Episode Summary: "Treatment Center Made Me Sick"

Podcast Title: We're All Insane
Host: Devorah Roloff
Guest: Carly Glenn
Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of We're All Insane, host Devorah Roloff welcomes Carly Glenn, a singer-songwriter from New York, who courageously shares her harrowing experience with a mental health treatment center that ultimately devastated her life. Carly’s unfiltered narrative sheds light on the darker aspects of mental health care and underscores the importance of advocating for oneself within such systems.

Early Mental Health Struggles

Carly opens up about her long-standing battle with mental health, tracing back to childhood.

“I had been in therapy at that time since I was 9 years old. So when I was younger, you know, I was already struggling with mental health as it was...”
(01:03)

She describes how her early experiences with therapy helped her manage anxiety and minor traumas, allowing her to pursue her ambitions, including her stint with Chicago's Second City.

Entering the Treatment Center

At 22, Carly’s PTSD symptoms intensified, stemming from unresolved childhood trauma. Feeling overwhelmed, she decided to check herself into a treatment center in Chicago, anticipating a short-term stay.

“I thought I was only gonna be there for two and a half months, like one and done...”
(02:00)

Her initial time at the center was positive; she was a model patient, fully engaging in the program and maintaining her active lifestyle.

The Trolley Night Incident

Six months into her stay, Carly felt the need for a personal break. With friends visiting, she organized a night out in Chicago, which led to activities that were against the center’s rules.

“We all got so wasted and just had fun. Like, I need a break... I was in my 20s. I'm running around Chicago. I need a break...”
(08:00)

Upon her return, she anticipated a standard reprimand but was instead subjected to a severe confrontation by the Chief Medical Officer.

Abuse and Gaslighting

Carly recounts how the Chief Medical Officer falsely accused her of promiscuity during the night out, claiming she had slept with multiple men, which was a distortion of her actual actions.

“He stood and went back and forth... you could have gotten raped. You could have gotten pregnant...”
(12:00)

This confrontation marked the beginning of Carly being manipulated into believing damaging falsehoods about herself. The abuse escalated as she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and forcibly placed on a regimen of heavy medications, including lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin.

“He had nothing, nothing, nothing to pin me with. Oh, no... you slept with multiple men around Chicago...”
(14:00)

The forced medications stripped Carly of her personality, rendering her emotionally and cognitively numb for the next six years.

Six Years of Struggle

Carly details the profound impact of the medication-induced numbness on her life and career.

“I have no personality. I forgot how to sing. It was devastating. Imagine who you were...”
(17:00)

During this period, she struggled with identity, emotional numbness, and a deteriorated sense of self. Her attempts to convince the medical staff to adjust her treatment were dismissed, deepening her sense of helplessness.

“I begged them on my hands and fucking knees to get me off the lithium...”
(17:45)

Her parents eventually intervened, helping her leave the toxic environment, but the damage had already been done.

Path to Recovery

After leaving the treatment center at 25, Carly faced the arduous journey of reclaiming her identity and mental health. She recounts her suicide attempt in 2021 and the pivotal role her new therapist played in her recovery.

“I met the best therapist I've ever, ever, ever known. And she saved my life...”
(27:40)

With her therapist's support, Carly began to rebuild herself, engaging in creative outlets as a means of healing.

Current Life and Artistic Endeavors

Today, Carly is actively recovering and channeling her experiences into her art. She is in the process of releasing her debut album, Fighting for, which features songs inspired by her traumatic journey.

“I have a song called PTSD on my record worth Fighting for, which is coming out January 14th...”
(36:00)

Her creative projects serve not only as personal catharsis but also as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. Carly emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and advocating against medical malpractice.

Conclusion and Message

Carly’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst profound adversity. She urges listeners to speak up if they feel mistreated in mental health settings and to seek out compassionate and competent care.

“Know your mind the best. And if you're ever told by a medical professional that no, you're wrong, like that is malpractice in my opinion.”
(25:00)

Devorah and Carly conclude the episode by highlighting the necessity of finding the right support system and the healing power of sharing one’s story.

Notable Quotes

• Carly Glenn (01:03):
  “I had been in therapy at that time since I was 9 years old. So when I was younger, you know, I was already struggling with mental health as it was...”

• Carly Glenn (02:00):
  “I thought I was only gonna be there for two and a half months, like one and done...”

• Carly Glenn (12:00):
  “He stood and went back and forth... you could have gotten raped. You could have gotten pregnant...”

• Carly Glenn (14:00):
  “He had nothing, nothing, nothing to pin me with. Oh, no... you slept with multiple men around Chicago...”

• Carly Glenn (17:00):
  “I have no personality. I forgot how to sing. It was devastating. Imagine who you were...”

• Carly Glenn (27:40):
  “I met the best therapist I've ever, ever, ever known. And she saved my life...”

• Carly Glenn (36:00):
  “I have a song called PTSD on my record worth Fighting for, which is coming out January 14th...”

• Carly Glenn (25:00):
  “Know your mind the best. And if you're ever told by a medical professional that no, you're wrong, like that is malpractice in my opinion.”

Final Thoughts

Carly Glenn’s episode on We’re All Insane serves as a crucial reminder of the vulnerabilities within mental health care systems and the profound impact of compassionate support. Her journey from victim to survivor and now to an empowered artist offers inspiration to many who may be navigating similar paths. This episode not only highlights systemic issues but also celebrates the strength it takes to reclaim one’s life and story.