Whenever I've had rescue animals, they have been older animals needing new homes. Last spring was the first time our rescue animal was just a baby. She was a 7-week old kitten who was so tiny that she slept inside our shirts. We named her Lily. In her first week at home, one of us [...]
This past Shabbos I was reminded of how far I think we have to go in how we treat a large percentage of the population. A relative’s kid had come down with a case of cancer and the whole family was in disarray and going through a ton of anguish. The sympathy I felt, and [...]
When I was a little girl, I watched my older brother struggle with alcoholism. It broke my heart to see him go from a thriving, smart, hard-working basketball player with tons of natural talent, to a racist loner who would rather spend time with a bottle than family or friends. He's ten years older than [...]
Come gather 'round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown And accept it that soon You'll be drenched to the bone If your time to you Is worth savin' Then you better start swimmin' Or you'll sink like a stone For the times they are a-changin'. - Bob Dylan [...]
One year ago today, I shuffled out of the psych ward. They said I was ready to face the world again, and that my suicidal thoughts were under control. I wasn’t so sure. I knew the demons that I still faced every morning, and every night, and every moment in between. But, I was apparently [...]
Recovery is Non-Linear Recovery is non-linear. Anyone who says that getting better is a straight line - I want their secret. I want to be stable, but what does that mean? It means sometimes being unstable, wobbly, broken in particular ways. We shatter and come together. We hurt and we heal. We scream, cry or [...]
One thing I wish I had as someone who is very new to the recovery process is a letter from someone else navigating the ups and downs of recovery. So this is for them. And for me. And for you. Dear brave, scared, beautiful you, The you that has just begun the recovery journey as [...]
A year ago, I didn’t think I’d be here. I didn’t think I’d be alive, but I'm thankful I am. I wouldn't have been able to share my story, wouldn't have been able to let other people know they aren't alone. Six months ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder, ADHD, acute PTSD, and [...]
Today I read, "growth is painful. change is painful. but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong." I don't feel stuck these days. I feel like I am learning to fly. As I am learning to fly, I wanted to use a butterfly metaphor ... but then I decided that moths [...]
My name is Thea, and I’ve been living with schizoaffective depressive type for a long time. It’s been maybe fifteen years since I started going to the psychiatric hospital. I’ve identified a few triggers that contribute to increased symptoms of schizophrenia. I try to live a life that’s simple and that doesn’t contribute to symptoms. [...]
