Nola has been affected by depression since she was nine. She was tormented with thoughts of suicide and would often mutilate herself. By the time Nola first sought help from a local community mental health organization she had developed addiction disorders as well: "a day didn't go by that I wasn't suicidal and popping pills," she said.

She was constantly depressed and had very low self esteem. Nola felt worthless and wallowed in self pity. She finally hit bottom before life she was able to turn her life around.

It was through her own efforts and the commitment of the staff at a community mental health organization that she finally was able to change her life for the better. Nola wanted a fulfilling life and to be a better person. She made the commitment to change and started feeling happy. She was able to develop meaningful and rewarding relationships with other people. She felt on top of the world.

However, these feelings did not last as Nola fell back into her old habits when life got rough. She learned that neither the highs nor the lows last forever. Eventually, with the help of her community's mental health organization, she was able to overcome these struggles and continue to press on. She was able to deal with her life's high and lows and become a stronger person.

Now, when Nola does not have the courage to do something, she says to herself, "I give myself permission." These words give her a stepping stone to move forward. She has learned how to overcome barricades in life and get up and move on after she stumbles. Nola refuses to stay down and works hard to overcome life's challenges.

Nola has learned to believe in herself and realizes that she is "somebody." A few years ago she wrote a poem called, "You Said." She wrote it during a moment of self-examination and to realize how far she has come and how strong she is.

YOU SAID:

You said you would love me always-

You didn't

You said you believed in me-

You don't

You said you trusted me-

You didn't

You said you would be here for me-

You weren't

You said you wouldn't forsake me-

You did

You promised to keep your promises-

You didn't

You said I wouldn't be forgotten-

I was

You said I was somebody to you-

I wasn't

You said I was the only one that could help-

I wasn't

Nola received a lot of help from a community mental health organization and now works part time there as a Peer Support Specialist. She uses her experiences to help others overcome similar obstacles. Working at the community mental health organization has also aided her recovery and will no doubt aid the recovery of those she helps.