I am a survivor of mental illness.  For most of my life I have struggled with Chronic Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder.  I have also gotten to “enjoy” PTSD, an Eating Disorder and Adjustment Disorder. A Traumatic Brain Injury at 22 amplified all of that.

For many years I was in denial, for many years I hid.  No more.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer from a mental health condition but many don’t accept it or seek help because of the stigma, I was one of them.

I no longer deny this part of me, I can’t say that I embrace it but by not hiding it I am able to apply the coping tools to strive for a happy life.

Mental Health Resources

If you are in need of immediate help, please call 911.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Crisis Text Line can be accessed by texting BRAVE to 741-741.

National Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America (MHA)
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
• International Bipolar Foundation (IBF)
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)
• The Jed Foundation
• Campaign to Change Direction
• MentalHealth.gov
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• The Stability Network
• Addiction Center
• Homeless Shelter Directory via Tuck.com