Hi,

my name is Jan, I live in Canada, and I just recently came across your website- by accident actually. I grew up with a bi-polar mother, and am currently in counselling to try and work through the many "side-effects" of what my childhood has caused my mental health.

I am realizing that I have never been happy, and that my inner child is trapped within, not allowed to feel loved or happy and I dont know how to let her out. I dont know how to be happy because I shut off that emotion in order to survive. I was pleasantly surprised to find your website and to read the many stories of people that have gone through similar and worse situations with mentally ill parents, I dont feel as alone knowing other people can relate (even though I wish nobody else had to go through this). I am wondering if you have any suggestions on how to let my inner child out of her box, to allow myself to feel love and happiness so that I can live the rest of my life. I (think) I deserve to live the rest of my life, especially when I never got a childhood- right?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much for existing!

Sincerely,

Jan