I’ve been a sufferer all my adult life really though for most of it I was in denial. I finally broke down and acknowledged my depression and anxiety 15 years ago, luckily at a time when psychodynamic psychotherapy was available on the NHS, which allowed me to address some underlying childhood issues, made me realise I’d been carrying fear and anger for all my life. Since I had 7 years of therapy I’ve been much better, currently my position neatly summed up by bigblackshed. My breakdown let me know who my true friends were and their support has allowed me to be open and honest, and this has been a key factor for me in keeping my head above water