I feel for you Alan - It might be worth finding some one independent just to listen, I told it works wonders.

I can tell from your Facebook posts that things are much better than 3 years ago mate. Going through a stressful down time myself at the moment so know some days seem against you. Thankfully, there is family and good days that get you through and familiarity like this site. There are plenty of people around with supportive advice or just there for a chat so things should never get too bad.

Glad your post is more positive mate.

Good news and as you rightly say it isn't easy to open up and ask for help. There is help out there and never be embarassed to ask for it as you are not alone. Todays society is peppered with all sorts of personal problems and most of us suffer in some way and deal with it differently. Some are strong and hide it well, some not so. This is where you need good friends and a strong family, it also helps to talk openly, that in itself is a big step forward. You'll be fine as along as you acknowledge it.

Group hug! :group:

Great to hear that you are doing better and are generally a lot happier.

I would advise though that you dont just 'live with it' but do not try to get to the root of the problem that causes the dark days. They will keep coming back until you are able to manage to confront them.

I managed it myself without talking to others*, but am now happy to admit and talk to people about what I went through if asked. Depression effects us and those around us differently, and is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about any longer - society is finally accepting mental heath issues affect a very high % of people and we are not all "nuts" as a result :)

*Stupidly or stubbornly I decided that as I got myself into the mess I was in I would get myself out. But until I realised I had a problem I was making some seriously bad calls, and I lost some good friends as a result of my behaviour which I probably would not have done had I seeked help sooner