Today I'm 8 years sober!

That's 8 years since I was admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital after my well made plan to end things was interrupted.

Having battled clinical depression since high school, and constantly self medicated since late teens (daily pouring alcohol on top of my meds), I was totally defeated and thought I had a solution to my life problem.

It wasn't until I managed to get intervention through therapy, CBT, meetings, AA did I really learn what I suffered from and came to understand that misery and chaos and a noisy head are all treatable one day at a time.

I know I can't drink in safety, and I don't miss it. Alcohol and me had some great times, but more often than not, we were chaos, messy and unhappy together.

Today, life is good. I've learned to be the best "ME".

Keep it simple. Be honest. Be kind. Do your best at all times and when you need help, ASK.

To anyone struggling today with depression, anxiety, alcohol, drugs or addiction of any sort - speak to someone - talking doesn't instantly fix it but getting it out of your head is the start to finding a solution.

It's a special thanks to tools like Moodscope and my fortnightly CBT support group for being a crucial part of my recovery tookit.

Whether you are friend, family, near, or far, a virtual friend thru moodscope or Facebook, a neighbour, parishioner or a colleague I'm sending you thankful positive energy for being in my life.

Have a great new week folks. Remember, stay connected.

Carol Anne

A Moodscope member.