Share Your Story in Personally Speaking
Personally Speaking is a blog series on the Treatment Advocacy Center website that features personal, motivational, and informative stories from people impacted by severe mental illness (SMI). These essays help put a human face on the policies and systems that affect millions of people and families every day.
Who can submit a story?
We welcome submissions from anyone impacted by severe mental illness, including:
-
People with lived experience of SMI
-
Family members and caregivers
-
Mental health professionals and health practitioners
-
Advocates, friends, and others whose lives have been affected
How do I get started?
To be considered, please submit the Personally Speaking form and include:
-
A short paragraph explaining who you are
-
A brief description of the story you’d like to share and why it matters
Our communications team will review your submission. If your idea aligns with TAC’s mission and policy work, someone from our team will reach out to you.
What happens next?
If your story is selected:
-
A member of TAC’s communications team will schedule a video or audio interview (your preference).
-
The interview will be recorded and transcribed.
-
TAC staff will then edit and shape the material into a cohesive, impactful essay of 800 words or fewer, written in your voice.
Will I get to review the essay?
Yes. You will have the opportunity to review and approve the final essay before publication.
We will never publish a Personally Speaking blog without your explicit permission.
What topics should the essay focus on?
Stories should draw from your personal experience and may touch on issues such as:
-
Access to treatment or lack of care
-
Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT)
-
Criminalization of mental illness
-
Psychiatric bed shortages
-
Anosognosia (lack of insight)
-
Gaps in the mental health system
-
Homelessness or incarceration
-
Another specific challenge related to severe mental illness
Can my essay be anonymous?
Yes. Essays may be published anonymously if you prefer.
We respect your right to privacy and will work with you to protect identifying details. If your story involves other individuals, we strongly encourage obtaining their consent or removing identifying information to safeguard their privacy.
Can I submit something that’s been published elsewhere?
No. All Personally Speaking essays must be original and published exclusively on the Treatment Advocacy Center website.
Should I include a photo?
Photos are welcome but not required. If you choose to include one:
-
Images should be high resolution (1MB or larger)
-
Photos must not be copyright protected