03/24/2026
Growing up, I never felt Like I belonged to myself. I never had any kind of agency growing up. I belonged to God, I belonged to my complex father, I belonged to my mother and taking care of her during mental illness episodes, and I belonged to relationships. My worth was tied up in my outward appearance and belonging to others.
I loved my parents, but they too came from a long line of generational trauma that was not talked about or processed.
And even though our family looked shiny and happy on the outside, there was another life being lived behind closed doors that the outside world was never privy to.
Dissociation & depression from years of trauma and PTSD contributed to not knowing who I was or feeling connected to my body.
Depression and Anxiety plagued me starting at 10 years old.
Music was my muse as it saved me. I wrote piano pieces and composed songs starting in gradeschool and haven't stopped since. Journaling and poetry became healing lyrics for my young mind, body and soul.
Healing through doctors, medication and therapy came into my life when I was 30 years old.❤️
After my second son was born in 2002, Post Partum Depression debilitated me as it was a fierce chemical Depression that nearly took my life. I ended up in the hospital for 30 days due to this depression. It was my rock bottom.
My rock bottom, however, became a new and stronger foundation from which I began to re-build my life upon.
Depression and Anxiety no longer ruled my life. It literally took me 40+ years to find myself and own myself...to befriend every part of myself, have agency, autonomy and know my worth.
Today, as a Counselor and Crisis Intervention Specialist...a Breast Cancer Survivor and someone who deeply loves God, I continue to show myself self-compassion, intentionality, growth and healing.
Most of all, I strive to be a light for others who are also on their own healing and personal growth journey. I know how Depression can make one feel isolated and alone. You are not alone.
Take up space. You are meant to be here. You are meant to heal and grow. You are meant to be deeply happy in this world.
Build a stronger foundation with the pieces of your pain and life, then rise up from that rubble and create the life you want and need. Most of all, trust yourself and your intuition and always be kind...especially to yourself. ❤️
Love,
Linnea
Begin Within Hope Therapy
