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.
Mary Ann Apolonio
I’ve overcome some of the challenges that can be related to mental health issues by retreating to the water. Something about the water heals my soul and internal wounded child. I found a great sense of peace and stillness while getting into freediving and scuba diving, when I talk about it today I honestly think the water saved me. Read more>>
Patricia Wahl
Growing up, I was subjected to bullying by my peers, physical and emotional abuse by my parents, and sexual abuse by my step-grandfather. Throughout most of my childhood, I felt neglected as my parents’ attention was focused on my dad’s health issues. Read more>>
Quintesia Jones
In 2022 I’d been working for a well known company for almost 5 years and within that time I’d also created a baking business. At times I felt I wasn’t giving enough of myself to my business due to the demands of my 9 to 5 and the stress it brought on. Eventually I chose myself & my business rather than continuing to work for the other company and I left. Read more>>
Elias Hellgren
I think writers block is a part of every creative persons life. We strive for making great art every day but the world doesn’t allow for it to be great every day. Sometimes we have to wait for weeks before we can create something we genuinely like again. The important part is to not quit creating during those uninspired weeks. Read more>>
Shelley Kenow
I tried many different strategies when I was writing Those Who “Can’t…” Teach True Stories of Special Needs Families to Promote Acceptance, Inclusion, and Empathy. I tried making myself write a few sentences every day,..that didn’t work. I tried making myself write a certain number of words each day…that didn’t work. Read more>>
Joal Caldera
Whenever I find myself in a creative rut the first thing I usually do is take a step away from whatever it is I’m working on and leave my camera at home. More often than not after a few days I start noticing things I would have liked to have a camera for which gets my mind moving in the right direction again. Read more>>
