Life After Depersonalization Disorder It seems that as I’ve gotten older, I actually know less. What I do know however, is that generally I’ve been lucky to be pretty happy, from childhood to now, despite some definitive bumps in the road. Lately, I have been coming to terms with the fact that my upbringing wasn’t [...]
THE ANGUISH OF MENTAL ILLNESS by Olivya Faith, PhD It is important to finish what a person starts. This factoid of advice is the guiding principle of my deeds in this life. It is a sentence I spoke once to my son, when he finished his bachelor’s degree. It took quitting his university to marry [...]
I tend to lose a lot, and in more capacities, than you might think. For example, I have lost more swim races than I can count. I lose gloves, and as a result, the feeling in my fingertips as I venture out to replace them. I have misplaced every game of Monopoly I have ever [...]
I wanted to die. I no longer wanted to go on living. It all became to much. From the failed relationships, to constantly partying with a shady crew who did shady things. I was sucked into a lifestyle of self destruction in an effort to numb the pain I was feeling inside. I'll never forget [...]
In June 2016, my brother asked me if I would be godfather to his newborn daughter. Of course, I said yes, but there was one snag. I’d have to fly from my home near London to Dublin, where my sister in law is from for the christening. And stand up in front of a crowd [...]
Tips for Surviving Depression (From Someone Who’s Been There, Done That) When I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I was seven years old. Up until that point, my teachers had expressed concern over my lack of verbal communication in school; I rarely spoke in class or to my peers. During recess, I sat alone on [...]
I remember the day when life became too much for me. I don’t remember the events from all the days leading up to this day, nor I do recall the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back on this particular day. On this day - the day that could have easily been my last on [...]
I didn’t want to feel anymore, and I welcomed the darkness. Except. It didn’t take me under. Instead, I woke up. Literally. Figuratively. Despairingly. Thankfully. I woke up. And I’ve woken up every day since. Even when I haven’t wanted to. I guess that’s the spoiler alert to this story. A headline might read: Man [...]
A letter to my 18-year-old self Dear 18-year old Charlotte, I know times are hard and being alone and independent is scary. I believe you about the bad things that have happened to you that you don't want to tell anyone about. Please know that it is not your fault and you did not deserve [...]
I’m sorry I lost touch. I’m sorry I didn’t call, didn’t write, didn’t reach out, pushed you away, let connections fail. Sometimes I get paranoid. Worried. Anxious. Do you hold it against me? All the things I did, didn’t do, said, didn’t say, when I was sick. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest. With you, and [...]
