Jen
Jen
Seeking help saved my life
Jen’s experience is a testament to the importance of getting help for mental health issues—and to the power of trusting oneself and telling the truth.
I was first diagnosed with depression in my 20s, when I was newly married to my college sweetheart, a great guy, and I fell in love (unrequited) with a woman.
I found a therapist, spilled the whole story, and then proceeded to sit on her couch in almost absolute silence for many sessions.
Her colleagues told her to cut me loose, but thankfully, she saw something in me and waited me out. I’m grateful to her.
She helped me navigate my conflicted feelings over a journey that took years.
Diagnosed with anxiety and depression, Jen kept up with therapy for many years, but when she “bottomed out” in her late 40s, she knew she needed a higher level of care. She took part in an outpatient CBT program that required her to miss six weeks of work.
I was ashamed, and I was convinced that I would have nothing in common with the other patients, but it was wonderful. I was out there.
People noticed my absence, people learned that I struggle, and people offered support.
There was much about the world of emotion that I had never learned, and the program demystified some of my thoughts and reactions in an amazing and supportive environment.
You just don’t know what you don’t know.
Now remarried, Jen is the mother of two college-aged children. She loves running, writing and reading, hiking, skiing, and kayaking.
She works as a teacher, and she is open about her mental health struggles, hoping to serve as a role model for her students and others who may be reluctant to confront mental health issues.
People will understand eventually. As they grow, your desire to be healthy will make more sense to them. You may become their role model.
And if they don’t understand, well, that’s their issue and certainly not worth staying sick or dying for.
