It really has been interesting timing. I came out of a really long depression almost a year and a half ago. It took a long time because it was really the first serious depression I had ever been in, so I didn't recognize it. I kept thinking all my tools of metaphysics and spirituality and positive thinking and meditation would pull me out, but they never did, and I felt so hopeless. It started with my last pregnancy, and minus a short break, it lasted for several years. Just recently I've been feeling like it has been returning. In fact maybe it's been returning for a few months. It's definitely been an informative experience, and I have definitely gained enormous compassion for others who have dealt with it far longer. Now that I know where it goes, I can look back and see that I probably had it before, but it just never got as bad as it did at that point. A year ago christmas, I was in a pretty bad way. My writing does really help a lot. In fact talking openly about where I'm at helps more than anything. Whatever brought it on, I am definitely grateful for my fire. There's no doubt that our challenges always come with gifts. And you're not at all speaking out of turn. I know some people can't or don't want to talk about their depression, and whatever people need to do to take care of themselves is what they need to do. However, those of us who can talk about it really need to do so, and it's certainly good to hear of the gifts coming out of it. And lots of love to you too.