I know you said you probably will not read the comments, but I wanted to state my bit anyway. To read the words that are inside my head is ... well, I can't articulate the word and feelings I'm looking for. It took me a very very long time for me to realize that it was not my fault and I shouldn't feel guilty for my depression. I've been battling depression my entire life-- my nickname from my own parents was "Eeyore" and "Gloomy Gus" because I wasn't the bright, always happy and cheerful child. Books were always my escape from my worst bouts, writing another. I write with other people because it helps me connect.

I did what you did as well. I created obligations that I couldn't let myself fail on meeting. I have a cat-- I don't want to leave him alone. I plan to go on a trip to Japan. I want to finish /your book series/ and dangit, I will finish it and make it to the end and then go on and read more. I want to get my first novel published somewhere other than the internet. There are days when it is incredibly difficult.

I want to thank you for articulating this, for opening up a piece of yourself so that others can see that what they battle is not a fight that am g they do alone, that it is okay to recognize that it is a battle and going forward, it is okay to fight with sword in hand or hide under the fort of pillows and blankets and retreat until another day. It took my friend finding me in a... rather bad position to drag me to help--- and this wasn't even a friend that was particularly friends with me at the time. She knew I needed something and she set about getting me on the path to do it.

I am glad that you haven't given up the fight yet and I hope as well that not just this year, but for many years to come, you will still be here to share your words and stories and songs.