stories of the system

Stories of the System focuses on shedding light on personal experiences with mental health care systems — whether that be through psychiatric institutions, therapy, or navigating support networks. This blog offers a platform for people to share their encounters with the structural side of mental health, highlighting both the successes and the systemic challenges. Our aim is to use these stories to illustrate the realities of the current system and advocate for change by spotlighting the need for more compassionate, inclusive, and effective mental health care.

We want to hold these systems accountable.

We want to start conversations.

Share Your Story

Have a testimony to share? Help us spread awareness!

Apollo

Jul 26, 20221 min read

From Apollo

The nurse looked at my self harm scars and said, "I have seen worse. Cutting down is better than cutting across." It made me want to try...

Isis

Jul 26, 20221 min read

From Isis

I don't remember a lot of what I went through, and I lost/had my journals taken away as I cycled through the system. At one place I was...

Kelly

Jan 24, 20222 min read

From Kelly

My name is kelly I'm 21 and I've been in the psych ward 3 times. I have bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder...

Marissa

Jan 24, 20222 min read

From Marissa

My name is Marissa I am 20 years old and in 2015-2016 I was hospitalized 3 times. I went to a place called _______ in _____ Washington...

Suzie McMillan

Jan 4, 20221 min read

From Suzie McMillan

I have spent my life since I was 8 trying to figure out what is wrong with me. I am 16 now, and the strongest diagnosis I have got was...

Kendall

Dec 29, 20213 min read

From Kendall

I arrived at the hospital in 2019 when I was twelve-years-old, after my mom called the ambulance because my therapist at the time told...

Brynna Townsend

Dec 29, 20212 min read

From Brynna Townsend

Back in February, I was in a high security psychiatric hospital for suicidal ideation. While I was there I tested positive for Covid-19...

Juno

Dec 28, 20212 min read

We Deserve Better

This is for all the kids out there who are being let down. But especially the autistic ones, whether they know it or not - I see you...

Mira Sunwon Goldstein

Dec 27, 20214 min read

Letter to the System

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Mira Sunwon Goldstein. On April 24th, I will turn fifteen. I have two cats named Mercutio and Emerald...

Mira Sunwon Goldstein

Dec 27, 202115 min read

The System and I

My name is Mira Sunwon Goldstein. I’m 17 years old. I love cats and the color purple. I run for fun along the beach. I sing in the shower...