Erica! You deserve a round of applause. As someone who was bullied from a very early age, this was difficult to watch but it made me proud that you were willing to stand up and speak about your pain. It took me YEARS (like married w/almost adult children) to share with anyone what I was dealing with. So to use your platform to speak out on this level - I'm crying tears of sadness, joy and pride...just all the tears. You did a GREAT thing!!! Even if it impacts just one person.

I can relate to a lot of what you said. I’m 65 years old and my family was very dysfunctional. I started cleaning and organizing everything before I was school age because it was one thing I could control. I prefer animals to people and had a dog grooming business that was perfect for me. I still love to clean and organize but it isn’t from stress anymore. I lost both of my dogs last year and am still devastated. We are lucky to have such creatures give us unconditional love. You’re very brave, funny, talented and beautiful. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Sending love and admiration

Love you Erica! Thanks for sharing with the world. Very brave. I personally can’t see myself doing this just yet. But maybe one day :)

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Justine. It was really difficult, but I seem to have reached one of those points in my life where I'm just running out of F's to give (excuse my French) and if people don't accept me for who I am, then oh well.

You ARE loved. Give yourself some grace and thank you for sharing. I am the mother with a 24 yr old bipolar daughter. It pains me that I cannot make her well. She is in tune with her disorder and has been open with it. As she and her doctors are trying various combinations of medications to find her balance it is so difficult to watch her go through it all. She lives two hours away from me and I struggle with not being able to be there and hold her when she has a anxiety or depression episode. I lost my 19 yr old niece to suicide and I refuse to lose my daughter to it. Praying for all people who struggle with mental illness that there is hope and help out there without stigma. Big hugs Erica ❤️

You are someone who makes me smile every time I see your face. Today, I smile because I see how brave and strong you are. You wear your emotions on your sleeve because your heart is so big. Bless you for sharing. I wish I could hug you and share a cup of coffee over a cry and a laugh!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words, Laura, and coffee and a cry together sounds amazing ❤️

I'm so much in awe of how brave it was to film this and share parts of your story. I can relate to the bullying. Nearly every single day from grade 7 - 12 I was teased for being fat. I deal with insecurities today at almost 58 because of it. My anxieties went through the roof in 2020, thank goodness for good doctors and meds! I'm feeling much better these days. Following you on IG and KZread has definitely been a bright spot for me!! I appreciate all the hard work you put into your videos and sharing them with us.

You are AMAZING. I have so much respect for you my friend. You are not alone. You are a warrior. I have so much love for you ❤

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Tasha. One day we will hug and craft in person! Xx

Erica, you are amazingly brave and beautiful. It takes such courage to tell your story honestly. I'm almost 70 years old and I've spent all that time focusing on being brilliant at work hoping that no one notices what a wreck I am in my personal life. My issues now are exactly opposite from yours...instead of OCD, I have a total lack of motivation to do anything at all. But mine started with being bullied about size/weight from as early as I can remember, even from my family. It's horrible how things we struggled with as children follow us all our lives. YOU ARE SO LOVED!!!❤

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Oh Judy, I’m so so sorry you have been suffering for so long and from being bullied by your own family too. That’s awful that the very people that are supposed to love you and make you feel safe have done that to you. I wish I could hug you and tell you it gets better, but some wounds we just learn to live with, rather than get over. At least that’s how it feel like for me. If you ever need to chat, please do reach out.

I wish I could give you a big hug! As a mother of a daughter who has severe mental health issues, I understand. Until you suffer from, or have a loved one who suffers from mental illness, it's hard to imagine how horrible it is. I admire you so much, for the courage it took for you to share! You will be in my prayers!

Okay first, I totally thought you were like 30-something this whole time LOL I'm so so sorry that you've been through all this. Especially when the "worst case scenario" (that the OCD "prevents") happens, and figuring out how to deal with that, because your world already felt upside down and now the thing that makes it not upside down has been flipped. I've never related more/heard someone so accurately describe what it's like to have OCD, holy. YOU are definitely not alone. I (and others, I'm sure) appreciate you sharing your story & muscling through despite how tough it was for you to talk about! Thank you for being the most honest, wonderful, sunshine-filled human and sharing your incredible talents with all of us, friend!

