I know Erik was playing with you, he was joking, no worries. I don't think he realised that I knew you were fine, though. It was not your original message, but the ones that followed that irked me a little.

I am so glad you are happy to be honest about your past. I believe the best way to get rid of the stigma is to do just this. I have had depression myself amongst other things. I have been told to keep this quiet in the past. I think, "Why keep it quiet, the way to go beyond it, surely, is to not be ashamed of it". After all this is a part of my life. Telling me to keep it quiet in the context I was told was like telling Johnny Thunderpants to stop farting.

Indeed, I find people who have had depression/anxiety etc. are actually well place in society to comment on certain issues in life.

However, I do not believe in letting people know about other people's mental health issues--if they want to keep it private, they have more than a right to do this, and I can see why they do.

All the best

Andy Pandy

it is part of me, no need to hide it
if i can help one person feel they arent alone , its worth it.