This is a story that was submitted by a past client of KVC Hospitals during our annual Story Contest.

Lydia was physically and sexually abused by her family through her early years of life until police removed her from her home for her safety. The ongoing exposure to trauma that she experienced for years led Lydia to display unsafe behaviors. She struggled to control her emotions, lashed out at everyone around her, was physically aggressive toward others, harmed herself and had suicidal thoughts.

After receiving treatment at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital, Lydia was able to begin healing from the trauma she endured. Below is the story Lydia submitted to KVC about her time at our hospital. She wanted to thank members of our team that helped her learn to trust and believe in herself.

Thank You KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital

I want to thank the team at KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital, especially Ms. Brianna Williams, Activities Coordinator; Ms. Ja’kyra Shelton, Counselor; Ms. Stadrianne Griffin, Counselor; and Ms. Alicia Armstrong, Clinical Manager, for being extremely caring and never giving up on me. They were there for me from day one.

The first day I was admitted, I was depressed and had no hope for anything. I didn’t care about anything or anyone. I always thought to myself, “I’m never going to get anywhere, so why do my treatment? It’s just a different environment but the same stuff every day. Nothing is going to change.”

I was headed down a path that I thought I was going to be on for the rest of my life.

I had multiple group and therapy sessions while I was at KVC. Over time, I learned that I was at a place where people were not going to give up on me. I told myself I could trust them, open up and talk about the feelings and thoughts that would go through my head on a day-to-day basis. I finally decided to accept the help they were offering me.

I started doing really well. I began attending college and mentoring my younger peers and helping the staff. I want to give thanks to my KVC therapist, Ms. Alicia Armstrong because she never gave up on me even when I would refuse therapy and shutdown on her. But most of all, I want to say thank you for helping me get reunited with my adoptive dad and stepmother. I also want to thank Ms. Brianna Williams because she was also there for me no matter what. She was like a mother. She made me feel safe. She also knew how to quickly calm me down.

Thank you to Ms. Stadrianne Griffin because she was also there for me when I needed someone to talk to. She was playful, and she came in with a positive attitude. I want to give thanks to Ms. Ja’kyra Shelton because she was another one that was there for me and did not give up no matter what happened. She was very straight forward with me and told me what I needed to hear, not just what I wanted to hear. She would joke around and always interact with the clients.

I really appreciate all of them coming in with a positive attitude even when they were having a rough day themselves.

About KVC Hospitals 

KVC Hospitals provides behavioral health services for children and teens ages 6-18 who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health challenges. Each year, we help thousands of youth through our network of inpatient hospitals and psychiatric residential facilities by providing treatment, care, and skill-building so they can understand their diagnoses, connect to their support network and thrive.

To find out how you can become part of our life-changing team, visit our Careers page.