Terra's Recovery Story...

Sobriety Date: June 1st, 2012 Recovery from depression and mental health challenges, 2017

Recovery is an amazing journey! I always knew I had a problem dealing with life, I had anxiety and bouts of major depression, that I later learned was caused by a chemical imbalance that made life a lot harder than it had to be....

What I didn't know is that I had a drinking problem. Drinking made me feel "normal." For 30 years--from ages 15 to 45, drinking gradually became my number one focus. I was the proverbial "party girl", until I woke up one day and realized, I was no longer a "girl" and the party was over.

Through watching people close to me get sober and seeing their transformation as they worked the steps, I knew about Alcoholics Anonymous--I wanted what they had. When I had a moment of clarity, that's where I went--I didn't even try to stop drinking on my own.

I was on a pink cloud for quite a while--new friends, and a design for living! I heard in the rooms, that if you're taking medication, you're not really sober, so I went off the meds. It wasn't long before I was in crisis and had to seek outside help. It did help, but I still wasn't coping well. Then I was in an accident that triggered fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so badly, I couldn't work.

I struggled for a few years in. desperation to the point of thinking suicide might be the best option. I felt like I was such a burden. This was my bottom--in sobriety. I held on to AA for dear life and continued to work my program with a wonderful sponsor. My Higher Power put people in my life that introduced me to "mental health recovery"-I didn't know there was such a thing. I thought I would just be miserable for the rest of my life.

I survived! And now I am thriving in recovery. Now it is my mission and purpose to help others see that recovery is possible for them too!

If you are struggling with cooccurring  mental health challenges, please contact me for resources information.  I also offer individual Empowered Recovery Coaching.