Karen Straub

I'm fundraising for...

I've decided to do a December cold water Dip with my soul sister Christine to raise funds for the charity To Write Love On Her Arms so they can help prevent suicide. 

I have experienced depression on a level most people have not. Both personally and as a nurse caring for others.  I will continue to post this month to support and end the stigma that is often associated with mental illness.

Depression affects many this time of year and I have been struggling with my own seasonal depression. It’s been intense this year for so many reasons. I am not ashamed. But it hasn’t always been that way for me. I’ve been living with major depressive disorder since I was a teenager and things got very hard in my 20s. But I pressed on, and with the right combination of meds, therapy, and hard work; I can say I have been stable for a long time. Things that help me through are: staying busy with my art, taking time to rest, learning to say “no”, medication, the sunshine, and my loving family and friends.

I am doing a cold water plunge on December 31st with one of my soul sisters to show my dedication to suicide awareness and prevention. At a young age I saved my Dad from his own suicide and didn’t find out until I was a teenager. Please support my endeavor by donating if you are able. And remember there is always HOPE in the darkness….always.