I am so excited to start Sassy's New Private Words even though I am sad that my old blog Sassy's Private Words can't be found. I guess they get deactivated if you're absent too long. My main concern is how to load photos from my new PC Notebook; that'll be my challenge to figure out, but in the meantime how great it is to be back writing again. :-)

So if you're familiar with me from JLand it has been dually noted that I struggle with Bipolar Depression and am a fierce advocate for the de-stigmatization of so called Mental Illness in general. It's been a very long haul for me since I am now pushing 60 and was diagnosed with clinical depression at 20. Noteworthy is that I was not diagnosed as Bipolar until I saw a specialist in PA about 5 years ago. My manic states are only hypo manic (meaning they are mild in comparison to full blown mania), but my lows are abysmal and seemingly never ending. I am medication resistant so I have little relief or balance for the low times. In order to demystify my automatic shame, I must confess that when I am depressed every time it is so bad that I wish I were dead and see no real purpose for living. This is opposite to how I feel when I am well. Just about two months ago I was so bad off I felt certain that I should join Sylvia Plath and just end my life.  So how do I get well again? It is by sheer determination in spirit and my faith in Jesus Christ!