ADD, anxiety, PTSD, and depression began in childhood for me. However, in adulthood, I've had short periods of stability and higher functioning. Those times gave me hope that I'd achieve a more "normal" life. It's been detrimental to have those markers to compare my life to. I often feel quite cheated out of career, husband, family, etc. Those didn't come my way because of terrible self-esteem and depression. I haven't been able to overcome the sick, negative beliefs my parents planted in me.