I have survived child and sexual abuse, abandonment, rejection and ostracism. I have been an outcast amongst loved ones and associates. And, for a short period of time in my youth, I was institutionalized for threatening to commit suicide because of the experiences I endured. I am well acquainted with the shadowy depths of the mind—anxiety, loneliness, depression and rage. In my despondency, pain evolved into anger, and then bitterness formed into hatred. On more than one occ

Perhaps it’s just me, but it seems that the expression, “change the narrative,” is fast becoming a common cliché instead of a call to action. I’ve found that depending on the person, the expression is often verbalized to refute criticism regarding an issue. No person wants to be criticized, especially when they are affiliated with the subject matter under scrutiny in some manner or context. It’s human nature. Although it is necessary to differentiate constructive criticism an

“Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest” (Mayo Clinic, n. d.). Common symptoms: “persistent insomnia, loss of interest in activities, lack of concentration, mood swings and irritability, social isolation, and loss of or excessive appetite” (Mayo Clinic, n. d.). As of 2012, the approximate number of people “suffering from some form of depression around the world is 121 million” (“Depression Facts”, n. d.). In 2014, an “es