SUMMER’S STORY
When I was 13 years old, I struggled with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. In September 2015, I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt. When I was later discharged from the inpatient...
View ArticleISABELLA’S STORY
I had been in and out of treatment facilities since I was 13 years old. The longest time I spent in treatment was 10 months at age 16. The facility I will be describing was a place I was in for only...
View ArticleDIANA’S STORY
There is an art to remembering. I remember everything about Academy at Ivy Ridge from late 2003 to late 2005. I trained my brain to do it. I remember the way the dormitories smelled of rot. I remember...
View ArticleJESSICA’S STORY
I did not have a good relationship with my mom–never have. My mom has always been more controlling than loving. I had a (very toxic) boyfriend that my mom did not like. She wanted to keep me away from...
View ArticleSARAH’S STORY
Sixteen years ago, at age 15, I woke up to find two strangers next to the bed. They proceeded to search me and my purse. I looked over and saw that my mom was there crying. At first, I thought I was...
View ArticleTIA’S STORY
I arrived at Auldern in April of 2014 and left in June of 2016. Before attending Auldern Academy, I had spent a month in a rehab facility for drugs and alcohol and two months in a wilderness program. I...
View ArticleKIM’S STORY
In the spring of 1998, at age 12, my mom found an old entry written in my diary about drug use and was understandably concerned. My parents sent me to a therapist for an evaluation, where the therapist...
View ArticleJILL’S STORY
Aright y’all, strap in because this is about to be a LONG and intense ride down trauma lane. I want to preface by saying that I do not necessarily blame my parents for sending me away, as I do believe...
View ArticleCHELSEA’S STORY
My name is Chelsea and I spent time in both Darrington and Carolina Springs from 2005-2006. Growing up I had a father who was absent or in jail, a physically abusive stepfather, and my mother, who used...
View ArticleLAURA’S STORY
I want to preface this story by saying that I recognize that I am not blameless in this and I take responsibility. I have stolen, I have lied, I have hurt my family, and I will carry the guilt of those...
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