I had convinced myself life was good. At 32, I was what most would call blessed and accomplished. I was married to my rock for 8 years, two beautiful children, a part-time marriage and family therapist and an adjunct professor at the local university, a terrific extended family, many great friendships, even time for community service work. So why was I suffering from depression that wouldn't go away? Why was I plagued with chronic migraines and fatigue? Why was there only fleeting moments of happiness among all these wonderful things? And why was I feeling no desire to have sex with my husband? In April of 2008, I would begin a journey which would last over three years. This is the personal story of my triumph over post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional manipulation, and how PTSD impacted so many aspects of my life. It is how PTSD impacted my self-worth, my physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as my most intimate relationships. This is my narrative about the realization of emotional manipulation in my life, and how I finally found the courage to not only forgive myself, but to give myself a hopeful future. Coming out of the Dark is a story of triumph and transformation, as well as a journey through extraordinary grief, loss, and pain. It shows that, with the expression of deep emotion and the commitment and acceptance of our stories, one has the capacity for great change and the reward of feelings of true happiness after sorrow and pain.