Ashley's Story: Feeling Comfortable In My Own Skin

My name is Ashley and I grew up in a small town where my skin color was not accepted. I was bullied a lot and developed chronic depression. I was tossed around from “lockup” (county thinking it was a treatment center), back home, treatment center, to a different town, and then graduating from a school that didn’t want me. It was hard fitting in everywhere. My depression was getting better - I had my ups and downs. I eventually stopped all medication and found my own happiness. It was the best part of my life. 

I thought my life was going great until I started losing the most important people in my life. It led me into a mentally and physically abusive relationship that wasn’t good. Eventually, we broke up and that was even worse. I was diagnosed later with anxiety and panic attacks. This was difficult considering I was attending college and trying to get my degree. Especially with the Pandemic going on, that didn’t help either.

I made it through, but I am damaged. I graduated with my business degree and certificate for business assistant. My anxiety is at ease right now and I am showing no signs of panic attacks. I moved out of my apartment and onto a family farm where it is peaceful, quiet, and drama free. I get to be by animals all day, watch the babies grow, and smell fresh air every morning. Nothing can get me down anymore!!! I feel at peace where I am. For that, I can thank Beautiful Disaster.