Hello MAMIL! I'm new here too. I read your post with interest as I too have found exercise, meditation and above all TALKING really useful. I have recently opened up to my employer and my partner, family and friends much more after suffering in silence with people wondering what's wrong with me for a long time. The upshot is, my family and partner now have much more understanding and have helped and supported me to work out how I can help myself to feel better, as well as encouraging me to get support through counselling and listening to how these sessions have gone. This helps them to understand how my patterns of thinking get me down more and they can even help me nip it in the bud!
My employer has also been really supportive, much to my surprise and I have come to the conclusion openness and honesty are the best policy, especially about an illness that's as rife as the common cold and shouldn't be a taboo subject anymore. With support, I have managed to remain in employment and achieve success in my work as well as bein encouraged to talk openly if I'm struggling. As a result, I feel more valued and have not been made to feel any different from any other staff.
Anyway, enough about me, hope you are well and good luck with your fitness regime!
