My name is Melissa MacDonald, and I was a victim of childhood abuse and trauma. Was. Today, I stand as a survivor. At 36 years old, I’ve walked many paths—wife, mother, partner, student, peer, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter. I’ve achieved so much, but my journey is far from over. I’ve beaten the odds. I’ve broken the cycle.
For those of us who’ve endured adverse childhood experiences, the path to healing isn’t always easy. We aren’t “favored” to rise above it all. Overcoming anxiety and depression? That’s a daily challenge, and I know firsthand what it feels like to live with the aftershocks of the trauma we’ve survived. The fear, the doubt—they can linger like the echoes of an earthquake. But then there’s resilience.
As SAMHSA defines it, resilience is the ability to adapt and thrive, even in the face of adversity. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today or the person I’ve become. I am an achiever, standing tall above the struggles that once weighed me down.
My goal is simple: to share my story, inspire others, and raise awareness for mental health. This space is more than just a blog; it’s the beginning of a community. You’re invited to be part of it, to share in the journey of healing and growth.
Here, you are welcome. If you feel ready, you can share your story too. Together, we can be honest, authentic, vulnerable—and above all, resilient.