Hi! Welcome to Village. First and foremost, I want to thank you for being here. This is a space created just for you, a place where you can feel validated, and understood. I know first hand how difficult and isolating it is to live with mental illness. My hope is that Village can be a safe space where you can connect with others, rediscover yourself and learn to enjoy life again. 

You have been fighting this battle for a while now, and most likely doing it alone. It’s hard and exhausting. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that one in five adults experience mental illness in the US. One in twenty-five adults in the US experiences serious mental health issues. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably asking yourself “then why do I feel so damn lonely in all of this?!” I am here to tell you that YOU are not alone. You may not believe it right now, because up until this point you’ve felt as though no one understands. Maybe you’ve tried to let someone in before, only to be filled with regret because they just don’t get it. Which brings me to the next reason Village was created. My goal, with your help, is to bridge the unintentional divide that exists between the mentally ill, and the mentally well. Together we will learn how to navigate through this storm in order to create understanding, stronger connections, and healthier relationships. 

I am so glad you’re here. I hope you’ll stay.

-Amanda