“In 2013 we lost my sweet brother Matthew to suicide. His sudden death was a shock to my system. Anxiety, depression and panic attacks began to wreak havoc on my system—my whole body and my mental health suffered. Since training in the Recovery International method, I’ve regained authority over my mental health and peace of mind and body. I’m no longer a victim of the grief or pain I endured. I am learning to be self-led, not symptom-led. I can live a beautiful life while still feeling symptoms. RI has given me hope, true hope. We may feel helpless at times, but there are no hopeless cases. Let us love and be gentle with ourselves and each other.”

It was 2018, and I was on top of the world. I had a stable job, a great network of friends and I was working out every day. I thought nothing could get me down. But, one day after the gym, I felt a wave of fear coming over me. It felt like I was going to die. Along with this was a hot sensation and panic. These episodes continued for weeks. As they worsened, I thought I was losing my mind and that everything I had done in my life was for nothing, I felt broken and embarrassed. I also experienced heart palpitations, sweating, sleeplessness and restlessness. However, I could not identify what these feelings were or how to deal with them until I attended Recovery meetings. My first meeting was hard. Walking into a room full of people I did not know was overwhelming. But after a couple of weeks, learning the steps and participating in the group, I gained the tools to deal with my symptoms, and I have regained my vitality.”