YOU are not alone! I am with you from afar! Thank you for sharing your story. Mine is about childhood trauma, as well, and feeling so alone and not loved and taken care of is a big one for me. Thank you and sending lots of love your way! ❤

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so sad that we have that in common, it’s so common, yet so few talk about it. Big, giant hugs!

You are a bright light in this world for SO many people! Thank you for sharing this with us. I recently shared my struggles as well and the response was so great. So many other people felt inspired by my sharing. That is exactly what is happening with this video. All my love to you! I'm so sorry you have to endure this kind of pain! I work in a resiliency office so please never hesitate to reach out to me if you need someone to talk to. You are right, we are loved and we are worthy.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, Mary, thank you so much for your encouragement and support. You are so kind and lovely, I must have missed your video but I’m sorry you have also struggled. It’s hard living life like you have it all together, isn’t it? I would love to have a good hug, cry and crafting session with you. That would be so amazing! #bucketlist

You are beautiful,talented and amazing,talking is good,crafting to be mindful is even better for me,I also suffer depression anxiety,as I went thru something or somethings as a child including bullying.As I results I turned to drink and drugs,I’m clean of drugs,I am 1month into alcohol detox,and if it wasn’t for crafting I’d hate to say where I would be.You are stronger than you realise,you have beat all obstacles,even if you think you didn’t,your still here,You do amazing videos.Crdit where credit due YOU ARE AWESOME HUNI 😎 xx

I will be so more attuned to my granddaughters. They are 2,4 and 8. I have told you about my 8 year old. I want them to grow up safe and loved. I have felt like you sometimes, but in my military bringing up, I was taught to be quiet. I am 64 now and I am trying. You are so real and brave. Thank you

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

If my mad rambling has helped you identify some things with your granddaughters, I'm so glad. I also had a major trauma at the age of 5, which I don't remember, but have been told about, so that could also be part of my issues. The ages your girls are at right now, it's so very important to make sure they feel safe and loved.

You are an amazing, brave, talented, and beautiful woman. That took a lot of courage and you are not alone. This is such an important issue, maybe now more than ever in these pandemic times.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely support, Jackie, I really really appreciate it! You are so sweet.

Dear Erica, you are so brave, beautiful and incredibly talented! Just know that you are not alone and you are loved! I don't share and talk about it but I too had not so easy childhood and early adulthood. It got better when I moved out of my parent's home and few more years later I closed that chapter after moving to my current country. It hasn't been easy though: different culture, language barrier, cold and dark winters, cold people and no one else to talk to (except my husband and our daugter) but that's ok. Sending you big hugs 🤗💕 (I love 'kaka' too, especially the 'pepparkaka' 😁 )

That was heartbreaking to watch. I hope it was therapeutic to film. Grief is so hard to get thru. I’ve lost both parents this year and I struggle with that. So sorry about losing your dogs. It’s devastating to lose your best buddies and constant companion. Take care of yourself. Sending hugs.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. I’m heartbroken for you that you have had so much loss in such a short period of time, big hugs to you right back!

Thank you so much for sharing Erica ❤️ I suffer from quite a few mental and physical illnesses and sadly haven’t crafted in around 15 or so months due to my illnesses but am hoping to return back into creating things and videos again either end of this year or sometime next year. It’s nice to be reminded that we aren’t alone. ❤️ Sending you love and big gentle hugs! Xx

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that with me, and for taking time out of your day to watch my ramblings. I’m glad it helped you feel less alone, and I’m sending big squishy hugs right back to you!

@RiCre8s

3 жыл бұрын

@@CaCaCraftbyErica You’re welcome ❤️ Thank you for the big squishy hugs 🥰

Erica, thank you for showing us your vulnerability as it will help someone who needs to see this. I am sending you virtual hugs and love. Losing a beloved fur baby or babies is one of the hardest things in life. I love you for you. We are all flawed but also wonderful. We never know how someone might be suffering behind the scenes. Love ❤️ you!

amazing strength! Thank you for sharing! I had a doctor tell me once the people who have the worst pain know how to hid it best! Please be kind to those struggling, even just a smile can mean the world!!!! Thinking of you and you are NOT alone!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story too. I have had doctors telling me there isn't anything else they can do for me regarding my chronic back pain, which is a source of my at times wobbly mental state, and I should just ´learn to live with it´. I do try keeping a positive mindset as that helps me, it's easy to spiral into the abyss of depression, so yeah, a smile can really turn your whole day around. Hugs.

