Post by Kasey on Jan 22, 2016 2:24:54 GMT -8
I'll start!
My name is Kasey. I spent 10 years as a specialist in biomechanics and nutrition science, and also spent time as a marketing executive, having helped run different businesses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Upon returning to the US in 2012, I received peer support for the first time to assist with mental health concerns, and was truly inspired by the experience.
My own history with mental health includes anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, all beginning at the age of 14, related largely to undiagnosed gender dysphoria and an exceptionally dark childhood environment while growing up. Suicidal ideation came and went over the years, but was particularly bad when I came back to the US, after my fiance in Malaysia broke up with me. Coming back here, I was homeless getting off the plane, and over the next few months I would put out over 200 job applications, and never heard anything back. So I stayed homeless, and had very little social support during that time. Eventually I reached crisis, and was taken to the Multnomah Crisis Center, or CATC. That's where I got peer support for the first time, and I recovered very quickly. In the weeks that followed, I reflected heavily on the treatment I received, and that's where I was inspired to get involved with mental health. I would eventually undergo numerous trainings, which included subjects like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cultural Awareness training, among others. I eventually became a certified PSS through Project Able, and after working several months with the Oregon Consumer Advisory Committee, I was inspired to launch PHEN.
In the midst of all that, I was lucky enough to be sent to a therapist. It was here that I made the greatest discovery of my life: that I was transgender. I began living as a woman, and I took to the transition like a duck to water. Instantly, all my anxiety and depression vanished, and I stopped taking all my medication. I was finally able to be who I was all along. I felt so happy; it was like finally being able to take a huge breath of fresh air for the first time in my life. I've made a full and complete recovery, and I want to give others a sense of hope and a place where they can gain a sense of community. That's why this place now exists!
My name is Kasey. I spent 10 years as a specialist in biomechanics and nutrition science, and also spent time as a marketing executive, having helped run different businesses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Upon returning to the US in 2012, I received peer support for the first time to assist with mental health concerns, and was truly inspired by the experience.
My own history with mental health includes anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, all beginning at the age of 14, related largely to undiagnosed gender dysphoria and an exceptionally dark childhood environment while growing up. Suicidal ideation came and went over the years, but was particularly bad when I came back to the US, after my fiance in Malaysia broke up with me. Coming back here, I was homeless getting off the plane, and over the next few months I would put out over 200 job applications, and never heard anything back. So I stayed homeless, and had very little social support during that time. Eventually I reached crisis, and was taken to the Multnomah Crisis Center, or CATC. That's where I got peer support for the first time, and I recovered very quickly. In the weeks that followed, I reflected heavily on the treatment I received, and that's where I was inspired to get involved with mental health. I would eventually undergo numerous trainings, which included subjects like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cultural Awareness training, among others. I eventually became a certified PSS through Project Able, and after working several months with the Oregon Consumer Advisory Committee, I was inspired to launch PHEN.
In the midst of all that, I was lucky enough to be sent to a therapist. It was here that I made the greatest discovery of my life: that I was transgender. I began living as a woman, and I took to the transition like a duck to water. Instantly, all my anxiety and depression vanished, and I stopped taking all my medication. I was finally able to be who I was all along. I felt so happy; it was like finally being able to take a huge breath of fresh air for the first time in my life. I've made a full and complete recovery, and I want to give others a sense of hope and a place where they can gain a sense of community. That's why this place now exists!
