Let's End The Stigma Together!

You know, the whole time I was growing up the only thing about mental illness I knew, was that my mother was in and out of mental health wards in the hospital or temporarily confined to institutions and father was a functioning alcoholic. It was just our way of life. I say functioning because he never missed work, we had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on the table. I'd see the "normal families" on our block and dream what it would be like to have normal parents, a normal life like my friends. It was not to go that way. I had a lot of shame deep inside myself. Also guilt that I felt that way about my young life. I loved my parents dearly and they did the best they could with what they had to work with. The both only had 8th grade educations, but way back then, that was not all that uncommon.

I truly believe now that I was destined to write, talk, educate and help others along this same path that I was put on. I believe God has a purpose and reason for all of us. Some find that purpose very young, others like me, find it as they get much, much older. Either way, it is a journey.

I wrote this small book to let others know you are not alone in your struggle. There is a way through it all, trust me. It may not seem like there is, but I am proof that you can overcome the obstacles caused by mental illness, to become productive, happy and successful.