Thanks so much for sharing. I think we all have something in the background that not everyone sees. You are loved and sending big hugs. Xx

Hi lovely, I don't even know what to say after watching your video. I wish I could give you a hug. One thing is knowing you're not alone and the other is feeling it. These pandemic days make it easier to feel alone because it is not that easy to be with the ones we love. I feel your pain. Losing the fur babies is just so awful! Some 10 years ago our 3 dogs got parvovirus and only the youngest one survived. It is horrible to feel powerless. Even more so when we want to save someone we love. But that's also when we get to know our strength. You made it out of every unthinkable situation that you've been through. And you are talking about it! That's also very difficult. And you did it. Your strength inspires me. Not only your talent. Please stay strong. There are thousands of us who care about you. ❤️ Sending love your way.

Dear Erica, you are such a powerful and talented woman! Beautiful and unique in all senses! Be happy with yourself as you are one of a kind and you make a difference! Big hugs!!! 🌺🤗🤗🤗

I'm so sorry that your life has been so difficult. I think that acknowledging all of the hurt helps. I have come to acknowledging some of my hurts.

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

You are so right. You are loved and you are so very worthy of being loved. May you heal in your heart and head, finding only peace and happiness every day.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words, Debra. I'm working on it, it is a daily struggle to stop myself from talking negatively to myself but I am doing better with it, a lot of it is changing your habits, which is hard.

Love you even more, for putting yourself out there. That takes a lot of courage. It seems like the nicest people, with the biggest hearts have the most problems. I think its because you care so much, feel so much, and try so hard. YOU are loved, too. I’m glad you’re on your way to feeling better. Art certainly helps, and the community is mostly compassionate. Wishing you all the best in all that you do. Your work is lovely, and just keeps getting better with time. Big hugs and love to you.

Thank you so much for sharing this! You are so brave and amazing and as a mom to kids who struggle with anxiety I appreciate your honesty.

You are AMAZING. BEAUTIFUL and BRAVE. I know your anxiety struggles will always be there but please know how much you are loved and appreciated by your crafting community. We LOVE you just the way you are. ❤🙏❤🙏❤

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your incredibly sweet and encouraging words, Lori. I appreciate them so much, you don’t even know how much.

Thank you for being so “real” and honest. It takes a lot of courage to share what you have shared....I was a therapist for 29 years in Mental Health...my heart goes out to you...and I send you big hugs...continue to be authentic and share.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words, and the encouragement, Nancy. I really appreciate them, a lot more than you could ever know. Big hugs back!

Sending you big, big hugs, sweet girl! Corene

You are such a beautiful person. I would like to thank you for all the inspiration and kindness you share with the crafting industry. You are loved.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words, Lori, I so appreciate the support and love you show me.

Erica, I was so touched and moved by your message on your video. Thank you for being a voice for so many people who struggle with mental health. You are beautiful, brave and so loved. Hugs and love my friend💖😘

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Rikki. I hope it helps someone and shows people this is a very common issue. Big hugs back!

You are a beautiufl, talented artist and thank you for sharing your mental health issue with us. I am so sorry that you lost your pets, I know they bring much comfort and joy to us. I am sure you gave them the best life possible. Please stay strong.

thank you for sharing. you are not crazy and I know there are many struggling. you are loved, by me and many others.

Well done hon. You have done a brave and beautiful thing. Hugs !!

You are wonderful. You are brilliant. You are beloved. You are a joy. Thank you for bravely sharing your story. You are so incredibly strong. Your sharing and the whole hop’s participants stories have truly made me feel less alone. You have a beautiful soul and the card is gorgeous.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you feel less alone, that was the whole point behind me sharing this big old mess that goes on in my head and heart, all day, every day. If you ever want to talk, vent or just compare my crazy to your crazy, I’m here

Thank you so much for sharing your story, you are not alone!!!! 💚💚💚

Oh dear Erica. This is SingySuzieSue from IG. How brave of you to share and be so vulnerable. You are such a beautiful person and SO LOVED. My heart aches for your pain. You have helped and encouraged me so much with your story. ❤️🤗 Sending a big hug from the US.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Suzie, and thank you for your lovely comment. You are so sweet and encouraging, and I appreciate the support so much. I hope you know that. Big hugs and lots of love!

