This has turned into a rough week. I've had multiple reminders of the life I once used to lead.

First I saw a Jeep pass by with the top down and I thought, "That used to be me." Then yesterday I saw a car go by with two kayaks on the roof and I thought, "Heck, that used to be me." Then I saw an advertisement for outdoor gear and thought, "Eff, that was me." And then this morning I saw a five year old photo I took of my dog during a winter camping trip in the back country.

And so I took a hard look at myself and asked "What is me? Who am I? What am I?"

People don't understand. They don't realize what we've lost of ourselves by being mentally ill. They don't grasp the great toll it has taken on us. They just don't understand the huge personal cost.

[Smileonmyface]

I know what you mean. I don't recognize myself anymore compared to the person I once was.

[elevatedsoul]

yep...
this stuff strips away everything... leaving an apple core and 1-2 seeds that maybe we can germinate with extreme precision and care.. other wise we'lre just a rotting apple core

im 26 but i have no clue who i am... i cant even tell you the things i enjoy or like to do, because i dunno what they are

[Nammu]

Once I was considered charming, vivacious and social. Now I'm an isolated curmudgeon

[dexter]

Me right now too. I'm in the midst of it. I've been doing well for 10 years and now I'm watching from the sidelines as it slips away I'm losing my job losing my friends losing my hobbies and destroying relationships that I think I won't be able to recover. I feel sometimes like I'm trapped inside my body watching something evil destroy my life.