[b] [/b] [i] [/i] Does any1 have any advice, for who I can contact, that would have any intrest in helping me tell my story and get it out to the girls/women who need it most?? I am looking to help with research, articles, legislation, & ultimatley writing a book about my story. I want to get my voice out there, I want my story heard, I want them to know that ppl like me do exist, we are real, & it is serious. Without getting in too much detail here...At the age of 14 my mother forced me to have an abortion. At age 18, we became estranged, & while estranged she died in 2004. Ive been happily married 15 yrs, & have 3 glorious children. I also have had Severe depression with suicidal ideations since I was 14. I have developed OCD, Severe panic, anxiety,post abortion syndrome (some dont consider real) post traumatic stress disorder & ultimatley agoraphobia. I want my suffering to end the suffering of others..

Its important to understand the past, as long as you don't dwell on it. you're being WAY too hard on yourself. My husband had an abusive father, so he swore not to repeat his father's "mistakes" (thats putting it mildly) and he didn't. All three of his kids are now well adjusted adults. the fact you have 3 wonderful children underlines my point. Start from there. get up EVERY morning, look in the mirror and say aloud- I am a good, decent human being. Do this for a straight month and you'll find yourself not having to take all kinds of meds to get through the day.

I'll add one more thing- a lady who volunteers at a womans' shelter told our church group that 75% of their residents end up going back to their abusive husbands/boyfriends. Its disturbing, to say the least. If you write your book, please include a chapter on self esteem and independence- apparently, not enough of our sisters out there believe in themselves.