Real Stories. Real Struggles. Real Hope.
Welcome to SDRTA. I am Richard Jenkins, the founder and voice behind this platform. My journey with mental health has been a long and complex one. For more than thirty years, I have lived with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). About two decades ago, I was also diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, which over time has largely subsided. There is a possibility that I live with Complex PTSD as well.
I am also in recovery from alcohol and prescription pill addiction — experiences that have profoundly shaped how I understand mental health, healing, and resilience.
Why This Platform Exists
This site is my effort to reach people living with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges. While my primary focus is on depression and addiction, I am deeply aware of the wide spectrum of mental illnesses and the symptoms, struggles, and societal challenges that accompany them.
I share my insights not only from personal experience as a long-time consumer of mental health services, but also from a professional background in social services, where I worked extensively with individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI) and addictions.
My Background
I hold a Master’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology and Substance Abuse Counseling, and a concentration in Social Work. Over the years, I have combined academic knowledge with lived experience, giving me a unique perspective on mental health that is both compassionate and informed.
I have been on both sides — as a provider of support and as someone in need of it. This dual perspective is what makes my voice authentic and relatable to those who may feel unseen or misunderstood.
What You Will Find Here
The content you will read on SDRTA is honest, direct, and sometimes raw. I speak openly about my experiences — from psychiatric medications to panic attacks, from the depths of addiction to the moments of triumph in recovery.
- I may share personal stories that some find triggering, but I will always provide a clear warning at the start of such posts.
- I may express myself bluntly at times, but never without empathy.
- I may reference research and studies where relevant, providing links whenever possible to credible sources.
Above all, this is a space for truthful conversation about mental health — the good days, the hard days, and everything in between.
A Clear Disclaimer
I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist. I do not give medical advice. Instead, I share experiences in the hope that they resonate, encourage reflection, and inspire people to seek the help they need.
If you are struggling, I encourage you to reach out — whether to a doctor, therapist, crisis hotline, friend, family member, faith leader, or even simply to yourself in the mirror. You do not have to face it alone.
A Shared Story
If you ever read something here and think, “That’s exactly how I feel”, it is because our experiences often have more in common than we realize. Our individual details may differ, but the underlying story of struggle, survival, and hope connects us all.
At SDRTA, we are here to remind you of one truth — you are not alone.