My name is Kimberly.  I have suffered from debilitating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder since the age of 18.   On March 1, 1998, I attempted to take my own life.   These poems tell my story of anxiety, depression, social phobia, agoraphobia, and a suicide attempt and were written in my own struggle to understand why.   My mistakes, shortcomings, and emotions are expressed here, and I hope will help others not to feel so alone.   I don't believe anyone can understand something as well as the one who knows from personal experience.   The subjects of mental health issues and suicide  still carry such a stigma and its because of this that many people are suffering silently.   In any circles, suicide is thought of as unconscionable, and especially in the Christian community, of which I consider myself a part.   For that reason, I have a passionate belief about the importance of this message.   It is told from a Christian perspective but is meant to provide encouragement to all who may be suffering.   My desire is not to focus on the details;  I let my poetry speak for itself, but I will give a short narrative before each poem.  In reading my poems, I hope you develop more insight and a better understanding  of these subjects but,  more importantly, that you hear the message of true hope!