Featured books

Distancing: Avoidant Personality Disorder

Disorders of Personality: DSM and Beyond, 2nd edition

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Clinical Practice

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Transforming Anxiety, Transcending Shame

A Guide to Rational Living

Party of One

The Highly Sensitive Person

The Introvert Advantage

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Name:      ashley
State:       California

Story:

I'm 17 and have had this disorder for as long as I can remember. my mother was extremely schizophrenic and abusive in every way to the extreme. when I turned 6 she kept me locked in the house most of the time which was a very bad thing for me socially. when my dad gained custody at age 11 I only got worse it seemed. at first I was a quiet sweet girl that acted like a 5 yr old, which I'm sure charmed my grandparents and dad. I became extremely reclusive and suicidal at age 14. after two years of residential treatment I was able to regain control somewhat.
the school succeeded in pushing me to socialize and express myself, otherwise it broke me down emotionally and I was released. I picked up an eating disorder and had strong anxiety around school. once again I am in home school ( I was before). every day I ache for the life I could have had if my mother was healthy. I imagine confidence, friends, family. all of that fell apart.
now I am trying to create these things for myself by using my life experience. Be confident, be caring and friendly, be firm and assertive, focus on my personal strong points, and follow through with plans. by accepting help and trying new things I believe I can create this for myself. friendship makes life fulfilling, and I look for it everywhere. especially my partner. never doubt the healing power of friendship.

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