A Book in the Making

This blog is the most difficult to write. I have struggled for most of my life with chronic depression, but have only began discussing it with any openness in the last two years. I now work for a company that works to be proactive in caring for people with mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Through that job, I have found the upside of my struggles: using my experiences to help other people.

I am certified in several mental health programs. As this blog is not specifically related to my job, I will not post many details, but welcome questions you may have via email. If you know someone in East Tennessee who needs and wants help, I am often able to assist at no charge (or I can recommend other resources if not). I also lead support groups and conduct trainings to various groups including churches and schools.

The big change that came with this job for me was feeling hope for the first time in a long time. For years, I heard that I should "just snap out of it" or "decide to be happy". If only it were that easy. Suddenly I was hearing that things could change, and I had help creating a plan to make that change happen. I finally opened up to close friends and family, and taught them how to be a part of helping me. I had been afraid to ask for help because I didn't want to be a burden. What I learned was that bringing them in made me more accountable for my actions, made strong relationships stronger, and provided them with some relief in finally understanding and knowing how to resond.

While I still have rough days, my overall attitude is of choosing my destiny rather than being a victim to it. In coming posts, I hope to have the courage to share some of the struggles I've had along the way. I share my stories because I want to show other people that anything can be overcome. Through my work, I meet so many people who are so trapped in the rage and hurts of the past that they don't see the good of today. It is my ambition to help open their eyes to the potential of tomorrow.

I hope to someday write a book, tentatively titled Why Am I Not More F@*#'d Up?...You Can Repair Your Wounds Too. May this blog be the start of that.