicked. And now I'm recovering from my depression. It's been hard -- it still is, in fact -- but I've realized that I do not have to live in the dark forever. Once in a while, I can take a peek into the light, and it's the most beautiful light I've ever seen.

It will happen. Have faith that it will, and if you can't, then I will have faith for you while you fight this thing. Lots of hugs.