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.

Elaine Miles

From a very early age I was terrified of living in this world. I carried this dread with me most of the time. Happiness was fleeting, but this feeling of loneliness was a steady companion. I knew that others weren’t experiencing this constant inner turmoil, and this only made me feel isolated. These felt like heavy burdens weighing me down. They restricted me. Kept me from feelings of joy and security. Read More>>

Emily Cashion

I can trace my challenges with my mental health to middle school, where the seemingly awkwardness and social activity made us feel vulnerable. For many years I was lost and drowning in my emotions and mental struggles.
Truthfully, there have been many times that I’ve wanted to give up. I’m an empath and many things become too heavy on my heart and soul. Each time it was too great to handle I had a choice: I could choose to keep going, or I could choose to stay exactly as I was — in those moments, by minimal willpower, support, and divine strength, I got up again and moved forward.  Read More>>

Zylah King

***Warning: Sensitive Content; topics on mental health and suicidal thoughts are discussed in this reading, as well as different actions or behavior that were a result of those issues. I am sharing my story to let people know that they aren’t alone in their struggles with mental health, and to educate others on what it may look like in someone’s life, and to share what it looks like for a true, rising Christian to push through the challenges of life by faith despite not knowing if it’ll actually work out or not! Mental health should always be taken seriously and should not be overlooked or ignored. Read More>>

Aleo Covi

The walk has been long, complicated, and rarely linear. Schizophrenia is the worst, but thanks to a very vital combo of medication, good professionals, and above all my community of friends and family, I’m happy to say it’s been years since I’ve suffered symptoms. Yes, side effects from the meds are often a real pain, but it’s a constant conversation with the professionals in my life and I feel like I’m moving in a good direction, however bumpy the path goes. Read More>>