Cheri Rebik Cheri's DBT Therapy

In 1993, I got my first mental illness diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, this came about 4 months after the birth of my second child. Then, in May of that same year, I became homeless with my 2 children, whom at the time were 17 months and 7 months, not wanting my children living in my car with me, I took them to the local DHS office and signed a paper that gave temporary custody to my children's aunt and uncle, till I could get back on my feet. Unfortunately, the social worker that was supposed to be working with me, didn't really like me and after I signed over temporary custody, she made sure I never got my kids back. After she told me that I was never getting them back, I tried to commit suicide and was hospitalized for that, during the same month, I tried twice more, I was placed in an actual mental hospital in Independence, Iowa. After spending two months there, I was placed in a halfway house of sorts, I was assigned a worker from there and apply for disability, I did receive disability and with the back pay I was able to get an apartment. Since then, I have been in therapy and have spent time in and out of the hospital, I have dealt with mental illness for most of my adult life. I married once more and had a third child whom I was able to raise till she was 18, now that all my children are grown, I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and borderline personality disorder, I am currently in therapy and my therapist has been going through dialectical behavior therapy with me. Since I started this types of therapy, I have been keeping a journal and filling out a daily diary card, which records my moods, depression, and any panic attacks I may have. although I have only just started, I wanted to create this site to show others who may be thinking about this type of therapy and be able to hopefully show them that is worth it. I will be adding to the journal when new things happen, whether good or bad.