About ~

I have battled with depression, anxiety and asthma most of my life; but after my mom’s passing I couldn’t fight anymore. In 2005 I was hospitalized for a mental breakdown and severe asthma exacerbation. Shortly after, my doctor suggested I be placed on disability.

Before my mom’s death, I thought I was a “super woman.” I was working, going back to school in my late 30’s, raising my daughter, trying to resolve my failing relationship, and taking care of my mother through her war with lung cancer. The shattering truth? There is no such thing as “superwoman.”

My road to healing mental illness has had many diagnoses and/or labels; Grief, Agoraphobia, Depression, Anxiety, Bi-polar, ADD, PTSD, to name a few. The loss of my mother was only the beginning of my journey. After the initial grief and trauma of her death; I began to remember and learn things about myself and my life that I wouldn’t have if she were still here protecting me. Abuse (physical, mental and sexual), alcoholism and drugs, are a few traumas that I had buried. The upside of a shattered life is you have the opportunity to put it back together the way you want. The downside is you can’t begin to mend your life until you face what you’ve been running from. I feel like I am out of the darkest part of the tunnel and have my sights set to the other end of the tunnel that holds enlightenment, wisdom, love and victory over my fears. It doesn’t really matter to me how long my journey is, as long as I continue to learn and heal. I presently live with my teenage daughter (who struggles with depression as well), and our three very loving cats.

My dreams are to live healthy, mentally, spiritually and physically. To be a good mother and role model. To maintain everlasting loving relationships with the people in my life. My goals are to be off disability and find my niche in the career field. I love to write and create. I am an animal lover and humanitarian. I hope one day I will be able to give back, to my community and to the Universe.

Everyday I struggle with my illnesses, but the more I learn to love myself and my life, the easier it gets. This blog is a place for me to share, ponder or randomly rant. If I enlighten or inspire along the way than even better!!!

Welcome 🙂

My beautiful daughter and I:)

serenity and I christmas 2015.jpg

81 thoughts on “About ~”

Lyrallya | April 28, 2014 at 7:55 pm

I admire your honesty. It must take a lot of strength, not just to survive but to look on the positive side of life. I admire the fact that you keep fighting and won’t give up.

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- breakdownchick | April 29, 2014 at 2:04 am
  
  Thank you so much. Your words mean a lot to me. I guess it comes down to a choice; whether to be negative or positive, and positive just feels better! 🙂
  
  Reply
amforte66 | April 28, 2014 at 8:37 pm

Congratulations to you on your resolve to move beyond your labels. It certainly hasn’t been an easy road you’ve traveled. I enjoyed reading your about page and applaud your courage and honesty. Your daughter is beautiful!!

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- breakdownchick | April 29, 2014 at 11:57 am
  
  Thanks so much. I am so happy you enjoyed reading and yes I am very proud of my beautiful daughter!:)
  
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angeliquedelamere | April 29, 2014 at 5:39 pm

I didn’t even have to read anything to feel the love and inspiration radiating from your blog. You are a very strong woman. I wish you luck with all future blogging. 🙂

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- breakdownchick | April 29, 2014 at 6:09 pm
  
  Wow, what an awesome compliment(s)!!!! Thanks!!!
  I’m following your blog, looking forward to your posts.
  Good luck to you too!! 🙂
  
  Reply
angeliquedelamere | April 29, 2014 at 6:28 pm

It is the truth 🙂
Thank you! I think I might need it! 😛

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Lyrallya | May 2, 2014 at 12:32 pm

I just nominated you for the Liebster Award! You can find the rules and what you have to do next on the following link: http://lyrallya.wordpress.com/2014/05/02/liebster-award-part-three/

x
Lyra

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- breakdownchick | May 2, 2014 at 2:09 pm
  
  Wow! I am so flattered, thanks so much. 🙂
  
  Reply
sh | May 2, 2014 at 9:16 pm

Thanks for taking the time to follow my blog. It’s really appreciated. I checked in to look at yours and was so inspired and humbled by what I read. Your posts are filled with honesty and above all hope. You’ve earned a new follower in me 🙂

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- breakdownchick | May 3, 2014 at 11:55 am
  
  No problem, your blog is great. Thanks for following mine and the compliments!! It’s nice to be connected. 🙂
  
  Reply
karensamenow | May 7, 2014 at 10:53 pm

I know this is probably not as exciting as it first was, but I’m nominating you for the Liebster Award. I admire your journey so much, and this is my way of showing it. I’ve chosen to tell you this way because I am unable to find a contact button on your blog. I’m sure my eyes are crossed, and it’s me, forgive me for that. Congratulations

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- breakdownchick | May 9, 2014 at 2:10 pm
  
  That is truly kind of you and I am honored; however, I’m not sure I can get through another one!!! It was difficult to find another 11 nominees with under 200 followers on this last liebster. I hope you don’t mind, but I am going to have to let someone else have a chance. Thanks again!!!
  
