Cara McDonald:  

I have been struggling with severe mental issues my entire life. It has been very hard for me. I have done a lot of healing, and an incredible amount of very hard work, on my self, and these issues are not anywhere as bad as they used to be, but, I still struggle. I have learned a lot about myself, life, people ~ ~ ~ I've learned that I am not the only person in the world who has, (or had), my kinds of issues, my kind of family. I've learned that every single person on this planet has fears, loneliness, (at some point, at some times), sorrows, frustrations, issues, weaknesses. (Of every and all kinds!) I've learned that I actually am a pretty cool, kind, sweet, strong, funny, intruiging, interesting, (etc); person!!!! And that a lot of people do really like me/love me,, and that I am not hated, like I thought I was. (For no real reason). And, if I am hated, something's wrong with that person!! So, I went from thinking everyone hated Me, to knowing that most people really like Me, and I (finally) like/love, myself. (How ironic!) I've learned that life is about connection, learning, growth, good times, meaning, (for some of us, a lot of healing), helping, and love, (amongst many others). I've learned that I can change my thoughts, from negative to positive/realistic, and, so, am able to change my moods, and be happier. (Takes a lot of work, and, it sometimes/often takes a while to implement, but it's amazing, overall, and, it's worth it)! I've learned to question everything. Life is not about materialism, greed, competition, lies, corruption, evil, (etc.) Our society is that way, yes, but, life, and, our attitude towards it, is something we can control, change, and work on. (Sometimes, it's the only thing!) I've learned to like, and, love, myself; to give myself a lot of the nurturing and comfort I've always needed, and didn't get, in my life. I have (always had), issues with Depression, Social Anxiety(Phobia), General Anxiety and Panic, and, have had issues with trust. I have come a very long, long way. I am not the same person you knew, before, (or, the person you maybe thought you knew). I used to be extremely, horribly, depressed, much of the time. (Of course, there were good times;days, too). I worried about everything there was to worry about. I was horribly lonely, and had no clue as to how to get close to people, who to trust, or how to, or how much. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I didn't know what to do about it. I was a very sad, scared, lonely, young lady. Afraid of everything. I am, overall, a very happy person, now.. I am spiritual. (Not religious). That has helped me, tremendously. But I still have lots of healing to do, and probably always will. I still have many things to work on, socially, emotionally, (etc). (But, who doesn't?? We'r...Expand for more