16 Years and Still Going

When I was 14 years old I was first diagnosed with depression. I had been self harming for some time but took it to the next step. I did not cut my wrist but my legs instead. Between both my legs I had close to 700-800 cuts. I was hospitalized and I learned some great coping skills at that time. My high school years went pretty well and fast. After I graduated I met someone who I thought was the one person I would spend the rest of my life with. I was wrong. Almost 4 years of a abusive relationship I had enough. I had my daughter at that time and I was hospitalized when I was 20 again due to being broken down so much. At that time I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety, and bipolar. I also found out that I was pregnant with my son. After I was discharged I continued to try to work on me. Things were going good for a few years. I would have my ups and downs and manic episodes but they were controlled for the most part. On my 29 birthday I was hospitalized again. I just let to much pile up and I had another break down. I was treated for my diagnosis that I have already have and also diagnosed with PTSD. This was only a year ago. I am working day by day on myself and learning how to deal and cope with things. Life is a struggle and so is dealing with everything. This present day I am a CPS (certified peer specialist) and I also work in a mental health hospital. I want to show others that it is possible to make it through their mental health. I am proof of that. I have been working on my mental health for 16 years and I am still here and still going strong. You need to pick yourself up when you fall, dust yourself off and keep on moving.