Stories of Wellness: Karen Delgado

As a child, my mother struggled with depression and bipolar, while my father battled with PTSD after the Vietnam War. I was given my first label at age seven, and my sixth by twenty-two. As a mother of three, I found myself in an abusive relationship which cost me a major part of my memory. I had reached rock bottom. A close mentor sent Mobile Crisis to my home when I uncharacteristically did not show up to the office for days. She suggested I reach out to the Mental Health Association so that my children and I could get help. It came by way of my advocate; a lovely lady whose compassion and belief in me, gave me motivation. I am now a part of the Mental Health Association Family Support Services, helping others as a family peer advocate. I use self-disclosure as it’s an effective tool in giving others hope. In doing so, I continue on my path to wellness while maintaining a healthy balance. I have a strong social network, and a healthy relationship going strong. I possess multiple degrees, and continue to further my education. I am a certified presenter of mental health curricula through NAMI Rochester, and am in the process of writing several books. My accomplishments are proof that living with mental illness does not have to deter one from success. Daily, I strive to better myself; modeling for my children that you can attain
anything you wish in life, no matter what the obstacles.
-Karen Delgado