“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.
Trisha DuVivier
I’ve overcome and persisted despite the challenges related to anxiety and depression by embracing that the only way is out is through (shout out to Robert Frost for that quote). I’ve experienced a great deal of trauma as a child and an adult which has set the stage for some pretty crippling anxiety and depressive symptoms. Read more>>
Mel
Honestly, I debated answering this question. The vulnerability of it scares me. But, I’m taking a risk and stepping into the uncomfortable. As a Black woman and artist, I almost feel like mental health challenges are inevitable (LOL). Being Black in the United States comes with a lot of crap and so does being a Black creative. There are countless expectations, stereotypes, institutions, and systemic practices that contribute to Black women and Black artists’ struggle to simply exist. Read more>>
Cire B.
“As a visual artist, navigating mental health challenges has been integral to my journey of growth and persistence. I’ve found strength through a combination of supportive relationships, therapy, mindfulness practices, gratitude, journaling, and utilizing art as a powerful emotional outlet. Read more>>
Amber Chapplain
I was a woman who loved red wine. Correction – I am a woman that loves red wine. Too much, actually. We had to break up. It was toxic. I was addicted. The word “alcoholic” brings to mind many images: An old man with a paper bag on the street, who looks like he wasn’t washed in weeks. The girl binge drinking in the club, stumbling around with no awareness. Read more>>
Darial Sterling
As an overcomer, I have realized that healing is a journey and not a destination. I have come to recognize that despite my mental health challenges, I must persist! Although, I have not been responsible for all of my misfortunes and mental health issues, I am responsible for managing, growing, and healing inwardly, so I can impact those around me and my community in a positive manner. Read more>>
Christine McMillan
I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and let me tell you, it was both a revelation and a relief. Suddenly, so many aspects of my life, especially as a professional and business owner, made sense. The forgetfulness, the disorganization, and the struggle to keep everything on track—it wasn’t just me being scatterbrained. It was my brain operating differently. Read more>>
Niki DiGaetano
I’ve experienced depression off and on, but the worst was in college, where I was plunged into the abyss that marks an extended clinical depressive episode. Looking back, there were several factors that likely influenced my condition, such as the suffering occurring within my family around the same time. Read more>>
Gabbi Sorensen
I struggled with debilitating anxiety for most of my life and an eating disorder for about 4 years. During those years, I kept my struggles hidden and was constantly trying to fill the voids by staying busy and chasing “success”. I worked as a fashion model for years and ended up hitting a low with my mental and physical health. Read more>>
Juliana Naufel
When I was just 14 I was diagnosed with a severe case of depression and had to navigate life with it as a companion for the following 9 years of my life (I’m a 28 now, so you can see that it was a constant in my life for a long time). When I was just 16 I had a near-death experience and it has changed my life completely, showing that there was still something to live for and that even if everything felt overwhelming I still wanted to be here in this world. Read more>>
Freddy Jackson
First, I’m grateful for my presence, the gift of life, and being here daily. Therefore, gratitude plays a huge role in remaining optimistic and not causing stress by focusing on what I don’t have. I think I was taught this at an early age. I was around people who expressed gratitude, were humbled, and thankful for what they had…despite how little it might have seemed. Secondly, I facilitated participation in activities. Read more>>
frekld cloud
Mental health has always been something that I’ve struggled with. Writing everything down and turning it into something creative is what has helped me the most. Being able to share my journey with my mental health has been a very empowering experience, not just for myself but for the people who listen to my music and find comfort in it. Read more>>
Vaishali Jha
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced severe depression that significantly affected my emotional stability. My self-confidence plummeted, and I constantly found myself comparing my life to others, which only deepened my struggles. Despite these challenges, I was determined not to let my mental health issues define my future. Read more>>
