My story
*Traditionally, we know illness relates to a medical condition. However I have an illness that relates to alcohol misuse, depression and anxiety.
*I never thought I would experience the struggles and battles I have had – ‘this doesn’t happen to people like me’ – educated, hardworking, social, career woman.
*I had a dysfunctional, controlling and unhappy upbringing. Educationally the choices were made for me.
*A decade ago the pain and failure from infidelity led me to turn to alcohol. For someone who was the life and soul of the party, I lost all self-worth and confidence.
*This was the start of a rollercoaster - rehabs, more infidelity, divorce, courts, accusations, lies, emotional and mental torment. I had some incredibly dark times.
*The ONLY positive outcome from the pain is my beautiful son who turned 8 today, so a poignant day to tell my story.
*Sadly people sometimes affect the road to recovery, but I am getting the right help I need to cope and self-empower. I will eventually win that battle.
*One significant change to get well is to get out of my career. I hate corporate world and as clichéd as it sounds I want to be doing something rewarding.
*I applied for an MSc Psychology at University of Westminster, was interviewed and accepted last week. However, I don’t have the money to fund it – fees (£9k alone), books, travel, living expenses. I am determined to follow my dream so I asking for help, something really out of my comfort zone!
*I am blessed to have an amazing network of friends.I have been judged by some but that's ok, it's to expected.
*Catalyst a drug/alcohol organisation in Surrey have given me tremendous support. East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services are also now supporting me. I will make a donation to both organisations.
* I hope my honesty will help others to seek help if they are struggling or in denial. The first step is to go and see a doctor. I don’t wish anyone suffering to go through what I have.

Suki xxx