I have long been a fan and consumer of the “mental health memoir” literature-production machine. I have also shared my own stories of mental and physical health challenges with friends and family members. There are a few stories, in particular, that have gotten consistent positive feedback, and that I hope sharing more broadly will help a few other people.

I’m going to write about the mental and physical health conditions that impact my day-to-day life: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (“depression”), and Crohn’s Disease. I also plan to share stories around my experience as a woman in science, a woman who pressed charges against her sexual assaulter, and a woman aiming to both be a mother and breadwinner.

My name is Abby, and I first got advice from another person who had already gone through the mental health system from my older cousin. I’m hoping to now act as that older cousin for the other people out there who don’t happen to have that relative and are instead looking online for their answers. Please send in your questions, and I can answer them with experiences and stories.