My Introduction

Well, as I'm sure you have figured out, my name is Kim.  I have Asperger's Syndrome, Major Depressive Disorder, anxiety and panic attacks.  I know; I sound like a mess, right?  Well I sort of am! haha.  

Most people who meet me do not realize I am disabled.  There are both blessing and curse attributes to having an invisability disability.  People don't stare and potential employers can't usually tell from an interview that I am disabled.  However, many people doubt that you are actually disabled.  Friend and family, with their hearts in the right place, will tell you to simply get over something.  I can't stop an obsession cycle in full swing.  I can't just get out of a bad mood during a depressive episode.  I can't do these things any more than a cancer patient can wish away a tumer, or a diabetic can wish their blood suger up or down.

It is very difficult and isolating to feel as though no one believes you.  Friend and family often try hard to help but can't get it quite right.  Thats why I turn to the internet.  Online, I can connect with people who have the same interests or difficulties as me, without the social hardships that come along with face to face meetings.

 Now, don't get me wrong, I don't live like a hermit or anything.  In fact I have gotten quite good at meeting people in person as I've grown up a bit.  And I know I still have a lot of growing and maturing to do.  

Have any of you hear of psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) before?  Well I am training one!  I am recieving a dog in 9 days and we are going to begin his training that same day.

 The dog will be trained to combat my memory loss by reminding me to take my meds and stick to a normal routine, as well as learning to find things I lose frequently (keys, cell phone).  Tyler, my dog will also be trained to provide deep pressure therapy during depressive episodes, alert to anxiety and mood swings, along with a grab bag of other tasks and commands.  I am very excited to have this tool to help me not just survive, but thrive.

 Well I think that was a long enough Introduction to myself and what the diary will be about.  If anyone has any additional questions I would be happy to answer them!  Just contact me =]

Kim & Tyler