“There is life inside of you waiting to explode.”
To Those Battling Addiction: There Is Hope No Matter How Lost In The Dark You Are
‘This is 3 years and 3 days without a drink. And those 3 extra days are the best of all.’: Mom details sobriety journey, shares words of encouragement
“These last 3 days, I forgot I stopped drinking. I forgot about the hangovers. I forgot about the mornings laced with self-hate. I forgot about the cycle of numbing out and hurting. Those were the weakest parts of my life.”
‘I may not be what you pictured an alcoholic to look like, but I am. And accepting it is the best thing that happened to me.’: Young woman shares alcohol addiction, sobriety journey
“It started to become a routine of waking up every morning after drinking and figuring out who I had to apologize to. When I would hear stories of things I did or said to my friends or significant others, I was mortified.”
‘We could barely scrounge up enough change for a McDonald’s hamburger for us and my 2 kids. ‘This isn’t who I am!’ I screamed.’: Mom overcomes mental abuse, addiction
“I went through much of life hating who I was. I strived for a picture-perfect ‘white picket fence’ life while underneath I was drowning in all my insecurities, shame, and fear.”
‘One of my students pulled me aside and asked me if I was okay. ‘You’re not yourself.’ I felt like I was floating.’: Mom shares journey with mental health, sensory overload
“I want to be a part of ending the mental health stigma. I am not afraid of crying on the internet if it helps just ONE person.”
To My Loved One Battling Addiction: I Love You Unconditionally, But I Must Love You From Afar
“Because, you see, my addiction is trying to save you. And that is why I have no choice but to walk away.”
‘How did I make those decisions?’ Like so many times before, I was so confused and broken.’: Mom with bipolar disorder shares mental health journey
“I will never forget the doctor’s words, ‘We think Brooke should be hospitalized.’ My daughter gave me the courage to be authentic and not view a diagnosis as a cloak of shame.”
‘I am finally living.’: Child abuse survivor shares tumultuous mental health journey
“My emotions do not control me or what I choose to do. I can smell roses and see color.”
To The Spouse Of An Addict: Addiction May Steal Everything From You, But You Have The Power To Take It All Back
“You always have a choice, and nothing is impossible. Addiction does not define you.”
‘Everyone said he was loyal, protective, hilarious, selfless, and humble. Not one person spoke of his addiction. That’s not who he was.’: Sister shares lessons learned after brother’s passing
“His death has taught me so much about how to live. Not just how to live, but how to love.”