As the prevalence of mental health issues increases and affects an ever larger number of our friends and family, it becomes essential that we create spaces for folks to talk about how they overcame or persisted despite mental health challenges. Here, we’ve tried to create a safe space for people to come together and discuss their stories, experiences, triumphs and failures with managing their mental health issues.
Sebrina Walter
At the end of 2019, I had to make the hard decision to come off my job due to illness and chronic pain. As a disabled Air Force Veteran with PTSD this was one of the hardest things for me to have to walk through. It triggered a lot of trauma and left me searching for purpose, meaning and struggling to find my footing. Shortly after, the pandemic hit and being isolated just amplified all the emotions. Read more>>
Ty Baker
I went through a very traumatic experience in 2019 and as a result I was diagnosed with depression and adjustment disorder. I developed an unhealthy paranoia that effected how I lived and raised my children, and I had a great lack of trust for certain groups of people. I also developed extreme levels of anxiety in certain environments or circumstances or around a certain profession of people. Read more>>
Alessandra Torresani
I was Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder when I was 22 years old. living with a mental illness can be extremely isolating only until a few years ago were people open having discussions around mental health and mental illness and slowly but surely the world is becoming stigma free. I’ve been very lucky being able to share my personal story with others, who understand the struggles around mental illnesses. Read more>>
MaKenzie Byram
In life, we often encounter moments of profound darkness—times when the weight of our struggles feels unbearable, and the path forward seems obscured by shadows. For many, these moments are not fleeting; they linger, casting a long shadow over every aspect of daily life. I know this reality all too well, as my own journey through mental health challenges has been marked by such darkness. Read more>>
Amy Hooyer
You are so stupid Your hair is ridiculous. You have no idea what you’re talking about. You idiot. She is so much prettier than you. You’ll never get it . You are not good enough. You’re so ugly. You don’t even have a degree, idiot. You are so loud. You talk too much. You’re just not smart enough. Read more>>
Kelly Mathews
When I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in 1994, I had never heard of it. I was suffering from what is known as Bipolar rage. At the time I assumed that I was a bad person with serious anger management issues. Putting a name to what I was going through and knowing that there was help available with medication and therapy went a long way to helping me begin to heal. Read more>>
LaKisha Mosley
There are three things I use to help with my mental health issues; prayer, therapy, and my tribe. Prayer is an essential part of my life. I cannot do anything I do without prayer being a focal point in my life. I live daily with depression however prayer helps me push through the day. Although prayer is the ultimate source of strength for me, I also lean heavily toward therapy. Read more>>
Maura Marcellino
I have been on my mental health journey for as long as I can remember. I am autistic with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Since 2006, I have been going to different therapies on and off. I would say one of the most eye-opening experiences was finding out I was autistic. I was 20 years old when I found out (I will be 24 in March), but everyone else knew. Read more>>
Tenny Minassian
I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for many years. I started getting help by going to weekly therapy. This was a game-changer for me! Once I found the right therapist, we began working on the root issues which eventually lead to many positive choices in my life. I finally left an emotionally abusive relationship which started a new chapter on my healing journey. Read more>>
Cherie Doyen
Firstly, it was out of my desire to survive and live. I am a survivor of severe childhood abuse, and was caught in the traditional therapy systems for 30 years. None of them worked, and they all labeled me as sick and broken with no solution. I realized that if I didn’t pick up the torch and run with it, I was going to perish underneath. Read more>>
Dan Paquin
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder after a manic episode and hospitalization on January 1, 2008. After that I made my mental health my number one priority. It took a long time to figure out what that looked like in practice. Years of therapy, a medication regimen that works for me, good sleep hygiene, journaling, making music were the main things that helped me navigate the twists and turns of my journey. Read more>>
Ashley Taylor
Growing up I really struggled with my mental health. I felt like an outcast and was desperate for validation. People thought I was weird and I remember feeling like I was easy to walk all over. Looking back, I know it’s because I lacked self confidence. I struggled with depression and anxiety. I was teased in school for being ugly, not smart enough and too goofy. Read more>>
Kenny Zablotsky
Mental health issues are something that I have dealt with for many years following childhood sexual abuse that occurred at the school I attended; but until recently my coping mechanisms for my trauma were unhealthy distractions like substance abuse and obsessive focus on my career. Read more>>
Bonnie Wanstreet
I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and major depression disorder when I was fifteen years old. I have gone to countless therapists and tried everything and anything I could to help myself get through it. For about fifteen years I had used theater as a coping mechanism, a way to distract myself from the harsh inter workings of my brain. Read more>>
Cari Favole
Despite grappling with the challenges posed by mental health issues, particularly clinical depression and generalized anxiety, I have emerged as a staunch advocate for mental health awareness. My journey began in adolescence when I found myself engulfed in the darkness of depression, compounded by the hurdles of articulating my struggles to healthcare professionals due to anxiety. Read more>>
Justin Ho
Still persisting, it’s always challenging, but that’s pretty much why I attempt to continue writing and making films. There isn’t anything distinctly unique about an artist pouring their pain into their work. I’m no one special or unique in that matter. But it’s a common thing because it is very true, creating things, or at least trying to is what helps keep me going. I feel I’m able to reach out further with my attempts at filmmaking. Read more>>
Carolyn Barnes
A decade ago, my life took an unexpected turn amid the glamour of being a health coach on ABC television. Despite the facade of having it all together, I battled chronic stress, anxiety, and imposter syndrome. The turning point came when my blood pressure skyrocketed to a critical level on set, triggering a realization that my well-being was on the line. Read more>>
