When I was 21, I wrote about my experience growing up in a repressive religious environment. What started with a few viral tweets and some popular Medium posts led to a well-compensated magazine article, an opportunity to speak at a conference, and an offer for a book deal. But the problem is, I hadn't actually processed my trauma yet and I didn't have adequate mental health support at the time. I was writing because it made me money at a time I desperately needed an income, and I exploited vulnerable parts of myself. I deeply wish I hadn't taken the magazine offer or spoke at the conference, even though I met and worked with wonderful people, I really believe they didn't consider my young age and the trauma I was going through. I ended up getting diagnosed with C-PTSD and dropping out of university, and I also turned down the book deal knowing I wasn't ready for it (at least I was mature enough for that). Looking back, again I am grateful for the income, but I really wasn't ready to talk about what I went through yet. As the years go on and I've gotten the help I need and had time to process it all, I feel much more ready, which only makes me further understand how my voice was exploited by the journalism industry.