You are so kind and generous to share your beautiful self Erica❤️❤️❤️

It is very courageous of you to share your experiences - mental health isn't openly discussed as much as it should be . We need to think about how children experience tramatic events or certain types of behaviour (displayed by adults) and the impact it may have on them in later life. When you dig a little, most mental health issues have their roots in early childhood. Just wanted to say thankyou for sharing your talent - your cards are stunning! I also love seeing your dogs and cats on IG - it makes my day to see them!!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Andrea, I really appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to watch this and leave such a lovey and encouraging message for me. Thank you. I agree with you on the childhood trauma and how a lot of it can be resolved by adults paying more attention to their behaviour around children, and getting the child help quickly when needed. I think that would have helped me a lot, personally. The doggies and kitties will be shared forever, I’m fully embracing the crazy pet lady label!

Also I know what you mean with the ocd,mine was numbers (which is more common than you realise)Me or anyone could not do odd numbers,especially No 3,Had to be even especially number 8,and don’t get me started on the volume on my remote 😏.But yeah I used to think someone will die or something bad will happen,again you/we are not alone.It’s a slow recovery but I’m slowly getting there.Keep strong huni x

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comments, Nikki, and for sharing your struggles too. It's so much more common than we think when we are all wrapped up in the voices in our heads. I'm so glad you are getting better and doing things for yourself and your happiness.

I tried to watch your video and leave a comment before.... but everh time I started I had to stop midway to weep. I can't imagine what you have been through or currently going through. My heart breaks for you and I wish I were there when you filmed this to give you a tight hugs. Thank you for sharing. Loads of love and BIG SQUISHY HUGS ❤

Sharing your experience so honestly is very brave and sure to be helpful. To you and to others. Sending lots of love and hugs. You are not alone. Love the addition of the facets to your card!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Ardyth. I really appreciate you listening to my crazy rambling and being a friend. Love, always

You are loved 🥰 🥰🥰. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. ❤️❤️❤️

Sending love to you! Thank you for sharing your story!!!!! You are be inside and out! You inspire so many people! I am thankful to get to know you! Hugs ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Love you Erica! You are not alone. Thank you for sharing your struggles.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words, Barb, I appreciate them more than you know.

Sorry that it's taken me so long to work around to watching this video, then another 24 hours before leaving a comment. This was so hard to watch & I hate to see you suffer. But, if you can put yourself out there and make this video, the least I can do is watch it all the way through. You are such a warm and beautiful person, Erica. And you & the rest of the gang certainly made me more aware of the issues around mental health. I thought I understood. I really didn't. Now at least I know that I have a lot to learn. Thank you so much for braving a forum of people that may or may not be accepting of what you revealed. I know it wasn't easy, and I did want you to know how much I appreciate it. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Hugs to you Ericka. You are amazing and thank you for sharing your story with us.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and for the hugs! ❤️

So very brave of you to share, Erica. Sending big, big hugs. Thank you for doing this

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your lovely words, Laura, and thank you for watching. Big hugs back!

I love you Erica. Happy birthday 🥰 you are so sweet, brave, funny, beautiful, talented and many more beautiful things. You are not alone. I also have several mental health issues 🙃 OCD, anxiety I don't know what the rest is called in English 😉 ❤ thank you for telling your story Big crafty Hugs xx

HUGE HUGS & chocolate pastry 🥐❤️❤️❤️❤️

Erica - It’s hard to know what to say after reading your story. “I’m sorry” sounds so lame but I am sorry and I appreciate how hard that must have been to re-visit and share with us. It’s a good reminder that you never know what someone is really going through....I had no idea you had/have suffered so, you are so upbeat on your Instagram. I see you as an amazingly talented woman, a brave woman, a beautiful woman (I’m super envious of your long hair - LOL) and you have shared such a big part of your life. Sending hugs.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your lovely and kind comment, Leslie. I have a lot of things going on in my head, yes, but I try to keep a positive attitude and outlook, because if I didn’t, I don’t think I would still be here. It might even be that going through those really hard times, that the good times seem even better now, and that the smallest thing that can give me joy I grab and enjoy the heck out of. It’s hard to tell, but there is so much joy to be had and there is so many amazing thing to experience still, and I don’t want to miss it. This week has been really hard for me, dragging all this up again and going deep, but it’s also been therapeutic and cathartic in a way. And if it helps a single person feel less alone and less of an outcast, mission accomplished.

love you Erica!!!!

