Stories
Caitlin: Learning To Live A New Life
The views and opinions expressed in the following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
By: Caitlin Hackett
My mental health journey began at a very young age. When I was about 3, my older sister, Maggie was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Sanfilippo Syndrome. A few years later, my brother, Keegan was born and given the same diagnosis. It’s a complicated disorder but essentially, their bodies began shutting down at a very young age, and ultimately, they would never make it to their teenage ...
Samantha: Healing is difficult, not impossible
The views and opinions expressed in the following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
By: Samantha Nichole
My name is Samantha. I am 30 years old.
I always tell people that going to therapy is one of the top best three decisions I have done for myself, next to getting a divorce and Lasik.
I have dealt with anger issues since I was about 16, depression since I was about 9, and anxiety for as long as I can remember. When I was 13, I told my mom I wanted to speak with a therapist. I have been in and ...
Kimberly’s Story
The views and opinions expressed in the following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
By: Kimberly Mock
My story with depression and anxiety started with my dad’s passing in 2015.
I’ve also experienced a lot of loss and am a recovering addict so there is a lot of trauma there as well, trauma that I didn’t even realize I had until I started therapy.
As of today (January 2021), I have 11 years clean from heroin and opiates.
I have sought out therapy before, but I would always stop after a ...
Mental Camouflage: My Mind Gone AWOL
The views and opinions expressed in the following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado. Reader Discretion Advised: Some details in this story may be difficult to read.
By: James (Name has been changed for privacy purposes) and Peggy Simpson
While serving in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles” in the 1980s,
James and his family faced death threats. James himself faced two
targeted attempts on his life. The horrors of living, first as a child
and then into adulthood, with the war on his own ...
I choose me: a story of eating recovery
The views and opinions expressed in the following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
By: Raya Patel
Privilege.
There are so many different ways to define this simple world. Webster’s Dictionary defines privilege as, “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.” There is no specificity to race, there is no specificity to gender, and there is no specificity to events.
I was born into privilege. I never feared for my life, had a roof over my ...
The Depression Hole
Written and illustrated by C. Fulsty
Cee, the panda,
is stuck in a hole.
It happened to Cee
as he was taking a stroll.
Cee didn’t mean
to fall right in.
No one plans
on having depression.
The hole is deep,
but Cee is at the top.
With every bad thought,
Cee begins to drop.
The ledges crumble
and Cee falls deeper.
The lower Cee gets,
the hole gets steeper.
Cee doesn’t know
others are stuck too.
They’re in a depression hole,
Cee never knew.
Cee thinks, “My life is good.
I shouldn’t feel sad.”
Cee falls further
because of thoughts ...
Isaiah Sanders
The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
Isaiah Sanders is a former U.S. Air Force Academy Quarterback, current Stanford grad student, and a spoken word artist. Isaiah shared his beautiful work at our 2020 Tribute Gala.
Jacob’s Story
The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
In pursuing healthier minds across the lifespan for all Coloradans, Mental Health Colorado advocates for families like the Kabir Family. Karolyn Kabir is a pediatrician, a mental health advocate, and most importantly, a mother to Jacob and his siblings. Karolyn and Jacob are on the other side of a long journey. They’ve shared their story with us, and we have the honor of sharing it with you.
