Hi everybody!

I know what you are going to say.  I have not been present here for a couple of weeks.  This is a new thing for me.  Since I began with Health Central in August of 2008 I have been here.  It is a rare thing for me to be away from this site and you.  I miss you all very much.

Not sure why I chose this title...it just came to me.  In all things whether it is a relationship or a job there will always be times of sickness and health.  It is a funny thing with me that I may get one element of health going well such as my mental health but then a physical illness will intrude.  And as you all probably know so well...when you have both physical illness and depression it can be extremely difficult to say the least.  Add to this caretaking and job duties and something has to give.

Right now I am battling some unknown illness or condition.  I am hoping it is just my silly gallbladder but unfortunately my doctors are unsure so I am having to undergo a bunch of different tests which are not done yet.  I have lost a bunch of weight very quickly because it is painful to eat anything.  Some of my family members are also having health issues at the same time.  As they say, when it rains it pours.  Needless to say  I am in survival mode at the moment. 

So I am here now to tell you why I am not here right now.  :>)

Enough about me.  I want to convey how important you are.  I care very much about you and this community.  Please keep sharing your stories and your support with one another.  There are some extremely compassionate and wonderful folks here including members, writers, leaders, and producers.  Keep reaching out.  There are many people here who want to help.

For all those who come to this site and you feel that you are at the end of your rope....please hang on.  Your value and worth in this world cannot be measured.  And as a survivor of some of the deepest darkest depressions I can tell you that it is worth it to keep going.  It is possible to feel well again.  It is possible to feel joy in living.  But it takes time.  Depression is a temporary veil covering all the good things so that you cannot see or feel them.  Depression whispers lies in your ear that aren't true about your self worth.  Don't listen.  Don't let depression rob you of all that is good.  Don't let it take away your future. 

I believe that each and every one of us is here for a reason.  Sometimes we may lose sight of this reason and we lose our way.  When we shut out the inner voices telling us that we are no good we find refuge and comfort in the silence.  If we remain still for long enough we may even feel that life force which is in all of us.  It is the strength, resilience, and resolve to believe that our life matters in ways that we may not yet understand.