Hello ladies,

Let me first say, I make this post with a very heavy heart.

Until this week, I have been keeping in touch with Mandi privately, and trying to help her, so I felt it was inappropriate for me to make any public statements about her regarding her personal issues. I have been unable to get in touch with her since her last post though, and I don't know of anyone else who has spoken with her, so I can no longer in good conscience remain cryptic and publicly silent.

As most have probably already figured out (and I may have alluded to a few times), Mandi is ill and needs help. She has been off her medication for several months now, and has deteriorated, eventually resulting in her latest episode. I have had other people in my own life who've had this same illness, and I know that as long as she remains 'out there,' by herself, with only her own thoughts, she won't get better, and may very well even get worse.

If and when she does return to this sub, I won't be banning or shunning her or anything like that, but I want to ask all of our members to please not encourage her. She needs to get somewhere safe, where her issues can be addressed. By all means, offer support if you wish, but please don't encourage her mind frame.

I also want to ask the harassers who stalk her, us, and our sub, to please not instigate and harass her. This has hardly been helpful thus far, and she is in a very fragile place at the moment (more so than the last few months). I seriously doubt any of you will listen, so I will be banning anyone who instigates or harasses her if/when she returns.

Finally, I want to make one statement to Mandi. I would prefer to make it privately, but I've been unable to get in contact with her so I have no other choice.

Mandi,

We've known each other for some time now, and you know I genuinely care about you a great deal. I realize you may not think that after this post, but it is only out of my genuine concern for you and your safety. I'd much rather you hate/be mad at me and be alive and well. You have many friends in this community, and we all care for you and want to see you get better. And return to your intelligent, witty, fiery self.

Please, please get help from someone. If you don't feel comfortable going to your family, at least go to a women's shelter. They can help you. Life doesn't have to be like this, you can and will get better. This isn't your fault, it's an illness like any other, and like any other you need medication to treat it and live a healthy life (which you've done before, and can do again).

We, and I specifically, will not abandon you. We will all remain here for you and support you through all the steps you need to take in order to become healthy again.

Even if this makes you mad, please take my advice. I hope you know I'd never steer you wrong.