from surviving to thriving.

mental illness is not experienced alone in linear, organised diagnostic criteria or categories. it lives in bodies; in real, messy, unique minds that each carry stories filled with fear, chaos, confusion, desperation, and sorrow, while also holding hope, possibility, resilience and restoration at the same time. there is a way in which mental illness can completely take over one's life, becoming all that consumes your mind, soul and body, taking control of the direction and shape of what life becomes.

from surviving to thriving. is a collection of poetry and prose that explore the harsh reality of what it can be like to live with a mental illness. in sharing parts of the author's heart and soul, her hope is to bring light and insight into what depression and suicidality can bring forth to one's mind. her journey of faith as a christian is also deeply interwoven throughout every struggle and triumph.

may these writings incite a degree of both empathy and wonder into the aches and pains carried; alongside the resilience, strength and hope found within these pages.

and if you find yourself resonating with these ponderings, know that you are not alone despite how isolating and desolate depression may feel. as you go on the journey through these pages, may you discover the healing and restoration that the author, too, has uncovered along the way.