“Mental health has been a beast in my life.”
Those that meet Austin today might assume that’s a pretty bold statement for a 26 year old to make, whereas those that know him best might argue that summation is quite nearly an understatement.
Bipolar disorder. Addiction. Denial. Suicide. Overdose. Help. Community. More help. Hope. It’s all there. But there’s also so much more, because at the center of it all, are human beings and relationships.
Mental health plays no favorites and addiction knows no bounds—and yet society still attaches stigma to those affected as if it’s the modern day scarlet letter. I don’t understand why, but just like they teach in recovery, the battle happens one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other.
Grateful for brave souls like Austin willing to share their story, and the folks at Hancock Health Foundation for seeing and supporting their community.