When I was young I recall visiting my aunt in a mental institution many times. I was told she had a nervous breakdown but it wasn’t discussed beyond that.

When Reagan closed all the mental institutions she bounced around boarding houses. The first ones were terrible. Later ones were much, much better.

When I was older I found we took the same meds.

Discussion of mental illness is still avoided in my family.

Diagnoses cost money, all I can afford are symptoms.