I've struggled with anxiety & depression most of my adult life. Until recently, openly talking about mental health was taboo...even among family and close friends.. I felt so alone during most of my journey while fighting to find ways to heal.  I took medicine, went to therapy, and attended workshops. I read articles & books and had real dialogue with people who were willing to have (or at least tolerant of) meaningful conversations. I've pretty much tried it all. I wish I'd know "then" what I know now.  I wish someone had given me a list of must tries.  So in spite of the personal emotional risk, I've taken a leap of faith. I'm sharing my own experiences in hopes I might make the path easier for someone else.

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Over the years I began to catalogue the various "tricks and tools" I'd tried so I could remember what worked, when and how.  My personal toolkit also contains a list of "don't dos" including advice for family and friends on what not to say. I have much of it memorized now, but still refer to it frequently when the storm surge rages and the waves are just too high. This illness...these diseases are torturous I know, but I also believe they are manageable...maybe not every day, but some days. My hope is that you can find a few ideas and insights that can help you manage...help you heal.