I am depressed.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression more than 20 years ago. However, last year I hit a breaking point and had to step away from my career. I’ve now spent 16 months trying to come back to some sense of “normal”.

I have not been successful.

Late this week, as I suffocated under another deep cycle of depression, I recalled a therapist’s suggestion to reach out and find a social community to help.

As an introvert, social connection has never been easy for me. Many of my friends and even family have drifted away over the past year and a half.

Some don’t understand what I am going through and shy away from their own confusion. Some, unfortunately, still don’t see mental illness as anything “real” and have given up on me.

I went through a long counselling program and grew quite close to many of the people – not only did we hear each others’ struggles, but we all shared a sense of going through “this problem” together – but now the program is over, and we have all gradually drifted apart.

This piece, and the many more to come, are my way of reaching out to see if there’s another group of people who share my illness and want to share a sense of community and support.

Feel free to discuss anything with me or just stay silent and be strengthened by the presence of the group.