all great comments.

I had no expectations and no real reason to post here. The letter I wrote meant lot to me, so selfish is as selfish does...

It's been sent already, so *shrugs*

Hi there I am very moved by what you wrote in your letter, your words are very emotional.. I know what it feels like to be so down and not have anybody to talk to so I can understand what would inspire you to "lay on the baggage" in your letter to that PP.

You seem like a very talented writer, do you enjoy writing often and expressing yourself through words?
I ask this because I think writing is very therapeutic for those who suffer from extreme depression.
Maybe try keeping a diary, even if you keep it saved on your computer. Keep this diary to write anything you want, nothing is too silly or too angry and depressed for the diary, write what you did that day and how it made you feel. Try not be tempted to read what you have written previously.. Start every day with a new emotion of that day.

I know things are tough for you at the moment but the main objective is to keep you alive, if only for your children's sake. If you left them think how selfish that would be and how your children would suffer. I'm sure you want the best for your children, even if you may feel like you cannot give them what they deserve at this time.

If you ever need to talk to anybody anonymously, I will be here... my e-mail is paranoidiieal AT hotmail DOT com

Hi Parklane

From my experience every one who responded top your post did so out off concern not to attack you . There is nothing wrong with writing a letter that means a lot to you I have sent letters thet meant a lot to a Pal who is incarcerated . I was very proud of how she has handled a big let down as well when she accomplished a hard to reach goal in prison .

You cant bring that one back my best advice is to see if this man replies to you and then take it from there you might want to ask some one hear from advice . I was incarcerated and might be able to give you some ideas .

It sounds like you might have very severe depression there is nothing wrong with that . I hope you can find some help for it . Depression can be treated or at least you can get some relief from it .

Best of luck and I hope you get relief from what ever demons that you battle .

__________________
If the storm doesn't kill me
the government will

REM

Good points ASE. No one meant to attack you. I never got that impression. We do however, want you to be safe and seek out the proper channels for what could help battle your depression at this time. The letter has already been sent and its fine, it wont hurt anyone. You never know how people will react to things anyway and he very well might respond so no worries.

__________________
"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."

Just one thing, depression isn't "fine" and "dandy" it's a very serious mental illness that effects people's judgments.

Is there anything on the front page of what is appropriate to send in a first contact letter?

Found it
WriteAPrisoner.com - Tips For Writing Prison Pen Pals

Maybe there should be a sticky thread somewhere on the forum (if there isn't one already) explaining clearly what is all kosher to send in a first letter. Just a suggestion.

It’s not a sticky, but an actual link located on the site as you just placed. I think the suggestions outlined there are a great help. However, I didn’t utilize them. I just used that email system for my first. Basically my gender, age and that was it. I’m not a very "wordy" person but as the letters started to pick up and flow a little more easily, I was less nervous about revealing some details about my personal life. Everyone is different in that respect. There are no hard and fast rules governing any of this.

__________________
"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."

See, I am completely the opposite. I'm an intense person (guess you've gathered that already) so I'm constantly having to think about what is appropriate and too personal when letter writing. I'm strong, so I'm not worried about anybody tampering with my emotions but I restrain myself because I don't want to bring down my PP with my personal issues.

Myself (like everybody here) is genuinely worried for Parklane, it doesn't sound like she's in the most happiest of fairylands at the moment and I'd hate for a prisoner to take advantage of her situation.
It sound's like she's sensible and headstrong but some people can be very cunning and it's easy for them to get inside people's heads.

All the best Parklane!

Well, getting back on topic here as it relates to Parklane....

I hope you do consider seeking help for your depression. It doesn’t always have to involve meds and prescriptions if you have concerns about that. For some, counseling alone can be a very effective treatment but if you do require the additional medical help, it’s available.

__________________
"Thats it then, they will go on double, secret, probation..."