My Personal Hiatus: The 'D' Word

     It's been almost a year since my last post.  After looking back and re-reading some earlier journals, I realize part of the reason for my absence. I started slipping into severe depression about two years ago.  I have always battled depression.  In fact, I cannot remember a time when I didn't have it. I was diagnosed with dysthymia in my adult years, which in simple terms is known as "double depression".  Couple that with my own anxiety and the issues with my kids, it's all I can do to get through day by day. 
      People who are afraid of mental illness have not had any or much experience with it. So people make assumptions, which are usually wrong.  People avoid because it is uncomfortable. This leaves the person struggling with mental illness feeling more alone than ever. And that is not a good sign. EVER.
      Last month, Elder Jefferey R. Holland gave a wonderful-and insightful-talk about mental illness. It is the BEST talk I have ever heard on the subject and I wanted to post it here.