Why do so many of us find it difficult to seek treatment for our mental health? What are our neighbours, friends, or even our own family members actually going through? How can we understand each other’s situations better?

Our Own Voices is a compilation of stories and poems about mental health from individuals. These stories cover various mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, eating disorders, psychosis, social anxiety and sexual trauma. This book guides us to reflect on what we know — and what we thought we knew — about mental health.

These stories highlight the ways we can confront mental health issues. There is no universal quick-fix solution, but that once you find what helps you, the journey is especially rewarding. The key is to find what works for YOU.

By sharing our stories, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and create a more understanding, introspective and empathetic future.

Sunaina Suri has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy & Linguistics and a Diploma in Special Education. She has been working in the Special Education sector for over 8 years.  Through her work in the social service industry, Sunaina sees a need for more open discussions about mental health. Living by the ethos that communities thrive when individuals share their experiences with one another, she hopes this book will help to spread awareness about a range of mental health conditions and be one of the many positive voices aimed at reducing stigmas surrounding mental health.

Our Own Voices is a compilation of stories and poems about mental health from individuals. These stories cover various mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, eating disorders, psychosis, social anxiety and sexual trauma. This book guides us to reflect on what we know — and what we thought we knew — about mental health.