My name is Melissa. I am a 37 yr old female and I'm married w/ 2 children ages 16 & 2. I have suffered with depression for over 10 years. I had taken medicine on and off for all those years and never really addressed the main problem. I was addicted to prescription medication for many years, which I feel caused my depression. The drugs caused a chemical imbalance which made my depression worse. I self-medicated to help numb the pain of depression and it was a vicious cycle. I tried to quit many times but could not handle the withdrawals, I just simply didn't have the will power to overcome this addiction. I have questioned myself many times wondering which came first, the depression or drug addiction. I know now it was depression that started it all.
To make a long story short, I finally came to grips with my illnesses and sought treatment. I am a recovering addict and have been clean 7 months now. I know to the average person, 7 months is not long. But to an addict, 7 days clean is a miracle. I am very proud of my accomplishment to kick the depression and addiction. I owe my recovery to Jesus Christ. He picked my life up when I had almost lost it to overdose and just not wanting to live anymore. He gave me a fresh breath of life and I finally found my purpose on this earth. I find great therapy in giving encouragement to others who suffer these illnesses. 

My e-mail address> mdl654@aol.com