Been beading

I'm not ashamed to tell people that I suffer from a mental disorder. I don't like the stigma surrounding mental illness. People need to educate themselves before judging and talking about us.

I usually don't feel comfortable going out of the house alone because I suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder along with my Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder. I usually wait for Shawn to be with me or only go places I know I won't have to talk to anyone and can get in and out. I need to feel comfortable enough to know that someone has my back before I can go out with them. By having my back, I mean, they will protect me if I'm verbally attacked or approached by strangers. There are very few people that I trust to go out with.

With that all being said, I truly love going to my local bead store. I feel very comfortable with the ladies and gents that go there and know that the store owner and employee will take care of anyone who bothers me. I take classes there. I go to beading groups and have loved getting back into this art form. I have been a self taught beader for over 20 years and am now learning new techniques and using different beads.

I was worried that Shawn would get upset because I go to the store at least once a week. I asked him about it and he said that he's rather me go to the bead store than sit around the house moping. I also have a few tatting groups that I attend also.  He is so generous with giving me time to do my art forms.

I'm so happy that I have a place to go where I feel comfortable and have a safe place to explore my outlet.