As you may have noticed, I have not been logging on to Second Life at all for the past week. This is because whilst I have suffered from bouts of depression in the past and have recovered from them fairly quickly, this year I struggled with it for about a week before acknowledging I needed to step away and care for my mental health. That is what I have been doing, keeping distracted, finding out what makes me smile and love and feel joy — recovering, in a word.
Mental health is often an overlooked subject in virtual life; and, in a world where mental involvement is intense and sustained, as relevant and important as physical health. My experiences these past two weeks have led me to conclude that I need help, and I encourage everybody who feels overwhelmed, sad, despaired, or like the world would be better without you in it to pause and reflect. Find it in yourselves to realise that, yes, whilst things can indeed look dark, dire, ugly, hopeless and with no solution in sight, putting oneself out of the picture permanently is not the solution. Rather, that comes by acknowledging that there is a problem; talking about it with others; realise that that particular problem can not be solved by your being permanently out of the picture and, finally, seeking the necessary help to address its causes.
Finally, consider the following: Regardless how desperate you feel, or how you perceive how others will react to your predicament, please remember that all of us are family, and, as such, we are behind you all the way, starting with Kitten and Per. They have been invaluable to me with their support and words, and I owe them a debt of gratitude for supporting me through this particularly severe bout.
Apart from Kitten and Per, there is one person whom I wish to thank particularly for their precious insight. That person is Vixen, whose experience in dealing with her own darkness were instrumental in substantially shortening the duration of this bout — and its severity.
Last but not least, I have to thank Syleen, whose care, support and concern also guided me through this dark night of the soul.