I think so, yes. I try not to think of the years "lost". I've hit bottom many times. i've been fortunate to have found good providers so I was able to learn much from them. When I first began with therapy, i was very hard on myself for having made so many mistakes. it's hard for me not to be self-critical. my mom is very critical so i probably learned that from her.

I think I know what you mean too. My mother and father both hated me so I had to do pretty much everything on my own. When I got a little older they began to beat me for getting in their way. They were both police officers so they knew how to hit without leaving a mark. Ibegan to self medicate on my mothers medications. It was awful. When I had my mental break last year t was the first time that I went to the hospital in my whole life. I was beyond hitting rock bottom I was down and out but they helped me. They understood my thinking or at least pretended to I began to feel that no matter what I wouldn't be okay so I wasn't going to ever hit rock bottom again. I stood up for what I wanted and now I have a way out. It's a long shot and it won't be for a long time but I can't let myself break ever again.

So glad that you are tting the help you need now. God Bless you