Christina F.

Suicide Prevention Specialist - Adult

From a very young age, I experienced different types of childhood traumas. When I was 13 years old, I attempted to take my own life, but made it through. I began to use substances to self-medicate instead, which grew over time. For 20 years I struggled off and on; I would get clean and sober but relapsed several times throughout. Finally, at 33 years old, not only did I find recovery, but a community that I could count on for support, advice, and sharing. After a 60-day inpatient stay, I found out I had untreated bipolar disorder, PTSD, unresolved grievances, chronic depression disorder, and a very low self-esteem with a big ego. Learning healthy coping skills and not feeling so alone helped me maintain recovery since 2018. Now, I want to pay it forward by doing the same that others did for me; help others find a path to recovery.