[theave]

This is my first US Thanksgiving and it has put me in a reflective mood. This time last year I was in a deep depression, and by January agreed to go into hospital. It has been a long road back. In hospital I started with very little things - a good friend gave me some lovely shower gel which was incredibly luxurious and I focussed on at least recognising the good feeling it gave, if not quite enjoying it. We were faced with a life-changing decision as a family and it seemed impossible at first. But now we are almost 4 months into living in Colorado and I can see that I am starting to appreciate things more. We live somewhere very beautiful and I love the fact that I can always feel connected to nature in some way every day. And it's sunny - how cool is that, especially to someone brought up in Scotland where there's not that much sun even in the summer and the days in winter are very short - doesn't get light till almost 9am and is dark again around 3.30 / 4pm!

So yes, things that seemed insurmountable - both the depression and the move - have started to shift. Still feel I have a long way to go but at least I feel I'm on the right path at last. And I am truly thankful for many experiences I have had over the last year - even the bad ones - as I think it has brought my OH and me much closer and stronger to face the future.

I would never have guessed this was part of my path through life but I am almost embarrassed to say how lucky I feel being here. I hope this doesn't upset anyone who is having a tough time at Thanksgiving - I do understand and was there a year ago and I was never able to believe people who said things would get better for me - but it really can change.

Thank you, theave. Your post is a testament that courage, hard work and perseverance can make a difference in overcoming the plague that is called depression. May you continue to make progress towards the life you envision.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by theave

I am starting to appreciate things more.

This is a wonderful development. Thank you for sharing your new feelings.

[lonegael]

thanks so much. It was wonderful to read your posting on this cold, wet morning! Hugs and welcome back, so to speak!

[theave]

Thank you all so much and best wishes to everyone on their own journey through depression.

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((((( theave )))))))))))))))))