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From patient to advocate

Keris Myrick plays with her therapy dog Steinbeck in her office at Project Return Peer Support Network in Commerce.

Keris Myrick plays with her therapy dog Steinbeck in her office at Project Return Peer Support Network in Commerce.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

For much of her life, Keris Myrick has tried to silence the voices that filled her head, but now she is embracing one voice that has grown loud and clear -- her own. And as she becomes a symbol of recovery and strength in the face of mental illness.

Mental health advocate

Keris Myrick presents awards at the 20th annual Project Return Peer Support Network’s annual picnic at Recreation Park in Long Beach.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Mental health advocate

Keris Myrick talks with award recipient Rick Summerville at the 20th annual Project Return Peer Support Network’s annual picnic. Myrick has struggled with schizo-affective disorder for many years.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Mental health advocate

Keris Myrick, right, has her picture taken with award winner Rick Summerville.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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Keris Myrick, right, embraces Jonathan Santos, left, at the 20th annual Project Return Peer Support Network’s annual picnic. Myrick says the voices in her head often return when her “mind gets a little too empty.”  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

mental health advocate

Keris Myrick, left, talks with Roy Anthony Brown, right, director and trainer of Vet to Vet before the Empowerment Congress Mental Health Committee gets underway in Los Angeles. Myrick was a featured speaker at the event.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

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