“There is HOPE through sharing our stories.”

What kind of stigma did you experience/observe?

I fought this condition for years. Being raised in a dysfunctional abusive alcoholic home life as a youth there was never a thought of suicide, although depression was lingering. I married, and had 3 amazing sons. I then learned what postpartum depression was and how low thyroid affects the brain chemicals. My sister had attempted suicide in her teen years, a family member killed himself, another family member drank alcohol herself to death, and then our oldest son had a class member die by suicide.

I have learned that I need to take depression seriously and not be afraid to share what I experience with it. I am in AA of 17 years clean and sober in July, 2017.

It has been a long journey yet worth every moment of growth and learning about how to reach out and share with others the hope of happiness in spite of the disease of mental illness. There is HOPE through sharing our stories.

How did you overcome this experience?

I started by sharing with a professional counselor who was amazing at explaining how the brain works and the chemicals get off balance or maybe we are born with not enough. It was the most awesome moment when I ‘got” it that did not make me a “bad” person. I am so grateful to her this day even.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Know that you are not alone! Join us!