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.
Akira Usagi
Being open about it, talking about it. It serves as a constant reminder that you are not alone in how you think and feel. I’ve struggled with major depression for most of my life. My first memory of it was when I was 10 and having a strong desire to die. At 16, I attempted to take my own life twice. At 30, I started antidepressants and while hesitant at first, I thought, “If I’m telling myself I’m not afraid die, why should I be afraid to take these pills?” They’ve helped a lot. Getting sober and staying sober has been crucial as well. The most important is to keep painting, because that to me is my highest form of prayer. Read more>>
Cassidy Velthouse
Mental health is not a weakness.
That is one of the first things that I think of when asked “what is your biggest weakness?” I have gone through many job interviews and have been asked that question almost every time. My different mental health diagnoses have held me back, that’s true. They have kept me from hanging out with friends, taking incredible opportunities, and holding a stable job. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for years. I viewed my mental health as a weakness at one point, but I have learned with the help of many people that I can overcome my struggles. Read More>>
Bre’onna Cole
The first thing I did was take accountability! I started looking inward for answers. I also enrolled in therapy, which became a crucial part of my journey. It’s way harder to overcome challenges without understanding why they’re happening or what they’re trying to teach you. So, I stay committed to doing the work and remain mindful of anything that could pull me back into the old version of myself. Growth is constant, and awareness is key. Read more>>
Lucas Cooper
Surrounding myself with people and things that make me feel I have a purpose has helped a lot when facing mental health issues. Keeping positive people in your life really changes your perception on the world and how things really aren’t as bad as they may seem, and it makes facing those challenges much easier to tackle. For a long time, I have battled with anxiety and depression, feeling as if I don’t belong or don’t have a purpose. But, turning towards the positive people in my life, as well as writing songs, has always been something I can rely on. Writing music based on my emotions and having an outlet to express that has always helped me get what I need to out and then continue to move on. Read more>>
Taegan Hobbs
When we first started our business we wanted to make one thing a priority, our family and our health. Throughout our journey there have been times where either one of of has needed to take a break or step back to get back to where we need to be mentally or physically. We try to take care of ourselves as much as possible, so when we start to feel burnt out, we’re good at communicating and giving each other grace. Our families are very important to us, and we bring them along with us to every event we can. We have such a good time talking and trading with other vendors! Read more>>
Danielle Hall (passion The Lioness Travel)
GOD first and always. He is my strength through it all. On my dark days he’s my light. On my best days he’s the reason for my joy. My Mama is always encouraging me. She’s my biggest supporter. She helps get me through each day. Especially the extremely hard ones. I’m also in counseling. Travel is my favorite kind of therapy. That’s why I started my traveling business. Read more>>
Anne Pennypacker
My father began to develop Alzheimer’s before COVID spread across the US, and once the 2020 Shelter-in-Place (SIP) shut everyone in, the disease accelerated. He is still considered in the early stages, however a lot of time was lost and it affected my entire family in the process. Being a social animal, my mother didn’t respond well to the isolation of the SIP and with ageing-related anxieties reverberating between the two of them, it led her to declare that it was time to move to a one story house closer to senior and Alzheimer care. This meant selling the family house. Some of the family members wanted to buy it within the family to keep it within family and minimize the emotional damage of this transition on the progress of my father’s Alzheimers. Read more>>
Dr. Miranda Jones
Having grown up in a chaotic household, I’ve had to face the effects of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and it’s been a layered process to find peace amid that. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of practices and boundaries that have allowed me not just to cope but to start reshaping my life and mindset. I run a mindset coaching practice because these tools have allowed me to repeatedly come back through the darkest depths and emerge brighter on the other side. In a weird way, the mental health challenges have been blessings.. but I suppose that’s usually the way it goes. Here are some of what has helped me to persist and create a more stable foundation: Read more>>
