Two months after the divorce, I was shocked to see my ex-wife wandering aimlessly around the hospital. When I learned the truth, I collapsed.

I, too, began to understand my role in this pattern. My frustration had turned into criticism. My criticism had exacerbated her fear. Unwittingly, I had contributed to creating a home where she felt even more compelled to hide.

Rebecca’s recovery was long and difficult. There were challenging days, relapses, and moments when she longed for nothing more than relief. But there were also small victories: the first calm conversation, the first full night’s sleep with proper medical care, the first walk down the hospital corridor without panic paralyzing her.