After really examining my thought process due to comments from people around me (including Anthony's response to one of my posts), I forced myself to be honest with some important people in my life about what's been happening to me.

Before the story of my DUI arrest hit the newspaper I sent out a heartfelt email memo to members of my department explaining why I had kept it a secret from them (without the PTSD or depression angle included). The positive supportive response was overwhelming. I spoke individually with a number of people that I'm closer with since the story became public, and I was painfully honest with them about the depth of my problems. No shock to the normal mind, I suppose, but they were universally supportive and understanding.

It's a small victory, but an important one. Fighting the negative thought process, and the certainty that the worst will always come from everything I reveal, is an important battle for me right now. Just wanted to share this small victory.