Seeking Submissions on Mental Illness and Recovery

The Awakenings Review publishes poetry, short stories, nonfiction, art, and photography by writers with lived experience of mental illness—either their own, a family member’s, or a close friend’s. Based in the Chicago area but international in scope, we’re one of the nation’s leading journals in this genre. While we acknowledge mental illness as troubling and painful, we seek works of hope, renewal, and healing—positive messages gained from suffering. We avoid publishing angry, alarming, vulgar, or demoralizing content. We’re still accepting submissions for our Fall 2026 issue. First, read our guidelines at www.awakeningsproject.org.