If you Google my name right now, you find a 2016 news article titled “Cohocton man bites off large chunk of his dad’s earlobe.” If you read it, you learn I attacked my dad with a knife. What you don’t learn, however, is that I faced a mental health crisis. Or how much of a miracle it was for us to survive.

I grew up in rural New York with a separated family, an impoverished home, and a purpose not found. When I discovered talent in distance running, I rose to be a national elite runner and first-generation college student. But in college, I struggled with my wellness and the early signs and symptoms of mental illness.

With no mental health literacy and stigma, I was not equipped to handle the challenges. I then suffered an existential crisis coupled with psychosis. This resulted in the incident with my dad—a tragedy sensationalized in the headlines.

In the years since jail, I’ve embraced treatment. I’ve managed my mental health. I’ve risen against shame, obtained a master’s degree in social work, and have worked in mental health advocacy, education, and programming for half a decade. Now, I share my story to inspire, educate, and support mental health.

Cohen Miles-Rath, MSW, is the author of Mending Reality: An Advocate’s Existential Journey with Mental Health, a memoir chronicling his lived experience with mental illness and recovery. His story has been featured in Psychology Today and the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric Services Journal.

A nationally recognized mental health advocate and speaker, Cohen has delivered keynote presentations to organizations across the United States, using both professional expertise and lived experience to advance more compassionate and effective systems of care. Through his roles with the Mental Health Association of New York State and the New York State Office of Mental Health, he has contributed to initiatives that strengthen public mental health systems and expand pathways to recovery.