The real reasons I have been MIA

Steffi,

You may be down, but by no means out!!!  Sending you hugs and good wishes, because the light you see is only the beginning of a brand new day, one that will allow you to feel hope for better times ahead. . .

I've experienced clinical depression and it's a funny thing how depression can be masked with so many things because in our society it is taboo to talk about how we really feel and so it feeds the denial of something bigger going on, not to mention that food, drugs, booze, gambling, shopping to excess are all ways to cover a bigger problem.  Many people who find recovery from various addictions are found to suffer from bipolar, manic depressive and clinical depression.  The main thing is you are now doing something that in the long run will bring back the Steffi everyone knows, only better than ever!!!

Thanks for your courage to come forth and share what you've been experiencing and letting others love you until you really are up to the task, but knowing you, I have a feeling you'll be loving you more than ever soon!

Hugs, Laureen

Steffi -
I don't have any words of wisdom that everyone else hasn't already expresed.
Simply put - you are incredibly brave. And incredibly strong. And I wish I could out my arms around you right now and give you a real hug, not a virtual hug.

(((hugs)))

We'll all be here holding you up while you work through this. And when you come out on the other side, we'll still be there, right beside you.

Love ya woman,
Cherish

Am glad to see you reaching out.  We have all been missing you too.  Thank you for also sharing the reality check that we all need to listen to.  You are loved, you know that you always have an ear, a hug or kick available from me depending on what you need.   Am hoping that the new meds plus a UTI free Steffi that is reaching out are the right combo to get you back to where you want to be.

Much love,

Maura

OKAY- SHOCK- here I am!  First time in like a year and a half maybe (?!)
But I had to check in with you :).
I am proud of you for picking up the pieces and getting yourself the help you need.  Love you and always here for you.   Feel better soon and know that you have lots of support around you.

Hi Kathleen!!

Glad to see you posting!! See Steffi, everybody is coming out to support you however you need! You have many people who care!!

Love and hugs, Beth

 Steffi... I've been sitting on this all day.. I really don't know what exactly to say to you that hasn't already been said.  I love you and hope you are able to get through this.   You have all of us here to support you.  I am so sorry that you have had such a rough summer.  

My mom and sister suffer(ed) with major depressions and I never realized just how bad it could get until I went through a minor depression myself.  I can't imagine what you must be going through.  

I am always here for you, anytime of the day or night.  I don't live 5 minutes away, but I will come to you as soon as I can if you need me. 

Stick around.. we are here for you. 

Steffi,
So glad to see you back, really missed you.  Sending prayers and lots of love your way. 
(((Hugs))), Ena

Excellent advise - thank you !!! I always appreciated your support during my pre-surgery freak-outs - thank you for that too.  --Carolyn

Sorry to hear you're going through a rough time Steffi.

Depression is very real and potentially devestating, and the only way to deal with it is to treat it head on with the right medication.

Once you're on the right meidcine, it's up to you to want to get out of bed everyday, take care of things you need to, and take care of yourself.

I have every faith that you can and will do that, but like everyone else has mentioned, we're here for you in the interim.