There are so many things that come to mind when i think about my experiences in the mental health system. It has not been easy but I have learned so much about my illnesses and how to live with them and to handle situations much better then i was able to before I began treatment.
I have had experience in all types of mental health treatments, short term inpatient, long term inpatient, outpatient. All of them have helped me in different ways and taught me different things.
My first real experience in the mental health system was when I was 12 years old. We were living in California at the time and I really lost myself. I was very angry and I was lashing out at every one around me and just acting horrible. I was sent to a residential treatment facility in San Diego, then transferred to another one in Arizona that was more suited for my needs.
I did learn some things in those places but not enough to get me to where I needed to be and able to function in society. I still had a long road ahead of me full of ups and downs.
Life in the mental health system 