I have been sick most of my life with suicide pretty much always on my mind, I’m actually a bit better right now,

Here’s what worked for me and what doesn’t. As a kid I used to spend a lot of time walking in the woods alone! This can be tough on parents and spouses but it kept me from saying things that were hurtful.

Loved ones tend to be worried leaving a depressed person alone for fear of suicide. Imagine what it feels like to know you’re hurting people, sometimes one is better off alone.

Not everyone will agree with this, but if I am going kill myself no one is going to stop me; except someone who needs me!

My wife used to leave our four children with me or send at least one along. I never even considered suicide when I was taking care of them.

I retired very early, 46 and became the stay at home dad. My children and now ex-wife saved my life.

The past ten years have been horrible, I’m now 60 and living with my mother. I do not see my children but knowing that they might need me still often keeps me alive,

And lastly for me I do not like being babysat no matter how bad off I am. Criticism is not helpful but normal expectations are.

Lastly a warning; the sick me and the well me are two different people. Depressed all I want is to be left alone.

When I am well I am incredibly competent, I’ve built and sold four companies in between depressions. The switching can be very hard regardless of which me my loved ones are used to,

I want to be clear that I am not referring to normal grief and sadness, those are normal emotions.

Depression is irrational and can and often is present when things are good,

See a good therapist, my wife and I would go together, it helps.

All my best wishes to those who suffer from mental illness and to anyone caring for a loved one who is sick. If I could hug you I would!