The Blister Sisters

We are Family........... I got all my sisters with me!!

Our brothers call us the *sad blisters*, a spoof on Cinderella's *bad sisters*. There are four of us, three of them (brothers). We were all together this weekend, as our oldest sister was visiting from Newfoundland. It's so nice to come from a loving family where we enjoy each others company. That's kudo's to our mother and father who instilled in us, the values of being kind and good people.

My father died when I was only fourteen, he was 49. My younger brother and sister were ten and six, respectively. My two older sisters are more than a decade older than me and even that much more than the youngest ones. They were already out of the house and doing their thing when Daddy died.

Mom went into a depression at that time because not only did her husband die but her father and mother died during that same year. Depression can potentially be a genetic gene passed on apparently, her father had it also. If this is the case, the only one to inherit this wonderful gene in our family was lucky moi.

Note: The exact causes of depression are not known. Both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

The gene -- called 5-HTT (the serotonin transporter gene) -- may be one of several genes that affect susceptibility to depression. Serotonin, a brain chemical messenger, has been implicated in depression. When levels get too low, you get depressed.

My two older sisters and I went out shopping and to lunch today, it was wonderful. They are both like mother hens, god love them. I was fine but apprehensive during the day because I had a doctor's appointment at 4:00 p.m. I was not looking forward to it, it was my second appointment with my lady psychiatrist.

My first appointment with her two weeks ago was three hours long. I talked about things that I have never discussed with anyone, I felt physically drained when I left her office. Later in the week to follow, I had disturbing dreams about people that I haven't thought about in years.

I really wasn't up for that today. Turns out we really just talked about medication because I had some issues with it. I also mentioned to her about my dreams and she said, oh, didn't I tell you that would probably occur. No, I said.

She then explained, that talking about things that I have surpressed, would have that effect on me. I really like her, she's mid fifties, Indian descent, from England and very smart. She's also warm and kind, I can give her a hug when I leave. I'm also very lucky to have her, she doesn't take any new patients' and took me on as a favor to my GP. Hence my saturday appointment.

I have been floundering along on my own for the past three years with medication and no one to guide me, such as it is in this city because it's so hard to get an appointment with a specialist.

As apprehensive as I may be, I am so very excited that this woman may be able to help me to be happy again.

She even gives homework but I haven't reached that stage yet.


PS I didn't intend to get into all this when I started writing today, it just worked itself in.
Sneaky son of a bee's wax! :)