Madness is a dangerous journey. Many become homeless or die by suicide, others survive but get stuck and never grow beyond a diagnosis of anorexia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, borderline personality—the labels are endless.

This story is written in the genre of creative nonfiction—an artfully crafted true story. The names and physical descriptions of some people have been changed. Internet addresses given in this book were accurate at the time of publication.

I self-identify as a Psychiatric Survivor and am part of the movement for social change. I believe in the power of peer-run services—the principle that individuals who have shared similar experiences can help themselves and each other through mutual support.