  Reply
Nicole Davis | June 1, 2014 at 9:30 pm

I have nominated you for an award. It’s called The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can find details here: http://triumphantwings.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/very-inspiring-blogger-award/. I am really glad we have crossed paths and I hope you choose to accept and take part in this, it is well deserved! Thank you for being an inspiration!

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- breakdownchick | June 2, 2014 at 2:49 pm
  
  You just brought tears to my eyes!!! Thanks so much Nicole, I will check it out later today. I am so grateful we are connected. ❤
  
  Reply
Kitt O'Malley | June 13, 2014 at 4:00 am

I have nominated you for the Liebster Award.
http://kittomalley.com/2014/06/12/liebster-award/

The award’s four rules are:
1) Provide 11 facts about yourself.
2) Answer 11 questions created by your nominating party (me).
3) Nominate 11 blogs.
4) Provide them with 11 questions of your own to answer.

My eleven questions for you are:
1) Where and how do you like to write?
2) When did you start blogging?
3) What motivates you to write?
4) Do you consider yourself a disciplined writer? Why or why not?
5) Are you an early bird or a night owl?
6) Who is your greatest supporter?
7) What do you consider your greatest triumph?
8) What is your favorite memory?
9) What do you do for fun?
10) What adjective best describes you?
11) What would be your ideal vacation?

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- breakdownchick | June 13, 2014 at 2:33 pm
  
  Thanks so much, but I’ve already responded to two liebsters. I don’t think I can do another one! Thanks again though, I’m honored. 🙂
  
  Reply
  - Kitt O'Malley | June 13, 2014 at 5:42 pm
    
    Congratulations! No need to respond, even if you hadn’t already been nominated. I just want to acknowledge your blog and steer traffic your way.
mkingr | June 16, 2014 at 5:09 am

Okay woman, I nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. 🙂 http://lupusexperience.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
I don’t know why it’s not turning into a hyperlink!

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- breakdownchick | June 20, 2014 at 11:40 am
  
  Awww! Thank you so much. I already did one, I’m not sure if I can do another one. I much appreciate it though! Oh, and it is a hyperlink! Hehe!
  
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  - mkingr | June 21, 2014 at 10:04 pm
    
    Hehe. 🙂 I know, I don’t like hyperlinks. They scare me. 🙂 I didn’t expect you to do another one as you had already answered so many questions about yourself. 🙂 Have a good day.
  - breakdownchick | June 23, 2014 at 6:01 pm
    
    Lol, I feel the same about hyperlinks! Thanks again, have a beautiful day! 😉
sh | July 11, 2014 at 10:40 pm

Hey, just to let you know I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. You can out more here my lovely: http://fabulousandotherfwords.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/fanks-the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/ Have a great weekend x

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- breakdownchick | July 20, 2014 at 3:14 pm
  
  You are too sweet! Thanks so much! It means a lot to me. I’ve already participated in the Very Inspiring Blogger award; but I am very honored, thank you! ❤
  
  Reply
flippyzipflop | July 15, 2014 at 7:13 pm

I’m on the exact same journey… It feels so good knowing I’m not alone. I’ve lost 90% of my family, not through death, but because they do not believe in mental illness and have labeled me the black sheep; Kate being Kate; Just get over it already. Do you know what that does? That sentence alone, mid panic attack, makes me want to punch the person saying it right in the throat. (I am 100% anti violence) If you know little about mental illness, please don’t insult me by telling me to just get over it. If I wasn’t so consumed with fear, and it was in fact as easy as you make it out to be, I would GLADLY do so.

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. My mom and my dad are all I have left in this world. And my son of course, who happened to inherit some of my “issues” as my ex husband would say. Just wanted to stop by and say hello to someone on the same journey I’m on. I wish you nothing but strength to defeat every obstacle that comes your way. Mental illness is something I hope to one day over come, but in the mean time, I’m content in getting to know who I really am and what my purpose here is. Hope you have a great, successful day.

