Friday, July 16, 2010

When a stranger comes to stay

I'd just like to take a moment to explain why I've had to put Ranting Stan well on truly on the back burner for the time being, but, before I do, a big thank you for your messages of support.

Mrs Stan has had what is known as "a breakdown". It's not the first time that my lovely wife has gone through such a distressing period - indeed, she was quite honest and open about her mental health problems when I first met her. However, the last time she went through this was in 2001 and there were very clear causes for her breakdown - which I do not want to dwell on. On this occasion, though, it has come utterly out of the blue and there is no single thing which I can put my finger on and identify as the cause.

It's also the first time this has happened since the kids were old enough to appreciate what was happening and it has been extremely distressing and unsettling for them in particular. It's hard enough for me to cope with my wife becoming a virtual stranger to me as happens when Mrs Stan goes into one of these dark periods, but for the kids it is far far worse. Worse still is that we have no idea how long this will last or how to help Mrs Stan through this - all we can do is give her all our love and support while she comes to terms with whatever inner demons are troubling her - in 2001 it took 9 months to a year before Mrs Stan began to emerge from the cloud which enveloped her.

Obviously this means that I have a lot on my plate to deal with right now so I can not spend what little spare time I have attending to a blog - I have a demanding job and my wife and kids need me more than ever so I have to devote as much time as I can to their needs. I can't say when or even if I will come back to blogging, but it is my sincere hope that I can and do.

However, as others have said, family comes first.

Thank you to all the readers and commenters over the last few years. I hope to be back sometime - I just don't know when.

16 comments:

JuliaM said...

Sorry to hear this. And you're right, family always takes priority. Hope everything goes well, and your audience will be here when you are ready to take up the keyboard again.

Take care (of yourself too!).

The English Physician said...

You have my deepest sympathy, in this most difficult and distressing misfortune.

Anonymous said...

Mental health problems are really the most cruel of afflictions; I have suffered from bouts of clinical depression for more than a quarter of a century, so I know what I'm talking about.

God speed your recovery, Mrs Stan - my thoughts and prayers are with you both at this distressing time.

Junius said...

We'll be here, when all is well with you and yours.

D-Rex said...

Stan

Sorry to hear about this. Best wishes to you and your family. I hope you all come through this soon.

Caedmon's Cat said...

I'm so sorry to read about your wife's health problem; I know exactly what it's like, since my wife has also suffered from clinical depression, which was diagnosed about 12 years ago. Although she's been doing well of late, the problem is still lurking nearby.
My best wishes to you all.

Unknown said...

+Best wishes to you and your family. In difficult times I always remind myself that the sky is darkest before the dawn.

rightofcentre said...

Hope Mrs Stan gets well sooon. Chin up old chap!

Pavlov's Cat said...

No worries mate.

Look after the Mrs and the kids.

and also importantly, yourself, sometimes it's the one person that gets forgotten in these times (I know)

We'll be here when you get back.

William Gruff said...

Get well soon Mrs Stan.

bernard said...

Stan -

Tell Mrs Stan that her "black dog" episodes are very common, especially these days, so she is in good company, so to speak.
My younger brother occasionally gets bouts of clinical depression and has to take Prozac.

Kind thoughts to you all.

North Northwester said...

Good luck and God bless you, Stan.
Be strong and be aware that this battle can be won, and often is.
I know.

TheFatBigot said...

My dear Mr Stan I have only just realised that I haven't yet added my thoughts although I intended to do so days ago, my apologies.

I'm deeply saddened to hear of Mrs Stan's difficulties and wish a speedy end to the episode. My very best wishes to you and all your family.

hedgehog said...

I know these things take take a very long time, Stan, and please don't take this as any kind of goad to get you back into blogging.

I just wanted you to know that you and in particular your good lady are not forgotten; you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

God speed Mrs S's recovery.

Indyanhat said...

Best of mate!!

David Vance said...

Best Wishes to you and your wife