I might have been absent from a function or two , now and then, due to a paralyzing depression. Yet, overall, I am more stable, more balanced, more "sane' than are people in my family. I believe this is because I have sought out something very different from others in my family.

We'd had almost constant trauma and tragedy in our childhoods, Couple this with genetically -based high anxiety, and rampant mood disorders on both the maternal and the paternal sides of our bloodlines. Add in the fact that approximately. 90% of family members are active alcoholics.

I'd left my family, initially, when I was 15 y.o. and was legally emancipated at 16 y.o. I'd had goals for my life, which had included living in a more stable environment, advancing my education, and eventually providing a safe, stable home for my own family. i put myself through college. I'd participated in many years of therapy. I'd sought help with anxiety and depression.. I'd attended Alanon, ACOA and, sometimes, even AA with friends. I'd desperately wanted to understand alcoholism,

I had left to pursue my own life. I'd spent almost every free moment searching for answers and for healing.. I'd had many chosen families, most fortunately.

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I had eventually grown older,stronger , more insightful and more determined --on every level of my Being. I'd then returned to my family, to discover most were further advanced in alcoholism. I did whatever I could to spend time with them, to encourage them, to show them other options, to help them with groceries, shelter, health care, etc. Over time, some had stabilized somewhat and were still drinking heavily, yet still able to work. Still others were not so fortunate.

My BP has done absolutely nothing to strain family relationships. There can be much more problematic"illnesses," especially if untreated, which can do much more damage, can even be deadly, to the spirit and to the well-being of families..

If anything, my own difficulties had caused me to seek help, which had strengthened me, and had stabilized me enough to be more available to my family.. i did have to take time away from that environment in order to become healthier myself.

In this very complex world, and in dealing with very challenging "illnesses" and seemingly hopeless circumstances, our lives are not always determined by the hand were are dealt, but more often by what we choose to do with it.

Much Love to All!!