PATIENCE PAYS OFF! The last time I shared my story, I talked about some of my childhood experiences, my illness, where I lived, and the things I like. I still like my peace signs for they represent the peace, love and happiness I seek all my days of my life. And with depression this is [...]
Ironically, I was to end up in a group home in the late winter/early spring of 2012 when previously, I had been a staff person at the age of 23, in a home for the mildly developmentally disabled as a student and reporter in Kalamazoo. It was at this age, while on duty, that I [...]
I was born and raised in Chicago until I moved to Traverse City in 1985, right after high school. On November 27, 1985, I lost my father in a car accident. That’s when the depression started. I noticed the depression getting to me in 1996 when I lived in Antrim County. In June 1997 I [...]
I am 25 years old. I live in Kingsley, Michigan, in an AFC home. When I was born I had two parents that abused me all the time and were always drunk. I was taken away from my parents and put into a foster home in Sault Ste. Marie when I was two years old. [...]
The Inner Storm Winds of change swirling at neck break speed Levees containing my only hope bursting at their seam Waters of well intentioned help drowning me The wells containing energy becoming sucked dry I need help and I need it now, and for help I cry Tornadoes flaring up churning fear It sure seems [...]
It took a friend’s mental illness to grab my attention. The effects were traumatic for me to watch him go through this experience. Until that moment I wasn’t serious with my own health. I had to get past any denial I held. Now I realize what an emotional taffy-pulling contest my family goes through with [...]
Inspire Others: Share Your Recovery Story Each one of us has a story—stories of hope, fear, humor, struggle, and triumph—Stories of recovery. Put a new “face” on recovery when you share your personal journey towards wellness. Be a part of the 2011 Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Facing Us Video Contest in a way [...]
Am I In Recovery? I dove into life off the starting block, gliding through the water. It washes smoothly across my skin. With a strong flutter kick, I break the surface of the water. My arms reach out and push the water, steadily moving forward, propelling myself into life. The flip turns of each lap [...]
I’m your typical girl who went a couple of years to college, got married, put the husband through his college, and had two wonderful boys. I had the added privilege of being able to home school my boys K-12. Three years ago, my ex-husband divorced me after 25 years. At that time I had a [...]
October 12, 2010 – 1:41 am
Marty Raaymakers, who was the keynote speaker at our 3rd Annual NLCMH Recovery Celebration, spoke a lot that day about the supportive people in our lives. She shared information about her personal journey through life, how she has struggled to find friends, and how she has used “People Maps” to help her focus on growing [...]
