My name is Lacey and I am a 21 year old Female. 

I experienced severe depression for about a year and a half, with some mild depression before and after. I was in a place where I literally couldn't get out of bed and would sleep for days at a time. I didn't want to see anyone, even my closest friends, and didn't want to leave the house. This all occurred when I went off to college mixed with anxiety and panic attacks, and I returned home after a semester. I would be glad to discuss further details with any sufferers or family members. I know what it is like and would very much like to help others going through it. With the help of family and friends, counseling, medication, sometime to relax, and various other things, I'm feeling like myself again.

As for the eating disorder, I experienced it in high school and I know how horrible that feels as well. I was under lots of pressure from family and trying to be perfect and also felt my weight was one thing I could totally control in my life. In this disorder, I had to decide for myself that I was ready to get better, as no one else could make me. It is a very emotional, tough thing to go through, and I would love to help someone if I can. 

I currently am dealing with ADD. I realize now that I have struggled with this all my life, but it wasn't evident because I wasn't a hyper child. When I began college, it really became evident as I lost bills, assignments, keys, couldn't focus on schoolwork, etc. I also always kept my things very unorganized and in piles and would forget what I was saying or what someone just said to me. These may sound like typical problems, but each one of these were constantly happening and they severely affected my life. I am now on medication, and it has helped TREMENDOUSLY.

I am also dealing with anxiety. It is something I think I've had since I was a child, but I never really put a name on it. I was always very quiet about my emotions and never expressed how I was feeling so no one in my family ever knew. Many of my close friends were very aware as it literally became so bad at one point I was afraid to go in public. I am working on it now with medication and counseling, and am seeing great improvements but am still dealing with it.

My brother was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder about 3 years ago, and he is presently going through counseling. I know how tough it can be to be a family member of someone with this condition, and would love to share in more detail as well. 

Lastly, my very close friend is bipolar. He tried a few treatments, but isn't currently on anything. He has gotten a lot more mild, but I think treatment may be necessary in the future. I have been there through the ups and downs, and would love to help someone else by sharing my experiences.

My email is: Lacey0007@aol.com