I hope you won’t mind me writing but I have really enjoyed your posts and have missed you popping into my inbox. I hope you are coping with your mental health struggles. This is a very difficult time of year generally. My husband and I both struggle with SAD but I cannot imagine how tough things must be coping with Bipolar.
Please know that many of us in your gardening community are thinking about you and wishing you well - if this helps in any way …
Spring isn’t far away and being able to get into the garden is a godsend for all of us.
I'm sorry you've been caught by depression - and grateful you shared your experience. Thanks for your honesty. The world needs more of that. Please continue taking care. <3
No apology needed, and I’m sorry to hear how you’ve been. I’m sure it will pass eventually, and I’m glad to hear you can take care of yourself and allow others to support you in the meantime. The garden will continue until you’re ready for it
I’m sorry you are unwell . You say you stopped the charges in October but I still seem to be paying. I don’t know if this is the correct route to sort this out and don’t want to cause you additional stress but I’m sure you will want to address this and I couldn’t find the way to send a direct message.
Hi Wenda. Yes I stopped payments through Substack. If you subscribed with the Apple payment, the subscription may still be occurring via your Apple Subscriptions. I will look into this further. From my end, all payments stopped. Sorry for the inconvenience
So sorry to hear this Elliott. I hope you get well again soon. The ‘black dog’ is a cunning and powerful adversary (although I hasten to add that dogs [and cats] are generally a brilliant tonic when we’re down!) Best wishes, Paul.
No apology needed, ever. Your writing, whenever it arrives, is so valuable and also honest. I just love reading it when it's in my inbox, no matter how sporadically. Over here in London the hedgehogs are mostly sleeping but Hellebores are flowering, and we will hear from you again when you feel strong enough.
So sorry to hear this. You are not alone! I also struggle at this time of year, but depression just touches the edges for me - it's a damp grey mist rather than a deep black cloud. I lose the joy in autumn, it just goes away. I go through the motions of normal life but I feel like I'm swimming through treacle, and sometimes it's such an effort to appear cheerful. But for me, gardening does help if I can force myself out there. I spent the day dividing perennials yesterday and came in feeling so much better. The good thing about this time of year is that you CAN leave the garden to its own devices if you need to. It will just do its own thing and be there for when you can face it again. Sending positive thoughts over the internet! x
I think everyone understands how hard it has been, and appreciates that you’ve been able to write this post. Take time for yourself - we’ll be here when you get back
I was concerned when your writing ceased and thought you may be experiencing a rough time. So glad you have reached out and that you are engaged in a schedule/activities that promote your mental health. Sending positive thoughts and kind words to you from across the pond here in Canada. Be well and do continue to care for yourself. 🙏
Hi Elliott
I hope you won’t mind me writing but I have really enjoyed your posts and have missed you popping into my inbox. I hope you are coping with your mental health struggles. This is a very difficult time of year generally. My husband and I both struggle with SAD but I cannot imagine how tough things must be coping with Bipolar.
Please know that many of us in your gardening community are thinking about you and wishing you well - if this helps in any way …
Spring isn’t far away and being able to get into the garden is a godsend for all of us.
Absolutely no need to respond.
Hoping you find your way back to us soon.
Kind regards.
Thank you for this lovely message x
No apology needed you do what you have to do to help yourself and come out the others side,
you’ll know when your ready🙏💜
I'm sorry you've been caught by depression - and grateful you shared your experience. Thanks for your honesty. The world needs more of that. Please continue taking care. <3
No apology needed, and I’m sorry to hear how you’ve been. I’m sure it will pass eventually, and I’m glad to hear you can take care of yourself and allow others to support you in the meantime. The garden will continue until you’re ready for it
I’m sorry you are unwell . You say you stopped the charges in October but I still seem to be paying. I don’t know if this is the correct route to sort this out and don’t want to cause you additional stress but I’m sure you will want to address this and I couldn’t find the way to send a direct message.
Just had a closer look and there was one payment on 30th June 2025 which has been cancelled. I will contact Substack support.
Hi Wenda. Yes I stopped payments through Substack. If you subscribed with the Apple payment, the subscription may still be occurring via your Apple Subscriptions. I will look into this further. From my end, all payments stopped. Sorry for the inconvenience
I wish you a safe and gentle return from the dark place and cloudy mind xx
So sorry to hear this Elliott. I hope you get well again soon. The ‘black dog’ is a cunning and powerful adversary (although I hasten to add that dogs [and cats] are generally a brilliant tonic when we’re down!) Best wishes, Paul.
No apology needed, ever. Your writing, whenever it arrives, is so valuable and also honest. I just love reading it when it's in my inbox, no matter how sporadically. Over here in London the hedgehogs are mostly sleeping but Hellebores are flowering, and we will hear from you again when you feel strong enough.
So sorry to hear this. You are not alone! I also struggle at this time of year, but depression just touches the edges for me - it's a damp grey mist rather than a deep black cloud. I lose the joy in autumn, it just goes away. I go through the motions of normal life but I feel like I'm swimming through treacle, and sometimes it's such an effort to appear cheerful. But for me, gardening does help if I can force myself out there. I spent the day dividing perennials yesterday and came in feeling so much better. The good thing about this time of year is that you CAN leave the garden to its own devices if you need to. It will just do its own thing and be there for when you can face it again. Sending positive thoughts over the internet! x
I think everyone understands how hard it has been, and appreciates that you’ve been able to write this post. Take time for yourself - we’ll be here when you get back
I’ve been there, and know how difficult depression can be.
Stay strong.
Spring is just around the corner. Both in the garden, and in the mind. 🌱🌷
So sorry to hear this. No need to apologise or to force yourself to do stuff when under a cloud like that. I do hope the cloud lifts soon.
Take your time. Xx
I was concerned when your writing ceased and thought you may be experiencing a rough time. So glad you have reached out and that you are engaged in a schedule/activities that promote your mental health. Sending positive thoughts and kind words to you from across the pond here in Canada. Be well and do continue to care for yourself. 🙏
Sending light and love your way.
You are loved and absolutely no apology is needed. Focus on you.