There are lots of us I suspect Theland, I'm sorry you're struggling at the moment but you're definitely not alone. Yes, I live with 'a gorilla' too, haha I love that, but like Lottie, as I get older I recognise the signs & mostly I can just about stay afloat.
Health & (as at present) circumstances have a huge influence on just how low I go but I'm the classic 'wear a mask' type too. People think I'm the daft one who's always making jokes & it's true, I can see something funny in almost everything but it's a coping strategy a lot of the time.
I'm delighted to see I must be intelligent Lottie, maybe you can convince my friends & family!
oh maybe I should get a cat? I do have a little dog who's very affectionate though & if I want to spend the day lolling under a fluffy blanket he's all in favour of sharing it with me, bless him
Wishing you well Theland x