Doctors prescribed numerous anti-depressant medications but none of these fixed me at that time in my life, I only felt numb and suppressed. That’s not to say that the right medication and therapy cannot work for others. It was only after I had trained as a Mental Health First-Aider at work, that I recognised many of the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in me.
I booked an appointment with a trusted colleague who had attended the same Mental Health First Aider course as me. After I opened up to her, she told me that she was no expert on trauma, so she advised me to seek professional help. I was convinced there and then that I was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Verging on yet another breakdown I forced myself to seek professional help, and my doctor confirmed what I already knew.
It had taken twenty nine years and I had self-diagnosed. I was in shock and really scared because I believed that I’d blocked out the traumas and they were dealt with.
I focused on completing my book and my motivation was to help others. For you or those you know, that might be thinking of travelling or just wanting to follow a dream please read this. If you have suffered with any Mental Health problems during your life it might help you in some way.
This book follows my life’s journey of following dreams of freedom, happiness and success. I open my heart and soul throughout my book, and I now openly accept that I have suffered from Mental Health conditions throughout most of my life. This is a true depiction of my life experiences and includes: Emotional and sexual abuse, sadness, happiness, free-spirited living, laughter, pain, emotional torture, guilt, desperation, naivety, together with harsh brutal reality.
I don’t want you to be sad or feel sorry for me, because unless I’d gone through all of this, I wouldn’t have become such a strong person. I also know that I wouldn’t be as well-equipped to help others.