I have been dealing with depression and PTSD for most of my life. This life long struggle has taught me many lessons! I tried to manage my mental health with alcohol, food, sex but nothing worked (for long). My ability to cope without something outside of my self was non-existent in my early life. Once I stopped and was willing to try something new, my journey of wellness began. This has included therapy, self-discovery, peers, 12 step groups and having an open mind and willingness to be the best I can be. I have built a toolbox of coping strategies over the years. Not everything worked for me. I had to try a variety of things to figure out how to live well with my mental illness. My depression is not my enemy any more. I continue to learn how to let it be just one facet of how my life flows and use my tools to deal with it. I have learned to pay attention when I am triggered (PTSD) from the trauma I experienced. I have learned to stop, listen and then make a plan.