I am the mother of 2 amazing young people and I have been married for 22 years. I have been an elementary educator for 27 years. I grew up in Alaska, but have spent my entire adult life in Oregon, just outside Portland.
My son started struggling with anxiety at a very young age and was diagnosed with ADHD. He struggled in school and with social situations. By the time he was 14 we realized that although we had tried everything we knew to help him, he was still not able to find his place in the world. He was using drugs and alcohol heavily and by the time he was 15 we had to make the difficult decision to turn to residential treatment for help.
Our son is now 20, and after a variety of treatment environments and dedicated work, we are all in a different and healthier mental space.
I have found support, guidance, and comfort in the groups I have attended at OPLM and in Al Anon. I would not have been able to make the changes needed to be there for myself and my family during this incredibly difficult time without the love and support that is freely given at these meetings. I know that this is a life long journey and I hope to continue to learn and grow from the people who are willing to share their experience and hope with me.