I feel my problems started when I was quite young, at 8 or 9 years of age. I felt pushed out of the way, the black sheep of the family. I was the one who always got the hand me-downs and was always told that I could never do things good enough. I felt low and carried it with me ever since then. I went through life with little to no self-esteem and I still feel this way today.

My low self-esteem would keep me on the quiet side, not wanting to speak out, thinking my comments would not matter because someone else’s comment would sound better. This would also keep me from attending any social events, through school and beyond my school years.

I went through a very rough marriage and divorce. This time in my life was extremely difficult. I raised two children on my own, not knowing where the next meal would come from. I attempted suicide several times, overdosing with sleeping pills, etc. Enough is enough – I hit rock bottom.

I knew that I was not strong enough mind-wise to handle life on my own so I elected to seek help through the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. I need the help and reassurance of my group sessions, one-on-one sessions and psychiatrist appointments. I have since remarried and I now have good support from my husband and children. My children and husband were strengths that I drew on to help me to seek help.

I lost my father 19 years ago due to a heart attack and recently lost my mother and brother-in-law, both to cancer. I will never fully overcome from these losses, but with the support of my psychiatrist, therapist/counselors I feel that I am now on the correct path to helping me with my problems. I am coping better and living a happier life.