I am new to this site. I have tried other sites but most seem to be not for me. I have suffered from depression most of my life. I was abused by my mother and stepfather until I was twelve when my stepfather sold me to his dealer. I lived for many years as a possession until finally escaping in 2001. Yes things like this still happen in the United States. I am not from some other country. I am trying to learn to cope with my past. I thought that if I just buried it deep enough it would go away. As you all know it doesn't. I am trying to hold onto that small flicker of light that promises there is a future for me. I like talking to other people and am a good listener.