~Kate

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- breakdownchick | July 19, 2014 at 4:52 pm
  
  Hi Kate,
  
  Thanks so much for sharing. You are not alone on this journey. I look forward to being connected and sharing. Have a beautiful day! ❤
  
  Reply
  - flippyzipflop | July 19, 2014 at 4:53 pm
    
    Thank you. I hope you can do the same. And I, too, look forward to the journey. Fresh starts are always new beginnings. 🙂
  - breakdownchick | July 19, 2014 at 4:56 pm
    
    🙂
  - flippyzipflop | July 19, 2014 at 8:06 pm
    
    🙂
osarobohenry | December 22, 2014 at 6:14 pm

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for liking one of my posts. I pray God to visit you in your time of need because He is the only One that can change your situation. Try and believe in His word and invite Him into your life and lay all your trust on Him and forget whatever the doctors have told you. God’s blessings to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

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- breakdownchick | December 22, 2014 at 6:34 pm
  
  Thank you, be blessed & happy holidays! 🙂
  
  Reply
  - osarobohenry | December 22, 2014 at 10:35 pm
    
    Amen!
ellyyt | February 4, 2015 at 1:17 am

I love your blog! You are so honest and extremely brave for sharing your story! Stay strong
xoxo

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- breakdownchick | February 4, 2015 at 2:20 pm
  
  Thanks so much! I really appreciate your support! 🙂
  
  Reply
aunnielauren | February 24, 2015 at 12:33 am

I’m glad I found you! I find your blog uplifting!

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- breakdownchick | February 24, 2015 at 4:15 pm
  
  Awww,,,thanks so much! It means more than you know, to think that I’ve uplifted just one person.
  
  Reply
itsgoodtobecrazysometimes | February 27, 2015 at 5:24 pm

Hi

Thanks so much for following my blog. I have just started having a nose through yours.

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- breakdownchick | February 27, 2015 at 6:15 pm
  
  It’s a pleasure to be connected. Looking forward to it!!
  
  Reply
aewolder | February 28, 2015 at 2:13 pm

You write great poetry, and it is so refreshing such honesty.

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- breakdownchick | February 28, 2015 at 2:39 pm
  
  Thanks so much! Glad you like it! 🙂
  
  Reply
kneal1 | March 2, 2015 at 12:21 am

would you like to join in the Love in ten Sentences create ten Sentences on what Love is ….Many blessings Fellow Artist spreading the love…

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- breakdownchick | March 2, 2015 at 12:26 am
  
  Ok,,sounds wonderful! Thanks for the love! ❤
  
  Reply
  - kneal1 | March 2, 2015 at 12:50 am
    
    thanks and feel free to spread the love foward
shambhavi31 | March 12, 2015 at 8:53 am

My best wishes are with you. Your blog has inspired me, I am glad to have connected with you. 🙂 Thankyou 🙂

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- breakdownchick | March 12, 2015 at 11:22 am
  
  It means so much to me to have inspired you! Very grateful to be connected! Many blessings! ❤
  
  Reply
  - shambhavi31 | March 12, 2015 at 12:04 pm
    
    Same here 🙂 😀
  - shambhavi31 | March 12, 2015 at 12:06 pm
    
    You can check out my other blog, ultimatesolace.wordpress.com
    🙂
    Much lv ^_^
  - breakdownchick | March 13, 2015 at 10:28 pm
    
    Great! Will do! 🙂
Venkat | April 9, 2015 at 12:01 am

Thanks for the like yesterday…I know, I have been through it for over a decade and it is very much possible to turn things around…In the end it is a way of looking or perception at things…

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- breakdownchick | April 9, 2015 at 9:48 am
  
  You’re very welcome and thanks for stopping by, and for the encouragement! 🙂
  
  Reply
Darren Scanlon | June 16, 2015 at 10:14 pm

I have nominated you for the Encouraging Thunder Award. 😊

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- breakdownchick | June 21, 2015 at 2:59 pm
  
  That is so sweet! You made my day…Thank you so much!! ❤
  
  Reply
  - Darren Scanlon | June 22, 2015 at 12:01 am
    
    My pleasure. Keep Smiling 😊
amity4 | June 28, 2015 at 7:40 am

Hi there,
I nominated you for the Premio Dardos Award😊
Please do visit http://wp.me/p4Fxep-iI to accept it.
Cheers😉😘

Reply
- breakdownchick | June 29, 2015 at 10:33 pm
  
  What a wonderful award! Thanks so much! I will post a response as soon as I can! Thanks for making me smile today! 🙂 ❤
  
  Reply
Pingback: Sunshine Blogger Award | Charitha Subramanyam
- breakdownchick | July 8, 2015 at 2:22 pm
  
  Thanks so much Charitha! Your kind words made me well up! I will post my ‘acceptance’ as soon as I can! 🙂
  
  Reply
amity4 | July 8, 2015 at 6:05 pm

You have been nominated for the ‘heart as one drum beat award’ Kindly accept your award at http://wp.me/p4Fxep-jk .

