“Dear Dr J, Thank you for the many years of therapy you’ve provided me. I remember how messed up…”

Dear Dr J, Thank you for the many years of therapy you’ve provided me. I remember how messed up I was when I first met you. I was almost on the brink of suicide. I just didn’t know what to do with myself. Everything was so out of control. I was out of control, and I had no idea what to do to fix it. you were so patient with and so kindly helped me as I worked through all the issues I had. I felt that my life was over, had nowhere to go, totally just wanting to die. I was so afraid to open up to you because all my life I had lived with the paint, the awful memories of things I had done and things done to me and I didn’t want to live with those memories everyday. I remember my poor husband trying so desperately to comfort me, trying to help me see that I was worth something - all to no avail. Even being hospitalized for an overdose of tablets didn’t really make me feel better. In fact going into the hospital made me want to kill myself even more. but you were so kind to even come and visit me at the hospital. That little act of kindness made a big impact on me. It showed that you really cared about me as a person, not just as a patient. After being your patient for the last seven years or so, I can now honestly say I feel good about myself and really think life is worth living. Of course my bipolar disorder will never go away, but I am at peace with myself and am happy to fight for it. My husband is even happier as now we have a better financial position, since I no longer us shopping as a way to cope. The long sessions of therapy have truly helped me to know I am worthwhile and that really, everyone makes mistakes. I just don’t have to let these mistakes define my life forever. And I have forgiven myself and now love myself. It’s a good feeling and I’m really happy I stuck with the therapy session even when I wanted to give up. So once again, thank you for caring about your patients, for caring about me. I will always remember you. All the best, Your Longtime Patient