June/July 2025 Edition This month’s spotlight features Oscar, who generously shares, in his own words, the story of how his healing journey began. From a defining moment in solitary confinement to years of reflection, growth, and hard-won self-awareness, Oscar’s path reminds us that change can start in the most unexpected places. His voice is a powerful reminder that mental health recovery is possible, even when the odds feel impossible. I’m honored to share his story with you. What Led Me to Begin My Healing Journey In the year 2000, I was before a panel of people, a lieutenant, a sergeant, a case counselor assigned to me, and a therapist. They were going through my file detailing why I was in segregation. In the California prison system, it’s also called the hole. I was sent to the hole for a violent fight I was in with another guy inside of prison. At the time I was serving a double life sentence, I fell under the title of Juvenile lifer, which in my case at the time...

  ⚠️ Trigger Warning This post contains references to bullying, emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, and psychiatric treatment. Some readers may find these experiences distressing. Please take care while reading and reach out for support if needed. This month’s Mental Health Spotlight features a deeply personal story from licensed professional counselor, podcast host, and author Sonia Krishna Chand. In this post, Sonia offers a powerful reflection on the experiences that shaped her passion for mental health advocacy and her path to becoming a psychotherapist. Her honest and heartfelt account reminds us of the resilience it takes to move through adversity and the importance of creating space for others to heal.