Reply
- breakdownchick | July 9, 2015 at 1:08 am
  
  Such a beautiful award! I’m deeply honored, thank you! ❤
  
  Reply
Ms. Ethel Duck | July 9, 2015 at 4:27 pm

I love what you said here: “The upside of a shattered life is you have the opportunity to put it back together the way you want. The downside is you can’t begin to mend your life until you face what you’ve been running from.”

It is so very true! Bless you on your journey!

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- breakdownchick | July 9, 2015 at 4:45 pm
  
  Thank you for reading, Blessings!! 🙂
  
  Reply
Ms. Ethel Duck | July 13, 2015 at 5:08 pm

I have nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award! Thank you for being so encouraging and supportive! Bless you! Here are the details if you would like to participate: https://diaryofarecoveringcodependent.wordpress.com/2015/07/13/dragon-loyalty-award/

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- breakdownchick | July 13, 2015 at 7:07 pm
  
  Bless you! So glad we are connected! Thank you so much!
  
  Reply
Ms. Ethel Duck | July 22, 2015 at 6:24 am

I have nominated you for the Love/Hate Blogger Challenge just for a little fun. If you would like to participate, you can find the information here: https://diaryofarecoveringcodependent.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/the-lovehate-blogger-challenge/

Reply
- breakdownchick | July 22, 2015 at 12:00 pm
  
  Ok great! Thanks so much! 🙂
  
  Reply
Al The Author | August 19, 2015 at 9:03 am

Hi, just stopping by to say thanks for following my blog. I really appreciate it! Here’s to the little daydreamer in us all, the one who is determined to stay positive throughout, and inspire others to do the same 🙂

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- breakdownchick | August 19, 2015 at 12:55 pm
  
  Hi there! Pleasure is mine, daydreamers unite! 😉
  
  Reply
  - Al The Author | August 19, 2015 at 2:57 pm
    
    When the daydreamers unite, nothing can stop… ooh look, a butterfly!
  - breakdownchick | August 19, 2015 at 9:48 pm
    
    Lol! I guess it’s hard to focus and daydream at the same time, isn’t it? Oh well, keep dreaming! 🙂
mark kent | November 7, 2015 at 11:20 am

my blog is below

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breakdownchick | November 16, 2015 at 1:17 pm

Thanks for stopping by 🙂

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itsgoodtobecrazysometimes | December 28, 2015 at 6:41 pm

Hi

I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award, its purely volunterly and if you do want to do it then you can find all the details here:

https://itsgoodtobecrazysometimes.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/the-sunshine-blogger-award-2/

Reply
- breakdownchick | December 28, 2015 at 8:15 pm
  
  Thanks so much for the nomination. I did already participate in this award, so I’ll pass, giving someone else an opportunity. I deeply appreciate being considered, thanks again!
  
  Reply
  - itsgoodtobecrazysometimes | December 28, 2015 at 8:29 pm
    
    Not a problem thank you for letting me know
DaisyWillows | May 12, 2016 at 6:43 pm

Amen to finding peace. Thank you for finding me and I am so drawn to your story – here is to a new friendship 🙂 Daisy

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- breakdownchick | May 12, 2016 at 7:13 pm
  
  Thank you! 🙂 Cheers! 💚
  
  Reply
jennymarie4 | July 5, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Hi, I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog. I hope you continue to do well on your healing journey. I also write about mental health issues… anxiety/panic attacks. Both myself and my daughter suffered from them, but now are panic free. It’s nice to connect with you! Take care, Jenny

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- breakdownchick | July 5, 2016 at 8:24 pm
  
  I’m so glad you did stumble here. My daughter has mental health issues too. It’s an extra challenge for sure. I’m looking forward to being connected. Take care, Maria
  
  Reply
  - jennymarie4 | July 5, 2016 at 8:37 pm
    
    Thank you Maria! And me too 🙂
Jacqui | July 27, 2016 at 5:35 pm

Hey gorgeous soul sister I didn’t know you had a blog. Imagine how long we will be talking for when we finally meet. I hope in some way I can help in your healing. That’s what soul sisters do. Love u ❤️

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- breakdownchick | July 27, 2016 at 7:53 pm
  
  Hi soul sister, thank you for visiting my blog. I look forward to the day we get together ❤
  
  Reply