I grew up in an incredibly turbulent home. Truthfully, I never got to truly be a child. By the time I turned 20, I’d already had a decade worth of mental health treatment. I had spent several important years with debilitating anxiety and agoraphobia. My treatment team at the time told me they felt it was incredibly unlikely I’d ever be able to maintain gainful employment or be self-sufficient, but I refused to allow anyone to write my story for me. I dedicated myself to looking inwards, identifying my triggers, and discovering how to be well & create my own path forward. It has never been easy, but I have proven myself more than capable of self-sufficiency. In the 10 years since then, I’ve built a successful career, become a homeowner, and have continued my education. I continue to demonstrate determination and resiliency. My growth has never been linear, there have been plenty of obstacles and learning experiences along the way, but I am in charge of my journey. Only I can determine my future, and I refuse to be reduced to a statistic.
– Randi V.
– jv
– Bigbear1963
– KMP
Diagnosed 1973. I cope with meditation, faith group. Peer to peer, exercise and working in the Arts Arena. I help myself cope knowing when my lane is too congested and knowing when and how to move out. A red light goes off in my brain as a warning and it hasn’t failed me yet. Staying connected to CSPNJ.
– Zorobrain
I realize that friendship is not a one way street. The friendship of persons at work and church will last a lifetime. Never think of self when you can always help others
– William J. Bill Butler
– Viviana De Los Angeles