My name is Tonia, and this is my story. I always knew that I had something wrong with me, but I was not sure what it was. In 2008, I had my first relapse and I thought my world was over, but it wasn’t. I went to DHMC several times and even had ECT treatments, …
TW: suicide This year I have been hospitalized twice for my mental illness due to medical complications. At the time, I felt there was no hope and I would NEVER get better. I struggled with intrusive thoughts and suicidal ideations, and I struggled with just making it through the day. With the help of my …
“I am Kelly E., and I live in New Hampshire. I have a serious mental illness and autism spectrum disorder. I am a strong advocate and won a statewide advocacy award in 2018 called the Diana Carrigan award. I have been nominated for another state wide advocacy award call the Virginia Bowden award for people …
When I find myself struggling, I look to nature to center myself and point me in the right direction.
My ghosts are invisible to eyes other thanOnes trained by history to see themI try to blind myself to their presenceYet their darkness penetrates my eyelids Their voices soundlessly fall upon unknowing companionsYet their silence screams into my headShowering me with hateful words Worthless. Stupid. Loser.You deserved what you got.You are destroyed – why even …
In 2016 I was gifted my Native American name, Strong Woman with Listening Heart. “But Grandmother,” I said, “I don’t live up to that name.” She replied that it is up to us to strive to our names. I do listen to others with genuine love and caring. I also listen to the Universe – …
TW: suicidal ideation There was much of my life where hope seemed very much out of reach. I felt that way because of the experiences that I had over the years. I had lived through trauma after trauma, starting when I was a very young child and lasting well into my early adulthood. I used …
