If you've been reading me for any length of time -- particularly the last few weeks -- you'll know 1) that I'm depressed, 2) that I take anti-depressants and 3) that my new psychiatrist doubled my dose of anti-depressants when I saw her at the beginning of the month.

I didn't really expect much, but I did feel much better right away. I frankly thought it was a fluke or that it would be temporary or that I was still on sort of an adrenaline high from having finally talked to a professional about some things.

But what I've been going through lately really affirms that I am feeling much better most of the time (and wish I would have talked to someone sooner!).

I'm able to handle personal stress easier. For example, we got our taxes back today and it was not at all what we expected. A month ago I would have broken down and been nearly incapacitated for several days, if not a week. I mean, I would have been able to function and I would have been able to go to work and I would have gone through the motions, but I would have been a wreck.

Within an hour of leaving my CPA's office I was able to remind myself to put things in perspective: we have good jobs that pay well, our children are healthy, we have a fabulous house in a wonderful neighborhood, we have a lovingly family close by. Sure, I was a little out of it for most of the day, but for the most part I felt OK. Not wonderful, but OK. And it amazed me to know I felt so "good" after such a kick in the stomach!

I've also noticed that I'm being more patient with the kids. I'm not yelling as much. The Mr. tells me all too often that I yell too much at the kids and I'm trying really hard to stop that. I have my moments, but I can really tell a difference in how quickly I get to the boiling point.

I'm seeing a difference in my blood sugar, too. Now, part of that is because I have moved my infusion sites exclusively to my love handles and am giving my abdomen a big time break. I know the new basal rates and insulin:carb ratio help, too. But I'm positive that having my moods on a more even keel affects my blood sugar management.

I'm anxious to see Dr. L again next week to tell her how I've progressed. Also anxious to tell her that basically everyone on my biological father's side and my mother's side have some sort of depression. (Maybe if I had known that sooner I would have sought help sooner.)