Dara

Bridget:

It's interesting that you brought up this subject. I am a survivor of horrible sexual, psychological and emotional abuse as a child and teen. I lived most of my adult life as a dysfunctional zombie. I self-mutilated and over-ate my way through adulthood. I punished myself and I ate to protect myself. I was a classic example of what PTSD looked like. I was overweight and self-sabotaging. Sometimes I wonder how I survived. Luckily, I got help when I knew I couldn't go on any longer.

My psychiatrist just told me that clinical research is revealing that PTSD victims suffer overuse of the electrical impulses in the brain from the years of mental torture caused by abuse. Therefore, many are left with chemical/organic imbalances in the brain which necessitate the lifelong use of medication. I am one of those people. I have been told that I will need medication the rest of my life. I am okay with this, as long as the medication will allow me to continue to be a functioning member of society.

God help us. As a parent, I prayed that God would guide me in a way that I would not damage my daughter (or allow her to be damaged by others). I was determined that she would not be damaged as I was damaged. Forgive us, for we know not what we do.

__________________

Dara
Open RNY 4/27/04 Dr. Callery
10-15 lbs. above goal weight and okay with it