Stories

Notebook for writing stories about of post-traumatic growth.

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Read stories of post-traumatic growth, told by our incredible community members.
  • Melissa Grunow

    For the Love of Dogs

    Headshot of Melissa Grunow, story contributor.

    After Melissa was sexually assaulted in her own home, she was let down – and effectively revictimized – by those who were supposed to advocate for her. But she has since found focus, purpose, and community as a foster for dogs who depend on her to advocate for them.

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  • Martha Barbone

    A Different Life Worth Living

    Photo of Martha Barbone

    A peer specialist gave Barbara hope after nearly two decades in and out of hospitals, on dozens of meds, and out of work. Now, she herself is a peer specialist, works full-time, and is a fierce advocate for mental health and social justice.

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  • Crystia Peter

    I Learned to Say “No”

    Crystia Peter, story contributor, wearing a salmon-colored top and standing in front of a neutral background.

    The emotional abuse that Crystia endured as a child damaged her self-esteem. By learning how to say no and prioritize herself, Crystia reclaimed her power.

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  • Frank Pomata

    Silence is Deadly

    Frank Pomata, story contributor, wearing a black tie and grey checkered collared shirt, with a light grey background.

    From mental health denier to a town crier of sorts. Acknowledging to himself and others that he had a bona fide mental illness and needed to take it seriously before it took him was the turning point that saved Frank’s life.

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  • Anita Jackson

    Life Experiences

    Anita Jackson, story contributor, standing in front of a wooden fence.

    Anita had always been empathetic and spent her life taking care of the needs of others—her father, her ex-husband, her boyfriend. Finally, Anita realized she needed to take care of herself too.

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  • Vinay Guthal

    My Happyer Journey

    Vinay Guthal, story contributor, sitting with his arms crossed in front of a white background

    When Vinay started to feel uncharacteristically depressed and anxious, he began to explore ways to start feeling like himself again. Rating and tracking his mood, daily activities, and who he associated with allowed him to regain control of his life – and served as the basis of an app to help others do the same.

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Growth from trauma is a collective story

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