I'm a writer, an academic, and a teacher. I love exploring new languages, playing cello, lake swimming, spending time around horses, finding new ways to cook beetroot, and telling stories. I'm surrounded by wonderful friends, family, and cats. And for several years all of this was overshadowed by PTSD. I had got to the point where I couldn't fully remember what life had been like before it. PTSD became my new normal. It was a very bleak normal.
After reaching crisis point, I was referred to VIDA Sheffield. I arrived with modest goals, not believing that much could change. I left with renewed zest for life and a self-confidence that I never expected to find.
Domestic abuse is spiking under the pandemic and VIDA's resources are painfully stretched. There is no adequate thanks I can give to them, and the least I can do is raise some funds so that VIDA can continue to help other women through trauma.
As one of the things I lost through PTSD and regained through therapy was my ability to write creatively, a sponsored novel-a-thon seems fitting. I'll be sharing snippets and posting updates on my progress over the next three months. Not an academic book, not a journal article - this is a fun full-length work of fiction, written to celebrate my recovery and support VIDA!
