Let’s Talk About Mental Health - logo Let’s Talk About Mental Health - handheld logo Eye

Previous
story
I started struggling with depression and bipolar disorder when I was 16. I kept silent and found temporary relief through drugs and alcohol. My ex-boyfriend would steal valium and oxycodone from his mom’s parents, and we’d take it regularly while drinking. Unfortunately, regular use of these drugs only compounded my existing issues, and I quickly became caught in a cycle of dependence. Over time, I started experimenting with other drugs as well: ketamine, meth, even heroin. I almost overdosed one evening; thankfully, my ex-boyfriend found me and brought me to the hospital. Those five years of my life are mostly a blur now, and I rarely talk about them.

“The things that have saved my life are my new boyfriend, my cat named George, and finally finding my calling in life as an event planner here in Brooklyn.”

It took five years to fully recover, and I relapsed several times during those years. The things that have saved my life are my new boyfriend, my cat named George, and finally finding my calling in life as an event planner here in Brooklyn. I’ve been clean for five years now and was able to address the root of the problems in therapy. It hasn’t been an easy path here, but I have found peace, and I'm very happy now. It will never be all rainbows and roses, I still experience some highs and lows, but doesn't everyone?