Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Community Connections, Fall 2003

A Personal Recovery Story
By Anonymous

When I see where I am today, it is hard to imagine that less than two years ago I was feeling desperate, helpless and hopeless. I was in a very abusive marriage for seven years. My husband was a cocaine addict and a very cruel person. He abused me physically, emotionally and sexually. My mother also emotionally abused me. In my early teens, I was sexually abused by a friend's father.

I realized that if I didn't leave home, my spirit was going to die. I phoned an old friend in the Capital District and she invited my daughter and I to stay with her.

Upon arriving in Albany, I called Legal Aid, D.S.S. and a family agency that provided free counseling to anyone whose child was in Head Start. I enrolled my child and myself. I started counseling and a group at the local domestic violence program. Both services helped me get back my self-esteem and feel stronger. The counseling also helped me with parenting as well as trauma symptoms.

I got a part-time job. It was hard living in my friend’s home and working at a job I didn't like, but I felt unprepared to go out on my own. I kept working with my counselor and the domestic violence program. Finally, I served my husband with separation papers and got money from the sale of our house.

Six months after we left home, my daughter and I moved in to our own apartment and I found a full time job. I continued in counseling until I knew that I could take care of myself. I was able to concentrate again and I stopped having nightmares.

My husband continues to give me a hard time, but I know that I am strong enough and smart enough to stand up for my rights. It's been a long, hard road but I am finally living the life I always wanted.

posted 9/18/03