The Years I Spent Living with Mental Illness

“You’re all right. I’m a coward, an idiot, a lunatic. But it’s not like I want to be.”

And just like that, I was sent to a psychiatric hospital. I became its most unusual patient, having to heal myself while also helping others recover.

“Why are you studying English? You can’t even read Chinese properly yet.”

“Uncle Deng, bring me some dried fish, okay? I’m craving a snack.”

“Master Qiude, General Manager Wei wants some of your bananas.”

“Nurse, it’s time. Pull the needle out.”