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.

Kendra Petersen

Wow! This is my story. I have gone through various mental health struggles throughout my life; bouts of depression, crippling anxiety, imposter syndrome, and an extremely rough year battling postpartum turmoil. After many years of self reflection, growth, and new understandings I can look back and see a commonality in where I found solace and strength: Creativity, imagination, and art. Read More>>

Sage X Price

An overall answer to this question can be tough, everyday is a bit different and sometimes the same thing you thought you got over can affect you in a whole different way depending on the day. But if I had to give one I would say putting it into the art has been the number one thing that has helped me push through. I think the whole “put it into the art” thing has become a bit of a cliche because it can be a bit of an overused term, the power of the statement still holds though. Art might not solve everything in life but I think it can put you down a healthier path instead of falling victim to your mental space. Thankfully in my situation my art has allowed me to have an outlet, it’s also giving me a constant reason to overcome any mental challenges I may have. Read More>>

Jesse Hernandez

After my 4 combat deployments during my time in the Marine Corps, I struggled for a long time with my PTSD. Through therapy and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I have been able to overcome my battles. Read More>>

Snow Princess

As a drag performer, I face a lot of hate, often from people I’ve never met. They’re often blunt and don’t hesitate to make offensive comments directly to me. However, my fans are my biggest source of motivation.
I choose my venues carefully, performing in communities where drag is welcomed and celebrated. In these spaces, I’m treated like a star. My fans are what truly keep me going. I’ll never forget the kids who met me backstage after my Elsa performance at NoCo Pride, or the journalist from The Colorado Dream Podcast who took my interview right after my performance at Greeley Pride and the lady who complimented my beauty and the six-inch platform heels. It’s about spreading joy.  Read More>>

Ariel Doan

As I got older I’ve realized one of the hardest things about being an adult is that life and responsibilities must go on no matter how you feel mentally or what is going on in your life. I have spent my whole life dealing with anxiety and depression. Unfortunately I feel like that is something to many of us go through.

Every downwards spiral in life I just have to keep telling myself that it will get better and I will come out the other side. I don’t know about others but I have a hard time hearing that from anyone but myself cause I am the only one that knows what I am going through in the moment. But having the support of my friends who are there to listen to me if I need a vent session helps more than I think they realize. Read More>>