Share Your Story

As a youth, adult, consumer, parent or caregiver, we invite you to share a story of success - a turning point or a significant period in your (or your child's) life - that illustrates recovery. These stories will be shared on our website to offer hope and healing to others facing similar struggles as they make their journey in the mental health system. In the attached Authorization and Release Form, you will choose the level of confidentiality that makes you feel the most comfortable. We may shorten stories or change specific agency/provider names, as needed. Your story will be removed from our site at any time.

Following are some questions to think about as you write your story. It would be great if it could cover at least a couple of these questions:

• What challenging experience did you have on the path to mental health recovery?
• What specifically helped you to cope with or overcome this challenge?
• What specifically helped you move toward your recovery?
• How has your life improved since you began your journey of recovery? What have you accomplished?
• Have you been able to help others in their recovery? How?
• What would you do to change the ways society treats people who have mental illnesses?
• What role did friends, family, work or school play in your recovery process?
• Why have you chosen to self-disclose?

Also, it would be wonderful if you could provide some details about your life in general. We want to illustrate the fact that people who have mental illnesses are like everyone else, and have interests and abilities and contribute to the community. For example:

Youth

• What is your age and/or grade in school?
• Do you have siblings?
• What are your interests or hobbies?
• What are your dreams for the future?

Adults

• What are your interests or hobbies?
• Do you work and, if so, in what field?
• Are you married or do you have a significant other? Do you have children?

Please e-mail your story to us at camhi@co.benton.mn.us  along with the following release form: Authorization_and_Release_2019.pdf. You can also FAX the release form to 320-968-5330 or mail it to: CommUNITY AMHIy,PO Box 740, Foley, MN 56329. We will notify you if your story has been selected for inclusion on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 320-968-5277 or by email at camhi@co.benton.mn.us

Thanks in advance for your contribution!