I was clinically depressed for about seven years. I would have bouts of happiness - not bouts of sadness. It all seemed to lift last July when I had a seizure, then another...and another. I was constantly sick. When I finally got all of my testing done, it was determined that Hypoglycemia was it's cause - and Hypoglycemia can cause severe depression.

I think mine started when my Grandmother died, then improper eating habits led to hypo. which led back to depression. I used to feel like I had this black cloud over my head all the time. I could never think straight, I would stutter when I was faced with a boss, or a teacher or my father. I barely got sleep at night and was always tired. Always hungry, so I gained weight, which made me embarassed, and later homebound.

My cat made all the difference in the world. He's my best friend. I would go to work and have a bad day, and Maui would be right there for me when I came home. He was my tissuebox, my radio (he always purred when I cried) and my confidante. I can tell Maui anything - and I know he'll never tell another soul. He detected my seizures (and he isn't even trained!), and can tell me when my blood sugar is low (but I can tell now - without him, but he still likes to tell me)
The move from New Smyrna to Tarpon Springs has been the best thing I've ever done. I now only have bouts of anger, or bouts of sadness. It never lasts for long. I'm perpetually happy. Maui has moved on to bigger and better things - mainly my Father. Maui is still my best friend, and he still sleeps with me on my bed - but during the day he's with my Dad. My Father's changed. He's sad, and Maui knows it. It's Dad's time to have a confidante and a best friend.

Animals were God's greatest gift to the Human World and without them I would probably still be a depressed, lonely girl with no one. It's for Maui's sake that I learned to eat properly because I am the one that takes care of him. What would happen to him if I wasn't here?
I don't know if this ties in with your post, but I had to put my input, and part of me here. I hope you don't mind. You'll all have to pardon my absences too, I'm rarely online anymore. I'm too busy out with my new friends, my sister's puppy or hanging out back with Maui and Birdeo.