Very very good post Barty and I am glad you posted it here where others in a similar position to Stagger can read it and perhaps get something from it too, and those who have never suffered can perhaps understand a little better. Thank you. I have been at the mercy of the 'black dog' in the past and some days the only thing that got me through was to force myself to focus on that little tiny weeny voice somewhere at the back of my mind telling me, it won't always be like this, just get through today.

I have also watched my other half go through very dark times. He handled things very differently than me, he did all the things Barty says not to do, like let himself think that feeling crap meant he was crap and feeling a failure. Depression closes your mind sometimes, even when you want to follow all this good advice, it is easier said than done. He still came through it though, and you will too Stagger. His black dog still lingers on the doorstep at times, and tries to weedle it's way in and I am sure there will be times it gets away with it and other times it will not. I hope today is a better day. x