Unveiling Courage Fundraiser

Content warning: suicidal ideation, self-harm, mental health system

Anyone who's met Breana can't help but be smitten with her wit, charm, empathy, and her smile that can light up any room. What most don't know is that she struggles with chronic suicidal ideation and severe depression. She's had years to develop methods of masking her pain and has pushed herself through the darkest of days. However, over the last several years Breana's pain - which stems from deep childhood traumas - has led to many calls to Community Mental Health and the police, as well as a revolving door of hospital stays. As I type this, Breana is back in the hospital keeping safe from self-harming.

As you might know, our mental health system (and health care system in general) is broken. Unfortunately, our experience with our local Community Mental Health agency has been inadequate and frustrating. We have found…