Katie’s Story
Katie Gruman’s Story of Addiction, Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation
- Perspective: Lived Experience
- Condition: AddictionSubstance UseSuicidal Ideation
- Key Themes: Advocacy, Justice System Involvement, Navigating the System, Recovery
- Audience: Family Members, Healthcare Professionals, Parents, Women
Katie spent a decade cycling through addiction, self-harm, and suicide attempts, beginning in her teens. While repeatedly seeking treatment, her family faced constant insurance denials that blocked access to appropriate care, even after life-threatening crises. Now in recovery, Katie shares her story to expose failures in mental health parity, reduce stigma, and advocate for timely access to care.
“If my parents didn’t have the resources to help me when insurance couldn’t, I would have died a long time ago. And that happens every day…”
Katie spent 10 years in and out of addiction starting at age 14. She felt shame for her depression, like a burden on her family. This led to self-harm and ultimately a suicide attempt. Katie ran into various barriers to getting treatment and navigating the insurance system. She had constant denials of care, which she had to appeal, for services that legally should have been offered. Mental Health Colorado is leading the fight for mental health parity—ensuring all Coloradans get the mental health and substance use care they need. Katie is thriving today because she got the care she needed.
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