I've been on this forum for a while now, but haven't yet introduced myself. I'm 51 years of age, mom to two wonderful children (daughter and son) in their 20's. My daughter is married, so I also have a dear son-in-law. I live with many pets...cats, rats, and a tortoise. I have long dreadlocks, tattoos, some piercings and was born, raised and live in northern California, though my family came from NYC.

As for mental illness, I believe I was born with mental health challenges. I vividly recall feeling depressed as a tiny child...watching the light and shadows of the day change and feeling terribly sad and afraid. By the time I was an older child I battled with ocd and severe anxiety. Looking back at my early teens, bipolar tendencies were showing up for me. I first sought counseling help when I was 17 and began taking meds in my early 20's. At this time I am taking Zoloft, Seroquel, mirtazipine, and klonopin.

<---- And I work p/t as a barista in a funky wonderful old cafe.