- Relationships Deepened -

Growing up, my relationship with my mother was quite strained. We had personal issues of our own to contend with, but the real problem came when those issues combined with the effects of the trauma. I was in the closet about it, not willing or able to see a therapist and was subsequently suffering. I was angry, anxious, depressed, and at times suicidal.

Thankfully our relationship has improved significantly since then. I know that reading Under The Influence was tremendously upsetting to her, but nonetheless she read it. The conversations that followed have really helped us to better understand each other.



She let me know that she wasn’t aware of the extent of my suffering, the demise of my father’s mental state, and that given the circumstances she had tried her best. I believe her, and importantly have forgiven her.



By being so frank, I am telling the world in no uncertain terms exactly who I am, what I have gone through and where I am mentally. This honesty has resulted in deeper relationships all round. The more people know about me, the more they feel safer sharing about themselves.



Unfortunately, my experience hasn’t been entirely positive …