1963. My first diagnosis came when I was ten years old. Divorcing parents pitted me against one another which led me into feeble attempts of pulling out my hair, running safety pins under my skin and suicide. I was something called “manic depressive”. My father told me I’d outgrow it.
Fast forward to 2003. After continuing bouts of life long depression & wild mood swings a friend at work told me to get help. I did. My 2nd diagnosis was Bipolar II with depression. Long story short, I became a Peer Support Specialist and began my WRAP plan. I returned to work with the peace of mind I needed to go on with my life because I knew how to identify my triggers.
Fast forward 12/2014. I now work at an Indiana State psychiatric hospital teaching patients cooking skills. I also work with our Peer Support WRAP team once a month helping patients work on their own WRAP plans.
WRAP and Recovery Books is the division of AHP’s Human Potential Press that publishes books and materials about WRAP, wellness, and recovery.
