Finding Strength in Mental Health Advocacy with Ann Toscano

February 16, 2026•3 min read

Bent, But Never Broken: Finding Power in the Chaos with Ann Toscano

If you’ve followed my journey, you know I often joke that I am a "professional patient." Between kidney transplants, cancer, and sepsis, I’ve spent more time in hospital corridors than most people do in their own living rooms. When I met Ann Toscano, I found a kindred spirit who has lived through the same sterile, clinical chaos.

Ann’s story is one of reclaiming power. From surviving adolescent psychiatric wards to launching a grassroots support service during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she is proof that no one is beyond repair.

Turning the "Heat of the Moment" into Art

One of the most liberating parts of Ann’s journey recently has been her music. She has always used writing, poetry and journaling as an outlet for her anxiety and anger. Recently, after a particularly frustrating day, she decided to record her thoughts and share them on Spotify.

The result? Her music, including the track "No One Will Know," went international, resonating with listeners in America and Canada far more than she ever expected.

The Coaching Takeaway: Resilience doesn’t always look like a calm meditation.

Sometimes, it looks like taking your rawest, messiest emotions and giving them a voice. Creative storytelling allows us to process what we aren't yet ready to speak aloud.

The "Textbook" Problem: Becoming Your Own Advocate

Both Ann and I have experienced the "number" treatment in the medical system, where doctors treat you like a textbook case rather than a human being with a life, a diet, and a support system.

Ann shared terrifying stories of being prescribed medication she was explicitly allergic to and having her gallbladder removed for "no apparent reason".

We discussed how crucial it is to be your own advocate:

Ask for copies: Ann now requests every printout and result, building a file so large she brings it to every new appointment to ensure nothing is missed.
Challenge the "Too Young" narrative: We’ve both been told we are "too young" for our conditions. A diagnosis doesn't check your ID; don't let a doctor's disbelief stop you from getting the tests you need.
The Nurse Network: While the system can feel cold, the nurses are often the ones who keep us standing. They provide the empathy that the clinical protocols often miss.

Bent But Not Breaking: Helping Who You Can

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Ann saw people falling through the cracks. She stepped up, applied for travel permits, and began delivering essentials to international students and struggling families. She turned a Facebook page into a non-profit, proving that even when we feel broken ourselves, we can still be a pillar for others.

Her motto is one we should all live by: "We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone".

The Lifelong Work of Taking Control

When I asked Ann when she truly had to take control, she didn't point to a surgery or a business move. She pointed to her mental health patterns.

After years of self-harm and suicidal ideation, she realised that control wasn't about "fixing" herself, it was about catching the old thought patterns before they took over.

Breaking the Loop: Now, when someone treats her poorly, she catches the thought of "I don't want to be here" and replaces it with "This is just a bad day, not a bad life".
Self-Accountability: Ann believes that real healing isn't about buying a new lipstick; it’s about calling out your own patterns and choosing to change.