Erica, I love you my friend. We share or have a whole lot in common. Childhood bullying that didn’t stop for many years. Arts & crafts saved me from caring what others said or did. I knew the truth & eventually I did get help. You are never alone. Thank you for being brave in sharing. Through sharing we heal & help others to see their value & to seek help. 💜

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Oh Roberta, I’m so sorry we have that in common too. I wish we only had a love of crafting and animals in common, but yes, it does help knowing we are not alone in all this. Big hugs and love, always!

@bertas-cards

3 жыл бұрын

Don’t forget our love of 🌈s & embossing powders 😉

You are so beautiful and talented and brave for sharing a problem that so many of us have and don't discuss! Thank you for sharing and God bless you!!😊

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kinds words, Suzette!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH BABE!!!!!!!! Sending you the biggest hugs from across the channel 😘 Until we meet again soooooooonnnnn ❤

Wow...you are so truly brave for putting yourself out there like this!! Thank you so much!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Patty. It was difficult but it was time.

Hugs to you, thank you for sharing, God bless you.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, it means a lot.

I could feel in my heart how hard this was for you. Thank you; someone out there will see this and feel better.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and for hanging in there, and for being there for me, I really appreciate it.

You are such a beautiful soul, and you are so inspiring. Your stories are so raw and honest. It just shows you’re human, and have feelings too. It was refreshing to see a different side of you. Hugs from Denver Colorado USA. I love your videos, and your quirkiness. You are literally one of my favorite KZreadrs! Keep your chin up! Thanks for sharing all of these such personal feelings with us. ♥️♥️♥️

@CaCaCraftbyErica

2 жыл бұрын

Oh Shawnna, thank you so much for this wonderful comment. I'm so sorry it's so late in replying. I do read every comment, but don't always have time to respond to every single one. I try, but there aren't enough hours in the day. So much crafty shenanigans to get up to, lol. I do have a deep side as well as my overly dramatic, quirky one and it's hopefully making people realise that everything isn't black or white with mental health.

You are beautiful and fun and creative. I watch your videos and they make me so happy to hear your voice and see your pretty face!

Bless you!! Honey you are loved, and beautiful and so so talented and sweet and funny and I totally love your your voice!! I watch your videos and you always seem so happy and uplifting!! You just tell that voice to shut up and go craft... be in your happy space!!

Erica thank you for sharing your story ❤ you are amazing and talented ❤ I am sending you all my love and many hugs ❤❤

❤️❤️

Thank you for your vulnerability! I know the more we share our struggles, the more we feel realize we are not alone. You are a lovely person, inside and out.

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words, Ingrid. I really appreciate you taking the time out to watch this and leave me a comment. Hugs!

Thank you soooo much! You are such a jewel 💕

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for saying that, it really does mean a lot.

You are brave and awesome and beautiful!

Erica the courage you have is amazing. My reject for you just went up about a gazillion times and it was high before! I love you dearly, just as you are!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Colleen, and I love and adore you too. Auto correct got you good though, lol!

@CaCaCraftbyErica

3 жыл бұрын

@@spiritjunkie1913 lol, Colleen and I have getting auto corrected in bad ways in common too! You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff we have said to each other! 🤣🤣🤣

@colleenbalija4925

3 жыл бұрын

@@CaCaCraftbyErica oh man, stupid auto correct!

@colleenbalija4925

3 жыл бұрын

@@spiritjunkie1913 ha ha I did! Dang auto correct!

@colleenbalija4925

3 жыл бұрын

@@CaCaCraftbyErica I know!!!!!!!!! It's like OOPS!