I first started writing this book, I Am a Real Person, as therapy for myself. Although I've had help from various therapists and counsellors, there are some things that I have never been able to talk about or come to terms with, and writing this book has helped me. It tells of how and why I felt so worthless, even from a young age, and everything written is exactly how I remember it. From even before I was married, my life started to go downhill. At first, I believed it would pick up, but after years of abuse I came to the conclusion that it would never change, and I just wanted out. Until things went from bad to worse and something was said to me that made me realise I had to do something positive. I hope that my story will offer encouragement to anyone going through something similar. There is always a way out, however difficult it may seem.