Mental Illness Recovery Series: Story # 68

This is the 68^th story of the Mental Illness Recovery Series. Christa had a difficult life and lived isolated from everyone, but by setting her priorities straight she has been able to start her recovery. This is her story:

Christa is from Saskatoon, SK. (Canada) and she enjoys reading and anything space related. She is fond of watching movies at the theater and hanging out at the library. Her goal is to become an astronomist, but she sees herself in university or college. Christa was diagnosed with and still has social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. She received daily medication and believes her mental disorders were caused by various events, such as childhood experiences, and how she’s been treated by everyone in her life.

Christa felt a wide range of symptoms, she said, “[I felt] Lots of nervousness and always wanted to be secluded, and away from everyone and anyone.” Not only that, but her life as well was affected. Christa said, “I never got along with anyone and it was hard to even get out of my room for school or supper. I was very explosive and aggravated and I never liked talking to anyone.” She considered suicide many times in her life, but thankfully never acted upon it, although she did self-harm. Due to this her relationships will all her family members became affected and Christa didn’t have any friends. Because of this she felt many emotions, she said, “It was satisfying because the only thing I ever wanted was to be left alone.”

Even though Christa hasn’t overcome her mental illnesses, the turning point for her to maintain control over her situation was to take medication and assist therapy. She decided to straight out her priorities and start her journey on the long road to recovery. This experience changed her outlook in life, Christa said, “It made me into a more social person, even though it’s still hard for me to be around large groups of people, and I still enjoy my favorite activities.”

This is Christa’s advice for others trying to recover:

“Always think about your priorities and know that you can always be doing something better.”

It’s great that Christa is feeling better and enjoying her favorite activities once again. Help me make a difference by sharing your story. If you or anyone you know needs a safe place to vent out and recieve advice feel free to become a member of the Mental Illness Recovery Series Group on Facebook.