47-year-old Dana* first came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) for help with depression and anxiety. After struggling with addiction for more than a decade, Dana has acknowledged that her early life trauma was a major factor in her mood management issues, and consequently her struggles with substance use.
Dana and her DVSC counselor began by exploring what it meant for her to show up and not avoid her emotions—either by ignoring them or self-medicating—as she had done for years. Dana made the commitment to avoid behaviors she knew were unhealthy, and used her counseling sessions to help identify and implement more positive coping strategies to manage her moods.
Counseling has allowed Dana to discuss and process her most challenging life experiences so that they have less hold over her. Dana has started to rebuild and reconnect with those who can support her in her quest for living a life where she can manage her difficulties and thrive.
*Name has been changed.