I’m very moved by the responses I’ve received, so thank you. I don’t want to misappropriate a term that’s important to a lot of people, but since I struggle to find an alternative, it’s like coming out of the closet in some ways. This is who I am. Many people didn’t know this about me. I’m not better or worse than anyone else because of it and while it’s an important part of who I am, it doesn’t wholly define me either. I have mental health issues. Like someone who has diabetes I can manage my depression with both medication and lifestyle adjustments. It’s a relief to just have it out on the table, so I don’t feel like I need to dance around certain topics like living at home, not having a drink, etc.
Letting people know hopefully will pull back the curtain on some misconceptions about depression, anxiety and alcoholism. Thank you all for your support and friendship.
Paul's letters... 
So glad to hear you’re on the mend. I’ll be following your journey with great interest!
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Thanks!
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Paul,
Thank you for sharing your struggle. I know very well that it’s not easy and that it is difficult to adjust to the idea that you need to take a pill every day to feel the “normal” that you used to feel. I am amazed and impressed with your courage to share this and know that your words resonate with a lot of people and will help many others.
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Thank you!
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As a fellow sufferer from mental illness, I just have to give you my congratulations and offer any support I can give (from the internet, anyway). Good luck with your recovery!
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Thank you- I’ve been reading your posts for a little while now- we have a mutual friend in Andrew Vincent (actually he’s my cousin) and he directed me to your blog. Good luck to you as well and thank you for sharing!
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