karen/daisy17, it's strange, because I lived with it for so long without knowing that I was depressed—I just thought that was how life felt! Now when I sense it creeping in, I feel in one sense more scared and panicked, because I know what it is, but in another sense more calm, because I know it can't completely take over. Anyway, thanks for standing by me. You all help me to be more brave.

erin, it sounds like you and I are SO similar. When I first moved to this town, I was so depressed that I was completely incapable of meeting people and making friends. This is VERY unusual for me. I felt like I had become a completely different person. I'm the type who usually starts chatting with other moms at the park and before you know it we've exchanged phone numbers and set up a coffee date. I'm so glad I now know what was going on, and can keep tabs on red flags like that. I definitely want to reach this place you've reached: "i don’t really feel a stigma attached to it anymore because i’ve discovered how common it is." And yes, we especially need to get there in the church.

Vicki, YES, that's weird. The stigma looms very large in that way. You described life without drugs in a way I completely relate to: They help you "avoid breaking into tears over something nonconsequential, prevent minor frustration and stress from flaring into anger." Sometimes it seems like the knobs are being adjusted ever so slightly, but that those adjustments are the difference between a good life and a miserable one. Thanks for speaking up here—it's good to "meet" you (at least I don't think we've ever met before).

Elaine, you're exactly right: "I think the Christian community has made the subject of depression even more taboo. I believe it is the perception if we have the joy of the Lord we won’t be depressed…right?" And it makes me SO mad. Now that I've stepped out on this limb, by sharing my story, it makes me want to take on this important mission full-force! Thanks for all your support along the way.

Meredith, thank you. It's so good to know people are supportive, and there are other bloggers like you who are paving the way for more honesty and openness. 

roxanne, I completely admire your ability to not just blog about this, but to put it right in the title of your blog! I feel like I've only taken baby steps, but it's all part of the bigger story and picture, right? "The secrecy fuels the stigma" indeed, and we can all work together to chip away at it, from different angles.