Hi all I am baaack...

I have been suffering from depression for some years now and last year I was also diagnosed with social anxiety, anxiety due to low self esteem, social phobia, agrophibia and OCD. I have been a inpatient in The Cairns Clinic which is a reasonably new facility in Cairns that caters to patients with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, addictions, cronic pain and other mental illnesses. I have had two stints in the clinic, one in December for 3 weeks and another 3 weeks in March. I am so much better now, my family and friends tell me I even look better.

I am so glad to be back and am looking forward to scrapping my pants off.

Hey! Trisha......so glad you are back. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful creations in the gallery again.

Welcome back Trisha! Just in time for the April challenges

Hey Thrisha, welcome back

What a huge milestone for you to be able to talk to us about this - good for you girl - I cant wait to see you next

Welcome back Trisha ! What a terrible time you've had ... I'm so happy that you're feeling much better.

Welcome back Trisha!! Can't wait to see some more of your gorgeous work back in the gallery

You sooooo know you are loved here!!!
Glad you are feeling much better
hugs!

Hi Trisha, glad you are feeling better! enjoy getting back into the scrapping!!

hugs my little sister - see you soon!

Thank you for kind thoughts and encouragement, for twenty something years I have not spoken about it but now I am out of that depressing closet! Yah! And now I can actually see a light at the end of the tunnel.
So if anyone else is suffering, get some help it is so amazing to feel alive again.

See you soon Helen, only 3 more sleeps until I will see you. I am soo excited.

Hi Trisha! I'm a recovering-fellow-sufferer too and have struggled with depression since my teens. (I'm now in my mid forties) In 1999 I crashed again after the birth of my son and was re-admitted to hospital with severe PND. My marriage collasped in 2009 and some days I still feel totally overwhelmed by everything. Other days, I see a ray of sunlight that leds me to believe I'm conquering it (the depression)

I look forward to getting to know you better and glad you've had the courage to "come out of the closest"..I've often felt ashamed about myself not coping better.

I love your quote BTW ..

total big hugs to you both!! I think you show great strength!

Welcome back Trisha.

And ditto Mandy.

Welcome back Trisha.

Julia I can recommend a couple of great books that explain the process of depression and what to do about it. If you prefer you can p.m. me for further discussion.

Thank you everyone.