Like Playing Tennis on the Moon: Breaking the Spell of Secrets

This is a true story.

It is a story of child abuse and mental illness. It is a story of cutting and overdoses and staring death in the face. It is a story of a lifetime of secrets, of emergency rooms and psychiatric wards, and four-point restraints. It is also a story of incalculable strength and courage, of grit and tenacity. Of the human spirit's ability to overcome the impossible- to not only succeed, but to soar in the face of insurmountable challenge.

This is the story of Julia, a young girl whose innocence was shattered by repeated sexual abuse at the hands of a family member. The mental illness that followed- raging bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorders- shaped a lifetime of battles both within and with the outside world. Battles that were fought with razors, pills, and countless psychiatrists, between the lonely walls of hospital wards and the questioning eyes of three young children at home.

But through it all- the vicious cycles of mania and depression- hope lingered. With the help of patient and skillful therapists, Julia overcame the impossible. With an unparalleled sense of courage and fight, a new life emerged. A life worth living. A life of hope and aspirations and dreams.

This is my true story.