Hi, my name is Mitch and I’m 39 years old.  I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety since the age of 18.  I self medicated with alcohol until I was 27, and diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety when I was 29.  My life was the classic roller coaster ride.  Dealing with the death of multiple friends and a mother, but also being able to raise two amazing girls, and partake in their journeys that is life.  After years I conditioned myself to ride my waves of emotions, and finally started to accept myself.  Then life happened, again. 

  On January 14, 2019 I was involved in a workplace accident.  I’ve worked for the same company for the past 18 years, and held the same position as a pipe-layer.  My co-worker, and friend was struck by the bucket of an excavator.  I was with his when he passed.  I even remembered my first aid training.  I remember tilting his head back, and breathing for him.  I remember seeing his chest rise.  I also remember hammering on his chest until the paramedics took over.  

   Within a month, I was back to work.  I was exposed slowly to get back into the groove.  I had a lot of rough days, but somehow I did manage to function.  Fast forward to 2021.  I began having nightmares, flashbacks of the incident, and by March was diagnosed with PTSD.  I continued to work, wanting to support my family, and prove to myself I could overcome this hurdle.  By September, the panic attacks were to much, and after getting into a heated argument with my boss, (which had nothing to do with the incident) I left/quit in epic fashion.

  I’m sorry my story jumps all over the page, it’s actually just a tidbit.  But, I want to hit “post” before I chicken out.  Thanks for listening.