“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.

Nadia Albino

Prior to launching myself more seriously in the space of photography, I was in a relationship with someone that struggled with addiction and was unfaithful. As some may understand, being the family or friend of someone struggling with addiction takes a toll on the individual. Read More>>

J.q. Gagliastro

I listen to my body and practice the power of no. When I am experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress without properly balancing life, I feel mentally drained and break out in acne. I’ve got the back scars to prove it. I grew up in a household of eight. Read More>>

Chantel Sings

I really love this question because I think more conversations need to be had to shed more light on Mental health issues and conditions.

I was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and Anxiety disorder some years ago. Read More>>

Sierra Houk

Wow, where to even begin. I’ve been affected by mental health issues since my childhood. I experienced grief very early on when I was four and my brother Dylan died at birth. Not a fun place to start but my mental health story doesn’t feel complete without including it. That (of course) had a huge impact on my identity and relationship with depression and Big Feelings. Read More>>

Brett Burch

Brett Burch: The Visionary Behind PilotHelper, Revolutionizing Mental Health in Aviation
In the high-stakes world of aviation, where precision, focus, and resilience are non-negotiable, pilots take on enormous responsibilities. Read More>>

Hannah Claire

To be completely truthful with you I was hesitant to talk about my own mental health issues when being interviewed about my art career and artistic journey. Professionally we are always told to put our best foot forward. To present ourselves in the best light.  Read More>>

Jackie Lamoureux

I have struggled with my mental health since I was a child, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being active, and eating right. Over the years, I’ve been on medication, and while some things helped a little, I found the most significant change came when I decided to prioritize myself more. Read More>>

Jennifer Zenner Clark

I love this question, because when people meet me today, they see the positive things I have done with my life. The ones who were there two decades ago know what it used to be like.

I’m a childhood trauma survivor and have CPTSD. Because of this by the time I was done having my fourth child (I had my first at 15 years old), it was clear that I needed help with chronic depression as well as a 12 step program for the alcohol I was using to numb myself. Read More>>

Andrew Crabtree

I believe my love for riding came from a way to be in the present moment and feel alive. I struggle with a condition called Depersonalization Derealization (DPDR). This condition is when there is a separation from the mind and body.  Read More>>

Carrie Pizzalato

I have bipolar with psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADD, all stemming from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I work hard every day on my mental health and it isn’t easy. Some days it’s hard to get out of bed, some days it’s hard to get done what needs to be done, but I somehow always manage to at least finish what I absolutely need to. Read More>>

Abigail Spanjers

My life up until 40 was a whirlwind of chaos, oblivion and intense uncontrolled emotion. I had the childhood poverty, abuse and trauma history. I had the history of substance use starting at nine. I had all the reasons to be maladapted. Read More>>

Justine Rodes

I’ve developed coping mechanisms that help me navigate my mental health, like understanding my limits and recognizing when I need to take a break. I’ve learned that an eight-hour shift isn’t ideal for my well-being, so I prioritize balance in my schedule. Read More>>

Nicole Stroup

I was diagnosed with PTSD in November of 2021 after I experienced a birth trauma with our second son. It was a life-changing event for my husband and I since he was born lifeless, and we listened to them perform CPR for eight minutes. Read More>>