Hi CMF,
Well absolutely.
The black dog at the coffee shop taught you something which sometimes humans find difficult.
Don't be afraid of it, as it will dominate your life if you are. You must face up to it in order to overcome it, not necessarily to defeat it, for when mastered, blackdog can become a good friend, even a desirable attribute when properly controlled and trained, - as indeed any dog is.
Fear is an essential human emotion, it keeps us safe, but when it becomes prolonged and uncontrolled it will destroy us.
Make blackdog your friend. It can become that, but only if you really want it to be that way, and you do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
I found acceptance and humour (laughter) the most successful of tools , but it took a long time to realise it. SO NEVER LOOSE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR, it is so important.
That coffee shop is important to you, but seek out other places as well, otherwise the coffee shop alone may become boring and it won't be great every day. That would be unrealistic to expect that - staff changes, staff stresses etc., they all happen with varying degrees of effect.
Be happy also in the knowledge that you others to stand up for - they and that is important also, as I am sure you will realise.
It is a fact that the human being always serves others better than they do themselves - but you must not forget to look after yourself also - be kind to yourself, and reward yourself at each positive step on the road to recovery.
A coffee, and a good laugh, can sometimes be all that's required. Sometimes just a little bit more - maybe just a bit of support and appreciation from your children if they are old enough, - that sort of thing - they all work wonders. Look after them and in all probability in time they will look after you likewise. That's better than pills, I reckon, though pills may possibly assist sometimes.
Good luck .
Sea-n-sky.
