Often we separate our life into categories. We begin with childhood, transition into the teen years, and move into marriage and motherhood.

For some people, life handed them a series of roles. Abuse does more than hurt a child's body. Verbal, physical, and sexual abuse hurts a child's mind and changes how they think. Personalities form around the fear and pain instead of around joy and happiness.

Children need guidance and love as they explore life. Abuse takes away their natural curiosity and replaces it with shyness and distrust. Instead of enjoying the years to adulthood, they face challenges and struggles.

When there is a mental illness added to the equation, finding our true self isn't easy. But we're worth a bit of hard work, right?