“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.” – Shannon L. Alder
Some of the most successful folks in our community thrive despite experiencing mental health challenges. We are inspired by their strength and honored that they would share their stories with us below.
Niz G
I struggled with mental health and addiction issues throughout my childhood and young adult life. Before I get into anything else I’ll say that exercise, sleep, clean food and nature were all instrumental in improving my mental health. Following my purpose and passion soon followed. When I dedicated myself to pursuing art, I channeled a lot of my energy into creating. This alone did wonders for my state of mind. But then there were also lifestyle aspects of following my passion that made a big difference. Read more>>
Kiara Carmon
The biggest thing I learned since being diagnosed with depression is that our brain has a tendency to lie to us, especially when things are going great. Any challenge with mental health can cause us to forget how far we’ve come and all that we have. That’s why it is important for us to recognize those lies and refuel them with something good, positive, and most importantly true. I persist, despite the challenges, by leaning on God and expressing gratitude in all areas of my life, big or small. Read more>>
Dillon Mann
This is something I’m opening up about for the first time in an interview.. I have struggled with Anxiety and Depression most of my life. I believe a lot of it comes from my experience as a child. That I won’t get to into as of now. Read more>>
Tacheline Dayoute
We don’t talk about mental health enough; indeed, people post about it when someone commits suicide, and they seem happy, and that is when we see posts aiming at people stating, “Check on your strong friends” I have to admit I was that strong friend until I wasn’t. I’ve suffered from seasonal depression for years, and I kept it to myself for a very long time until my 24th birthday when it nearly killed me, and no one would’ve known. Read more>>
Rico Mendoza
I remember the times where my mental health was in a horrible place and this went on for quite some time. I was always feeling depleted, burnt out, depressed, and overwhelmed. One day it got to the point where I felt like I was on the verge of a nervous break down and my best friend suggested that seek the help of a mental health care professional and that’s where my life (and mental health) started to change for the better. After my first therapy session I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and that has continued with each and every session that I have. Read more>>
Carmen SUN Baggit-Jones
Mental Health is an everyday healing journey. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia 5 years ago. The definition of agoraphobia is extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one’s own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult. “he suffers from crippling agoraphobia, which prevents him from going outside”. Mentally I am challenged everyday with this journey. There are times that the anxiety wins. Learning to heal is a day of prayer, meditation and constant affirmations to myself. During this journey of my life it also helps to have my family understand and are there to keep me lifted up. Read more>>
