I’m not who I used to be.

– Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

It will do that.

I’m not who I used to be.

Anxiety. Depression. Mental illness?

They will do that.

I’m not who I used to be.

Isolation and pain. Nights spent crying, helplessly asking why? Feeling hopeless. Like a prisoner – held captive by my own mind.

Now you know – it will do that.

And while I may never be . .

. . Quite who I used to be.

I am stronger. More grateful, even.

As Suffering ? This kind of suffering?

It will do that.

I may never be who I used to be.

But I am wiser. More understanding. And compassionate for myself and my flaws.

Therapy, will do that.

I am patient. More empathetic. And more appreciative. The smaller things? Well now, they seem even more worthwhile.

As losing everything. Feeling lost. Tirelessly fighting to find yourself?

It will do that.

Mental illness. It will change you. And the truth is, you may never feel quite the same.

You may feel less worthy. Like you have nothing left to offer. But please, I ask you to recognize – that this? It is just untrue.

You are still – you.

But you?

You . . are a survivor now.

. . Wiser now.

As determination.

Self compassion.

And a will like none other.

I guess you could say –

Will do that.