The autumn just before the depression began, I was taking an evening course in tai chi. It was something I'd been wanting to learn for years and was loving it. I have always enjoyed meditation and energy techniques.

Then the depression started. The tai chi classes gradually became a chore, something I had to do because I wanted to learn. I was incapable of getting enjoyment out of it. When I tried to practise at home I found that it was a chore as well. The sense of peace and calm I used to get was gone. My body just didn't want to do it and my brain wasn't cooperating either.

I believe these techniques can be very healing, but when you are dealing with depression or anxiety or anything like that, they can make it very hard to get anything out of it. Do you know what it is like to feel this way Richard? Most people I talk to can't understand how I can say these things, unless they have been through this experience themselves.

I am waiting until I feel better so that I can attend a tai chi group that meets locally once a week. I've been there several times with the intention of re-learning and getting that enjoyment again, but it just doesn't work. I live in hope.