You Are Not Alone
#999Stories of Mental Health
Live Free 999 encourages everyone to speak openly about mental health. We have created a 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.
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.
Austin’s Story
My name’s Austin. I struggled with depression and self-harm beginning around the time I was 13. I started using drugs and alcohol to cope. It started out with weed and drinking. Within 2 years I found myself doing other drugs. I was selling weed and was using the money from selling to support my habit. Little did I know that
Anonymous Submission
My mental health started getting worse when I was in grade 6. I was molested for 3 years by a senior guy who also happened to be my boyfriend (I know I was immature). When the news spread, everyone started slut-shaming and always cornered me. They all speak about me, but none spoke to me. I was targeted by teachers,
Justin’s Story
HELLO EVERYONE! My name is Justin, age 25, and I came here to share my story dealing/dancing with my demons of Anxiety, Depression, substance abuse and The Stages of Grief to hopefully help others going through similar situations understand they aren’t alone! High school is where I started to realize my emotions had a really strong voice in my head.
Nik’s Story
I grew up as a kid with ADHD, and also for the longest time hid part of myself. I am LGBTQ. I was never really able to cope with my neurodivergence properly until I got much older, I am 23 years old now. If anything from this I want you all to take from this that you can make it
Anonymous Submission
I started using drugs 4 years ago, at first everything was fine… I worked, had a normal social status, wife, money… but then everything became a blur. I was fired from my job and lost all money and wife. My ex wife(now) was a saint, I still don’t understand how she tolerated me at all. After she left, I started
Hayden’s Story
My name is Hayden, I’ve struggled with depression and being the lowest of the lows reaching for anything that would numb the pain. As I got older, I was driving all of my friends and family away with my addiction and outlook on life. I was constantly in my head with nights on nights with no sleep. I felt as
Skoops’ Story
I struggled through my dad’s death at only 9 years old and that trauma led me to substance abuse and dependance and addiction. I just wanted to let you know it always gets better. I’m 3 months clean, I have the love of my life, and I have a job doing what i love, graffiti.
Emma’s Story
Hi. I’m Emma. I’m not that young, but I’m not that old either. It feels like I’m too young to be feeling the feels I been feeling, but I’m too old to cry. I’ve never shown my feelings to anybody. I don’t feel safe with it, I’ve never had anybody who understands. Everybody thinks my life is so perfect. I
Chloe’s Story
I struggle with depression, PTSD, bipolar, and anxiety. For many years, these felt like harsh labels. It was a hard road of self-harm and therapies, not to mention my family situation. I heard Legends one day, and the captivating ability to sing, let alone rap, about his struggles really reached me. It felt like it showed me how I can
