I have for the past many years often felt like I've been trapped down a deep dark pit, unable to see or feel the comforting calmness and warmth of sunlight, discern the gentle caress of a loved ones touch or become intoxicated by the gentle breeze as it touches my skin. You see...I have depression.

Depression is not a journey that takes the easy road, but it does begin with just one step. How you travel that path very much depends on the help and support you have to get you through. I am one of the lucky ones because I've had amazing help and at this point, I am still breathing, unlike quite a few friends of mine.

I used to be guilty of wallowing in the ignorant cynicism of many with no understanding of mental illness and suicide and thought that one of my friends was "selfish" when he desperately took his own life, but I now know how hard it is to get out of that headspace. Suicide and suicidal thoughts can remain a recurring theme in many people suffering this disease.

I don't profess to be an expert on mental illness and I am still crawling along the cobbled path with bloodied nails, but with this blog I hope to share some of my experiences in the hope that I can let fellow sufferers know that the journey into hell doesn't have to be for eternity!  

I have kept a journal for the past several years and over time I will share some of those entries with you. These days I focus on self-care as a priority and try to manage my illness the best way I can, that is, one day at a time.

I'd love you to keep checking in from time to time so we can crawl that cobbled path together because no-one should ever have to do it alone.