BARBARA'S TCHATZKAHS

Abuse changes the brain. Thank you modern science for proving correct what I have been saying for years. And the more I work with other abuse victims, the more I see proof that this is so. Abuse victims are not stupid, nutjobs, obsessive, crazy, scorned or naive . Suicide victims or contemplaters are not insane, cowardly or crying for attention. As someone who contemplated suicide a few times for a variety of reasons ( none of which had to do with attention-getting or cowardice ) and who attempted it once (to get away from the 2 sociopaths in my life who had pushed me to the edge) I am grateful to my late therapist and those who made me see my life still had value. I was stuck in cognitive loops from which I couldn't escape through shear strength of will. At the bottom of this article is a link to my friend Iddybud 's recent post on the PTSD related suicides of Iraq War soldiers/ survivors. Please read and pass on. Don't pass judgment on those of us whose lives have...

Having a child with ADD, when you're not - can be a challenge. Trying to work with the NYC School System can be frustrating and rage-inducing. My child has been profoundly lucky to have teachers who really care and last year, one who is passionate about teaching and reaching the minds of all his students... No matter how far outside the box he had to reach. My child is dynamic, frustrating, creative, imaginative, crazy-making and infinitely charming, loveable and full of compassion. Last year, they designed their own Halloween costume, sketched it, helped me get the fabrics for it and gave it to their very resourceful and innovative Aunt - who painstakingly brought it to life. My Nana, of blessed memory, (who was a clothing designer and made 90% of my clothing for me until she passed in 1981) - would be very VERY proud. For them & my other friends and childrens' friends with ADD, I post this article: by Ben Goldfarb A few years ago, my wife was waiting patiently for me...