Navigating My Way Through Mental Illness
Self-Help
Date Published: March 28, 2025
Publisher: MindStir Media
Victoria Molta is a person who has lived with a diagnosed serious mental
illness for over forty years. But more than that, she is a writer who has
chronicled her life journey in her book, "Lost Before I Could See: Navigating
My Way Through Mental Illness." In her book, she has chosen to write about her
adventures and challenges, and though there have been setbacks, losses, and
failures along the way, she never gives up. She continues to grow and learn,
no matter how terrifying it can be to start new episodes of life with very
little knowledge or experience, as well as a disability. She never ceases to
go forward, with strength and courage, and wants the reader to know that
whether living with a disability or not, life is hard. But the main point she
wants to make clear is that she never gives up and never loses hope.
Victoria takes the reader on a kaleidoscopic tour beginning with her childhood
in southern California, living in the San Gabriel Valley with her family. She
describes her father's mental illness and alcoholism, and how, eventually, she
succumbs to mental illness as well, as a young adult. She describes her family
as one born of privilege and wealth, though definitely not exempt from tragedy
and dysfunction. Through all her breakdowns and setbacks, she continues to
rise and find meaning from chaos. From that, she develops empathy for people
who have been marginalized by society and finds deep connections. In her 30s,
she marries Bill, a man she had met in a halfway house where they both were
living during the 1980s. It turns out to be a wonderful life partnership where
they support each other in their work experiences as well as find joy in
adventurous travel experiences.
Later in life, they buy a house and settle down near the shore of Long Island
Sound with their rescue dog, Mandy. They appreciate the simple things in life.
Peace that once seemed boring is now so appreciated because drama, which had
dominated her life for so many years, no longer matters to her.
About the Author
Victoria Molta is an author, mental health advocate, and television
producer at East Haven Connecticut Public Television. With over four decades
of lived experience with serious mental illness, Victoria brings a deeply
personal and empowering perspective to her work. Her memoir, Lost Before I
Could See: Navigating My Way Through Mental Illness, chronicles a lifetime of
challenges, recovery, and hope.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Vermont
and has written extensively about mental health recovery, housing advocacy,
and social inclusion. Her essays have appeared in mental health journals,
anthologies, and newspaper editorials across the country.
She was the first person in recovery to be openly hired by the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Connecticut, where she coordinated over
130 public presentations in a single year. She later worked as a peer mentor
at the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health and held support roles
at mental health clubhouses, warmlines, and public housing sites.
Victoria also created and hosted the award-winning cable show You and Your
Mental Wellness, highlighting the voices of Connecticut’s mental health
leaders and community members. The show became a valuable resource and was
featured on the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website.
She lives with her husband of over 30 years and their rescue dog, Mandy, near
the tranquil shores of Long Island Sound. Today, she continues to advocate for
awareness, dignity, and healing for all those impacted by mental illness.
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