I would like to encourage ya'll to take a look at the medical pages on Kim's website. She talks about what it is like to live with depressive illness, diabetes and panic disorder - and I think it is very helpful to read about what it is like from someone who deals with these illnesses daily. I have panic myself - which is one symptom of my diagnosis of PTSD (post trauma stress disorder) - mine being a result of a sexual assault and abuse. I also have MDE (major depressive disorder) and have had three episodes that lasted from several months to years. Those who have not had these disorders may find it hard to understand. I am an RN and remember that during my psychiatric rotation - I simply had no real concept of what it was like to be so ill. Now I have been there - and know that it can happen to anyone and is not a weakness or personality flaw.

Also - I am sorry that it tends to be a sad fact that some doctors may want to blame everything that happens to us on our emotions - not so!!! Like, if we have had emotional illnesses - that we can't be plain old sick!!!

That said - I just want to send some encouragement and hugs to (((((Kim))))) Take care my friend and know that we are not going to let you hide in the woodwork forever and are still here even though you may feel very alone and sad... and *may* be full of self-loathing and hopelessness. I am positive that you will come back up from that darkness that seems to consume.

Kim - you are very well loved by so many people on PT. Many of us do not know the right words to say, some may seem to stay away or even criticize - but you also know that the eyes of depression skew the way you look out at the world temporarily. You are also a gentle spirited, sweet and tender person with a great deal of creative energy - which seems to hallmark many who suffer depressions. It is the kindest people who are often hurt the most easily.

OK, more big (((((HUGS)))))