Author Description

In April 2022, after suffering with mental illness for over 15 years, a dozen ER visits for suicidal ideation, and three ambulance trips, I found myself in a psych ward. Over the course of three separate hospitalizations in the same year, I spent a total of 25 days on the unit. Before being admitted, I had only ever experienced a psych ward through the lens of television and novels. Of course, the exaggerated nature of fiction had me terrified of what was to come upon my admission. I wasn’t prepared for the love, acceptance, camaraderie, and laughs that came during the next few weeks. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to meet people who have become close friends. On the other hand, I also suffered all of the trauma that comes with such an ordeal – fights, alarms, being woken at all hours of the night, room checks, screaming, etc. In short, it was probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to go through, but it also saved my life. In summary, this book is first and foremost meant to be a broken window through which the realities of mental health issues shine. It is also meant to highlight the problems with the mental health care system while simultaneously being an exercise in empowering young authors to live their truth and be who they are. Please read with caution, but I do hope you enjoy.