A Year Later

About a year ago I checked myself into the hospital for treatment of major depressive disorder.  I was in the hospital for 6 days and the out-patient program for almost 2 months. I've struggled with dysthymia and depression since my elementary school years. However in mid 2010, it got to the point I was not able to function.

I feel like I've walked through the fire and come out the other side. Even though I've technically been an adult for over 15 years, I felt like a girl or a "young adult."  Now I feel like a woman with a spine of steel and strength to take on life.

I wanted to celebrate a year of hard work getting myself back on the good path, dealing with painful issues, and learning (slowly) to love myself.  I really don't need any more material possessions.  I have just about everything I want.  I also didn't want to throw a party.  That's just too much work. I've decided to give gifts to the people who have been there for me over the past year:

Coworkers L and D:  A dinner lunch at Joe's Crab Shack on me (done)

Coworker B:  A 16 x 20 framed print of one of my photos (three horses in a field of buttercups) (done)

Former Boss B and his family: A minor league baseball game on me (done.  the evening included a corndog, ice cream, caramel popcorn, a few near misses with foul balls and dozens and dozens of crotch grabs)

Mother: A hummingbird statue for her collection

Hospital Outpatient Program: A box of art supplies so the current patients do not have to make due with crappy colored pencils

My current therapist: A hearty "Thank You" during a session (done)

My current psychiatrist: Another hearty "Thank You"

Friend A: Ultra Juice Green powder.  Well, I'll give him something else too.  I gave him the power because I couldn't hack it.  I'm on the capsules instead.

I'm glad to celebrate this way!