I was raped by my father's friend my Junior year of high school. I know it's not the same - but I missed about a month of school and struggled desperately to keep my grades up. But oh boy did I feel relieved the day I walked across that stage to grab my diploma. More recently I have been struggling with financial issues/my dad's depression/my mom's endstage cancer/plus the stress of planning a wedding and getting ready for graduation. I honestly considered dropping down to half time, but I know that I will graduate in two weeks. We don't control the mental breakdowns by controlling our externals (externals are only within a very limited amount of our control). It's better to try to learn the skills to control the one thing that truly can be controlled (your internal environment)... or at least, you have a better chance at changing your reactions than your environment any way. Try to push through it if you can and talk to people if you need it. I lost a lot of friends but gained a lot of BFFLs. In the long run I was able to find out that I am capable of things I never dreamed. I'm always stronger than I believe. You just have to be gentle with yourself along the way, and realize there will be potholes. Reach for help if you need it, and forgive yourself.

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" ~ Robert Browning

Good luck!!! Believe in yourself!!!


~BxD