Oh, this really reaches me today. I’ve been mired in depression since June. I alternately bite, weep upon, and withdraw from those I love. And I try, try, try to remain open and vulnerable despite my pain and their confusion. Also, self-care: take the meds, get enough sleep (but not too much), exercise, proper diet, no alcohol, the litany of things you’re supposed to do and not do. I do and do not do them. I think of Churchill’s black dog, of Solomon’s Noonday Demon. I get up every day, enter the ring and do another round with them. Elle, thank you for your courage in sharing this, and in getting up every day to care for your sweet boy and live your life which is, despite what your brain tells you, beautiful.