My Mental Health Nutshell

I share stories about my mental health journey so often that I worry it may be too much. Here’s the thing though: someone new could be reading this which means it’s possible that my story will resonate with someone else. I thought about it and I never ever tire of hearing someone’s story. Ever. 

Thank you for all of you that share, help someone feel understood, and maybe, just maybe give courage for others to do the same. 

In a nutshell, I’ve struggled with severe anxiety, OCD, and emetephobia since I was eleven. I’ve been on medication since I was twelve. My anxiety was so debilitating at one point that I was home bound. 

The very first therapist I saw traumatized me. He told me that I would forever be handicapped. I was crying hysterically. My beautiful, amazing mother was with me and asked him to reassure me that I wasn’t crazy. His response: “That depends on what you mean by crazy.”

I’ve been sexually abused. I’ve been diagnosed with ADD, depression, and PTSD. 

Life has been a roller coaster and I am grateful for the dips I’ve taken because it has made me the person I am today and I’m learning to love that person. 

No, I’m not where I would like to be at this stage of my life but I don’t hate myself anymore and for now, that’s more than enough. I have an incredible support system and that very much includes the Bookstagram community. 

Please know that whether your story looks like mine or is entirely different, you are never ever alone.