As we close out 2021, I thought I would end the year with a fresh start. A fresh introduction to who I am and how this space came to evolve into a community of people being present with their mental health symptoms, being open to receiving help for those symptoms, and the fury of feelings that come and go in between.
I’m a family doctor, wife, and mama of two kids and two fur babies. I’m a NOSM (Northern Ontario School of Medicine) Associate Professor and Care of the Elderly MD.
I’m also living with bipolar 2 disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression and sometimes even panic attacks. I have experienced agoraphobia, claustrophobia and many other symptoms over the last few decades. I’ve seen psychiatrists, psychologists, and read countless self-help books learning all about my symptoms and how they relate to my actions and thoughts.
I can truly say I am at my best this year. After the hardest year yet, 2021, where I had to take time off work in order to be assessed and receive treatment, all during a worldwide pandemic, I am back and at it.
I’ve often doubted myself. Whether I would have the authority to share my tips and struggles. Whether my contributions were worthwhile to this space and your busy lives.
Your messages on social media of resilience in the face of personal struggle have brought me joy. Some of you have shared that you have sought help finally for symptoms of mental health disorders that you have struggled with for years. We are truly all in this together.
We can only try our best. We can be gentle with ourselves in the face of insurmountable hardship this year. We can have soft boundaries that move as we are able.
I am so appreciative to have everyone in this space with me as I grow and learn about myself. Glad to have you all around,
Lorraine
Dr. Lorraine Sharp 