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“I want other kids to know that they’re not alone.” This is what one of our students from Lifeworks’ “Transition Age Youth Program” (TAY) said when they approached us with this exciting project idea. ). TAY is a mental health program for youth ages 16-25 who need assistance transitioning into adulthood. TAY youth have experienced serious life challenges that include homelessness, growing up in foster care, problems with employment and education, incarceration, varying disabilities, mental illness, and substance abuse.

TAY youth recognize that their stories and experiences are often unheard. Their goal for this project was “to reach out to other youth who have had similar experiences as well as to educate those who may not be able to relate.”

This project was funded in part by a Youth Action Grant from the Vision into Action Coalition. We owe a special thanks to the Vision into Action Coalition and the Youth Planning Program for their support.

I’m a young lady who comes from a long line of confusion. I’ve been to 42 foster placements, treatment centers, and hospitals. I’m learning to respect people and take responsibility for my actions. I wasn’t always the type of person who know how to cope with my emotions.

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a mood disorder. What does it mean to have a mood disorder, you ask? From day to day, I don’t know how I am going to feel; some days I am happy, some days sad, some days angry at the world, and some days I experience all three emotions. When I think about God and my grandparents, I am able to refocus myself.

The times I feel most free are when I am hanging out with my friends and I know I can be myself.

Love is the beauty of all things. Love is what keeps us together. When things are hard, it keeps us strong. Love is always eternal; other emotions are temporary.

There are times when I feel deep anxiety, feeling I’m worthless in some ways. But I remember those who love me and I feel a mixture of both. The anxiety is intense and painful, I feel no one likes me, and very alone. But I remember all that people do for me, and I feel the love around me.

LifeWorks NW

Brittany

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BrittanyAge: 17

Love is the beauty of all things. Love is what keeps us together. When things are hard, it keeps us strong. Love is always eternal; other emotions are temporary.