- A woman
- A wife
- A daughter
- A sister
- A mother of two
- In my late 30's
- A suburbanite
- A child of divorce
- Previously divorced
- A sexual abuse survivor
- A physical abuse survivor
- An emotional abuse survivor
- A college drop out
- Unemployed
I could be your sister, your friend, your daughter, your co-worker. I don't have my disease written on my driver's license, my resume or my facebook page. My friendship or employment does not come with a disclaimer in small print. Unless you're my doctor, my close family or close intercircle of friends, I don't share it with you.
So why am I writing this down now? Because I know that I'm not alone. I'm one of the approximate 5.7 million adult Americans, or 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older affected every year. (Statistics found on website: Depression and Bi-polar Support Alliance) I want people to understand what it's like to suffer from this disease. I want other sufferers to know that all hope is not lost, although it occasionally feels like it.
I will not divulge in this blog my actual name. Also, any and all names that will refer to loved ones, friends, enemies, doctors, hospitals, schools or places of employment will be pseudo names so as not to reveal my identity. This serves two purposes: My privacy is important and only I hold the right to share the fact that I suffer from this disease. Purpose two is that the information may be hurtful and at times damaging to those be referred to. I don't wish any harm to come to anyone just because they have shaped my life.
I am hoping that through this blog I can sift through my past to help shape my future.
