You Are Not Alone
#999Stories of Mental Health
Live Free 999 encourages everyone to speak openly about mental health. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have created this space to share the stories sent to us from our audience to inspire others to share their own journeys, creating a virtual story-telling chain of community and support.
Want to join the conversation? Share your story with us.
Notice: Some of the stories shared may contain topics that could be emotionally triggering to some members of our audience. Topics such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, and trauma are discussed.
Anonymous Submission
At a young age my dad was abusive- physically, sexually, and mentally. He was sent away to prison when I was 11. My mom moved us out of state soon after. She ended up dating druggies who would then abuse me. It wouldn’t stop. I started running away at age 12 with 20-year-old men. Fast forward a few years I was sex trafficked. Once freed I was in the government’s care in safe harbor. When I got released home, I
Delo’s Story
Ever since I was about 4 or 5, I realized that something just wasn’t ok. I’m the middle child of 5 kids, so I always felt overlooked. At age 9, I first tried to commit suicide by jumping off my house. From 10 to 14 I was a victim from constant anxiety, depression, emotional outbursts, self-harm, and substance abuse. I’m 16 now, my mom lost custody of me and I’ve been in treatment facilities for about 1 year now. I’m
Brandon’s Story
My uncle died in April 2022 and no one really understands how badly the loss of him affected me. While everyone mourned a bit, I’m still suffering. He was my mentor in boxing, and at the age of 6 he introduced me into the world of video games and movies. I can still see him in my sleep in his final moments; matter of fact, I see him everywhere I go and do and see and hear. Though my uncle
Becca’s Story
When I first came out of detox the first song I heard was Wishing Well. I thought that Jarad was telling my story only me being an alcoholic. I wept as I never heard someone talk let alone rap the struggles I had with addiction. I felt as though he reached into my soul and finally made me look at myself. No home, no food, and living at a shelter. My child was not able to see me because of
Josh’s Story
My substance use started February 2022, and it didn’t take long to escalate to me almost dying from an OD. I went to my first rehab on June 28th 2022, which was also my sister’s 12th birthday. I was discharged September 12th, 2022 and went back to my drug use less than two weeks later. Sometime in October of 2022 I had another OD and then I realized that I needed to stop using, and I needed help. I started
Sebastian’s Story
When I was five years old, I was abused by my own father. He used to put out my birthday candles on my skin… growing up I thought it was a form of love, so I thought it was okay. Now since I’ve grown, I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety thinking something bad is about to happen to me. Every time I’m by myself is like the devil is lurking behind me. The way I’ve been getting through it
