Author's note:

Dear patient readers! A long time ago I promised you an M-rated epilogue for this fiction. And so you shall have it ;)

Because of rumours of M-rated fics being deleted without any warning I don't wish to change this fic's rating. Instead I am posting the epilogue as a separate fic. Also, if any of my fics do get deleted I will re-post them on AO3.

The epilogue is an optional read; "Confessions of a Perfectionist" is complete without it. So if you're not into explicit fics – just skip it.

However, if you are – then please read or re-read "Confessions of a Perfectionist" before diving into the epilogue. I don't think it will make much sense as a stand-alone.

If you felt this story hit close to home - read this:

You're not the only one to feel that way.

I have been overwhelmed by the great response to "Confessions of a Perfectionist". Several readers have taken time to comment or PM me to share their own, similar stories about stress and depression.

So no, you are not alone or even uncommon, if you feel and think or have felt and thought the way Maura does. And yes, I did draw on real life experience when writing this fiction. Most of my close family members have been depressed. Some of by best friends. And I can tell you not only Maura's breakdown, but also her healing are realistic (perhaps aside from the hooking up with someone as hot as Jane...). It does get better. If you think it never will – that's just the depression talking! Don't believe it!

Instead try to talk to other people about it. Your friends, your family. Your family physician, your school counsellor. In most countries there are free of charge telephone hotlines you can use as well.

Whichever you choose; there is nothing, nothing weak about it. Quite the contrary – seeking help is taking charge of your life. It takes balls! And it really pays off.