Hi, I'm Paula, I'm 40 and have been married to an amazing, supportive man for 12 years. We have 2 daughters (eldest is 16 and youngest is nearly 13), 2 greyhounds and the meanest cat on this planet! Seriously, she bit me the other day just cos I was still in bed!
I have suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks since I was 16 but wasn't actually diagnosed until I was 28. One doctor told me he didn't want to put me on ADs cos he didn't want me labelled .... Unlike many, I don't have triggers, my illness is purely a genetic flaw. I am also resistant to medication so need a combination of several psych meds and high doses to have any impact.
I also suffer from an under active thyroid, asthma and am on crutches due to an accident and subsequent permanent nerve damage - all of which impact on my mental health, and is part of the reason why I am never discharged from the Mental Health team. I am unable to work but have come to terms with that and am so grateful that I have immense support from my husband, family and friends.
Being involved with DwD over the last year and a bit has been incredible. The support and care that everybody here shows towards everyone else is just amazing and I really feel blessed to have been asked to join the Mod Team.
