Telling Tales

Sara shares her #metoo story in a powerful spoken word piece. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Sara, a write, spoken word poet, and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Kim shares her struggles with addiction and the scars you collect when living with a mental health condition. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Kim, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Justin shares his personal story of living with Schizophrenia. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Justin, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Deidre shares how her faith has helped in her mental health journey. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Deidre, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Meredith shares what she wishes people knew about mental illness and insight into her own personal journey of living with a mental illness. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Meredith, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Jamie shares a love story and what it's like to be "on both sides of the rope" while having bipolar. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Jamie, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Keith shares what it's like to live and write with anxiety and depression. Listen and get to know how others can be allies to him and those like him. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Keith, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Riffat is a young man with a lot of questions. He is the only one who can define himself. Listen and get to know Riffat as he shares his struggles with mental health. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Riffat, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Saley shares her “struggle analysis” and gives hope to those on their journey towards wellness. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Saley, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Paolo knows the best time to dance is 10:38 while doing the dishes. Join him on this dance as he shares an emotional piece. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Paolo, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Katie has always been a writer. Listen as she shares a piece of her ongoing journey towards wellness. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Katie, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Josh shares his story of life with depression and the hope he has for better days ahead. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Josh, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Freddy shares his story so we can better understand how he envisions recovery. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Freddy, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Cayla shares a series of vignettes based on her experiences with depression. Hello? Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Cayla, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Leslie challenges the fears derived from stigma and addresses the notion that we end up like our parents. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Leslie, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Sara shares an intimate look at 9 days inside a psychiatric ward. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Sara, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Lauren shares the raw and emotional story of the impact her father’s past has on her mental health. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Lauren, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Sylvia wants to help others who may be struggling with anxiety feel less alone. Listen as she details a day in her life with anxiety as she works toward recovery. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Em, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Sam shares a little known story of trauma from the Sandy Hook tragedy and makes us think about how stigma deepens when mental illness is falsely portrayed in the media. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Sam, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Kelsey is a poet who shares an introspective piece on substance abuse and the struggles of silencing the urge to “answer the call” of addiction. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Kelsey, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Kat takes you on a journey into the convoluted mental health care system and the isolation she endures while seeking recovery. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Kat, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Jess shares the heartbreak and the lessons she learned from letting someone close to her learn about her inner most secrets and mental health challenges. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Jess, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Jaime didn’t have a choice in facing her trauma. A survivor of child abuse that resulted in a very public court battle, she shares her tale of PTSD, self-doubt, and her commitment to advocacy. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Jaime, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Fallyn not only tells her story, she helps you feel it. Her story of emotional and physical abuse and loneliness is raw, unfiltered, and as real as it gets. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Fallyn, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.

Em lets you peek into her diary as she reads letters to her younger self that describe the loss, self-harm, heartbreak, abuse, and hope she’s experienced. Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is helping emerging writers find their voice and write their truth. MHC works with young adult writers, ages 18-29, who are diagnosed with a mental health condition and/or substance use disorder (or who have experienced trauma and live with mental health and/or substance use challenges), and who want to become powerful storytellers and self-advocates. Participants will advance their writing skills, learn how to use writing as a healing mechanism, and educate the community on the realities of living with trauma and/or a mental health diagnosis. Writers also work with the award-winning team at Sea Tea Improv to gain confidence and improve public speaking skills. The following story is told by Em, a writer and mental health advocate from MHC's Write On! program. This story is raw, personal, and may contain language not suitable for all listeners. To view this in video format (with captions) visit www.mhconn.org/WriteOn.