Overcoming Obstacles

Everyone faces obstacles and bumps in the road at some point. Reading the article, “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way,” I can say that I faced some obstacles, including mental health issues at work that I had to overcome. It isn’t something that is easily faced and overcome, but I can say that with counseling and therapy, I am still working on it but making progress. FINALLY.

I’ve been working since I was sixteen years old. I have worked my way up in the jobs I’ve held. When I received constructive criticism, I never took it personally. I used it to work harder next time. Until February 2010. That’s when everything came crashing down on me.

I accepted a job transfer to a new department at the health insurance company I worked for. I was

I took initiative to start resolving some of my past. When this happened, I talked to my counselor about this. She suggested I talk to her partner because it was above her expertise and a doctor. I was experiencing my fears in panic mode, severe depression, Bipolar II disorder, and anxiety. I made the appointment and during the first visit, she was admitting me to a local mental hospital for anxiety, depression and panic attacks. The doctor she referred me to, diagnosed me with Bipolar II disorder, anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. She put me on Xanax twice a day and mood stabilizers.

I refused to stay inpatient because of my daughter, so I was able to go outpatient during the day. I was on short term disability due to work conflicts and personal reasoning stated above. I didn’t have the support at home at the time, but close friends and the support of ones there. I was there six weeks and went back to work full force.

For five years and eleven months, I suffered with panic and anxiety, but I stayed on the same Xanax milligram (0.5) and been off and on all kinds of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anxiety medications. I have never been able to find something that works for me. Until something