Trying to depict my emotions has always been hard. I now write poetry to navigate my triggers and process through my episodic behaviors. 

 

I was first diagnosed with ADHD as a 6 year old. In and out of counseling I couldn’t figure myself out.  Later, going through an opioid addiction as a child, I realized I needed a change. After meeting my future wife in high school, I decided to join the Marine Corps. While on active duty I was diagnosed with C-PTSD, (from childhood trauma). After honorably discharging from the Marine Corps, I started working construction. I became quite successful in the construction field as a project manager for various companies. Realizing I wasn’t taking my mental health serious, I started therapy again. Shortly after my realization my sister-in law took her life. Being both diagnosed bipolar it hit me pretty hard. I went on a downhill spiral through another addiction, psych ward visits and many medication changes later, I was somewhat stabilized. 

 

After being stable for some time I decided it was time to get out of the construction field and follow something I love. I decided to put my efforts into becoming a Certified Youth Peer Counselor. I now get to share my lived experience with children who went through or are going through similar struggles.