Shannan Victorino

My story

The intention with this platform is to share what I have learned along the path of self-discovery, in and through a broken mental health care system. The information shared should assist in transcending limiting beliefs, to move toward embracing the perfection of who you are. What I unraveled has allowed me to believe in something much more powerful than anything I could have learned through the current health delivery systems in place, which is the alchemical power of the heart.

For most of my life I’ve had to hide the true nature of who I am. I could never share with my family my interests in the same sex, nor could I express this throughout high school as it would interfere in my closest friendships. Suppressing these feelings culminated in a profound spiritual crisis which engulfed me at the age of 19, and changed my life in ways I could not have imagined.

For seven years I was in and out of the mental hospital as I navigated a maze of diagnoses, medications, and an indifferent system that seemed more concerned with algorithms than actual healing. As I struggled with the complexities of my own psyche, I was forced to temporarily abandon my nursing education. Every visit to the psychiatrist was met with a change in medication, until all options were exhausted. The medication made me feel lifeless and exhausted, without resolution and hopeless. In a desperate attempt to find solace amidst the chaos, I shared a video of Terence McKenna discussing themes eerily similar to my experiences with a psychologist, only to be met with dismissal. It was a pivotal moment that crystallized my disillusionment with the conventional approach to mental health care.

Emerging from this dark period, I resolved to reclaim my life and pursue my passion for nursing with renewed vigor. Armed with firsthand knowledge of the inadequacies of the system, I delved into my studies with a fervor fueled by a desire to understand the disconnect between my own experiences and the diagnostic protocols of psychiatric practitioners. What I uncovered was a system driven not by compassion or genuine understanding, but by financial imperatives and pharmaceutical agendas. The criteria used for diagnosis seemed rooted more in drug trials than in a true comprehension of the intricate workings of the human mind and spirit. Drawing inspiration from ancient healing practices and the wisdom of shamans, I embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries of my own spiritual emergency. What I discovered was a profound interconnectedness between mind, body, and spirit—a truth overlooked by the mainstream medical establishment.

Graduating with a Master's Degree in Psychiatric Nursing in 2021, I embarked on a journey to forge a new path in mental health care. Establishing my own practice, I vowed to approach healing with a holistic perspective, rooted in empathy and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all beings. Now, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a platform to share my insights, I am committed to shedding light on the true nature of mental health and emotional well-being. By giving voice to those silenced by stigma and offering hope to those lost in the depths of despair, I aim to spark a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and treat "mental illness." My journey has been one of transformation and self-discovery—a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. And as I continue to walk this path, I do so with unwavering determination and a profound sense of purpose, knowing that my experiences have not been in vain but have equipped me with the tools to effect real and lasting change in the world.

“…Our search to understand ourselves, whether for self-exploration or to make sense of our suffering, plants seeds in our minds which allow us to become aware of who we are…”

- Shannan Victorino