Dear Stephen:

I have read a whole lot from people having had a troubled, painful childhood, I had one. Thing is I never read a person stating a downsized home was a source of pain. It is always one’s relationships that cause that pain.

I think that our most important resource for well-being, by far, is our relationships. And it doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy with your family, wife, children. If you are honest with them, if you contain your distress enough so to not overwhelm them with it, if you consider their well-being when you speak to them respectfully and empathetically, that goes a long way toward their well being and yours.

A child does not carry “a very expensive dream home” with him or her as they enter adulthood and proceed through adulthood. A child takes with him or her the relationships in the home.

If you would like to share more about the nature of your depression, please do. I would like to read about it and reply to you further.

anita