#StorytellingSavesLives
We believe in the power of storytelling to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, substance use conditions, and overall mental health. Every time a story is told – every time we shine a light on one of these topics – we let someone know that they are not alone. We can give someone the gift of hope and provide them with a sense of community based on shared experiences.
This Is My Brave productions are made up of real people with lived experience sharing their own stories through the performing arts. Whether it’s a touching essay, original music, poetry, comedy, or dance, our storytellers inspire their communities to see a little deeper and feel a little more about those living with – or loving someone with – a mental health condition. Because of the hundreds of storytellers that have used This Is My Brave as their storytelling platform, we are working to normalize conversations about mental health, break down stigma, and offer hope.
Do you have a story to tell? We would love to hear it even if you’re not ready to get on stage. You can use the form below to submit your story for a general audition submission, a blog post, or maybe something else you have in mind.
Send us your essays, your poems, your songs. Tell us about your recovery journey in your own creative way. Give us a peek into your life with mental illness and/or a substance use condition, and tell us how you found hope. Maybe sharing how you found your Brave will encourage someone else to find theirs.
About your submission
- Feel free to include a photo or two with your submission, if you would like. If your piece is selected for publication, we will reach out to let you know and request any additional information we may need. We will never publish anything without your consent.
- Upload your blog in Word or PDF file.
- Blogs should be around 1,500 – 2,000 words.
- If you are submitting original music or any kind of video submission, a YouTube link is the preferred format for submission.
- We only accept previously unpublished work, with rare exceptions. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond personally to every submission.
We at This Is My Brave are not medical professionals, and this mailbox is not monitored at all times.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. If you are in need of support, text STORY to 741-741 to be connected with a certified professional 24/7 through our partners at Crisis Text Line.
