Better Than “Normal”
By Jacqueline E.
As an adult, I never understood why I couldn’t function “normally” as I saw other people do. I couldn’t hold down a job or function in school with any consistency. I would have frequent bouts of depression and anxiety, and felt displaced from my life. I had a vague recollection of what I went through as a child, but for some reason my brain did not seem to correlate my adult issues and my childhood.
In my early 20s, after yet another abusive and dysfunctional relationship, I decided to move across the country. I had lived in Ohio my whole life. I packed up my little Ford Focus with all my possessions and the $250 I had, and drove west. I did not stop until I got to Grand Junction. I got a job as a server, and continued to barely function in my life.
“The Only Way To Do Great Work Is To Love What You Do!”
– Steve Jobs
I Can Only Imagine
By Molly Fiore
Dreams are a funny thing. They can lift you up or tear you down. Sometimes in the same moment, I find myself caught in the middle of both.
The most important things in my life seem to be the ones hardest to articulate or describe. At some point, words just seem to fail. I don’t have words for the pain I experienced during suicidal depression. And words also seem to not quite capture the freedom and gratitude in coming out of that despair. I also struggle to find words to describe my dream.
At the lowest point in my life, just when I felt like I couldn’t take one more step, I received a gift.
Affirmation Corner
I am peaceful with the details of my life.
I rejoice in my own expression of life.
I am perfect just as I am.
I move forward with confidence and ease.
I am a powerful, dynamic woman.
I recognize my own intuitive ability.
Affirmations shared from Louise Hay,
You Can Heal Your Life.
Book Recommendation
South of Forgiveness
By Thordis Elva & Tom Stranger
This book discusses trauma and sexual violence. The story doesn’t just stop at the impact of trauma and provide solidarity, Thordis Elva also talks about how she found healing and personal power through forgiveness. South of Forgiveness helped me understand myself a little bit better and allowed me to explore the possibility of forgiveness as a tool for healing in my own life.
“The Only Person You Are Destined To Become Is The Person You Decide To Be.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Recovery Resources
- Get Hooked Into Local Support with National Alliance on Mental Illness – Western Slope or email at namiwesternslope@gmail.com.
- Colorado Health Partnership has a very informative website. The website is primarily for Medicaid members, but non Medicaid individuals can access a vast amount of information including over thousands of articles on health and mental health issues.
- The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance website is a great place to start. You can spend days browsing its wellness guides, support resources like Facing Us Clubhouse, a wellness toolbox, mood management tools, and even online support groups. Yes, you can talk to other peers via their website.
- SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care (NCTIC) is a technical assistance center dedicated to building awareness of trauma-informed care and promoting the implementation of trauma-informed practices in programs and services.
- Recovery website with lots of information www.recoveryhope4all.com.
- Voices4Hope is a place for teenagers and young adults with mental health conditions to find resources and stigma busting information.
- A web site for those who hear voices www.hearingvoicesusa.org
- Free online training.
- Colorado Health Partnerships/Achieve solutions. Whether you need help finding services, a life event or want to assess your concerns, you will find this website very helpful.
