Dear anita

I was 16 years old when I had the brain infection. It took me more than 2 years to recover. When I think about that period, I was very angry at the time. Questions like “why did this happen to me” etc. I shed so many tears. Also, I had to move on: I wanted to study at university and everyone told me not to. I did and graduated, but it took so much effort that I didn’t think about my mental health. It took me years to find help and  to talk about it with a professional. It affects my life today ( I’m 35), although I thought it would pass along time passes.

I don’t think that my mother realises that she criticizes me. She probably denies when I would confront her. It’s all meant well. The same with my father. He always says that he doesn’t push me, but he does – to apply for a job, to call mister x,… The pressure on his behalf is high as well.

Thank you again for your reply.