“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.
Robyn Benavidez
Mental health is essential to my work primarily being used as a tool rather than an obstacle. The direction of my artwork is influenced by the chaos to serenity of thoughts, emotions, and mental states of being. Read More>>
Shulamit Sappire
The first time I went mad, I had no map, no tools, no pathway for understanding how slowly it creeps in. I was deeply sad, and I didn’t yet have the language for what was happening. Read More>>
Kate Cuthbert
Honestly, I’ve been on quite the mental health journey. I believe that looking after your mental health is so important and a lifelong pursuit. Art has been pivitol to my mental health. It has allowed me a release and a way to process the world. Art is always there, never judging. Read More>>
Destiny Gray
Living with CPTSD, anxiety, depression, and likely ADHD and OCD means that my mind can feel like a constant battleground. Navigating triggers while trying to maintain a “normal” life is far from easy. Over time, I’ve realized that normalcy isn’t a single, picture-perfect standard. It looks different for everyone. One of the most transformative discoveries I’ve made is the power of having an outlet. Read More>>
Craig Stewart
It’s tough; I wish there was an easy answer. You know you need to do the thing, even know how to do the thing, but you don’t do it. What I’ve learned is that you can’t force it. If there’s nothing in the tank, all the good intentions in the world won’t get you anywhere. Read More>>
Starla Yilmaz
I have struggled with mental health issues for a long time. Read More>>
Mana Afshar
Most of us who struggle with debilitating mental health issues don’t really “overcome” per-say, but rather learn ways to manage the symptoms and cope with tools such as art, exercise & therapy. That’s what has worked for me, along with support. I channel the negative aspects of mental illness into creativity and make something positive come from it. Read More>>
Kendall Concini
I’ve learned to embrace the idea that it’s okay to not be okay. For me, that means naming what I’m going through instead of hiding it, and using gentle analogies—like my “cloudy day”—to help others understand what I’m feeling. I’ve learned to show up as my authentic self, even when the day isn’t sunny or ideal. I remind myself often that clouds don’t last forever. Read More>>
Deandre “SipTheKid” Smith
In 2018 I lost my mom and youngest brother just months apart to gun violence. I was diagnosed with Major Depression Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2018. I was raised by a single mom and I became the man of the house early. Read More>>
Jane Kim
Therapy. To be honest, therapy has changed my life in many ways. I started meeting with a therapist, I think back in 2021, so four years now. I was not going to high school and at one point was told I might not graduate solely based on my attendance. My parents were concerned and so they called the hospital to get me a therapist. Read More>>
Jenny Kern
Over the last few years, my mental health has definitely taken some hits — between a painful breakup, an ACL surgery, and the pressure of trying to build a business in music. There were moments where everything felt overwhelming and honestly pretty isolating. Read More>>
Jakobi *(dr3nch3d) Kyle (ash3s)
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar type 2 when i was 14.. I also discovered a coping plus major outlet rapping and writing.. Ive over came my mental health through my rap persona dr3nch3d ash3s. Here i can be as raw as i want. Read More>>
Kylie Montigney
For me, overcoming and persisting through mental health challenges has been about consistency, community, and honesty. I had to learn to acknowledge what I was going through instead of trying to power through it alone. That meant therapy, leaning on the people I trust, and building routines that help me stay grounded—whether that’s exercise, journaling, or simply giving myself permission to rest. Read More>>
Kassandra Balandrano
Anxiety and depression have been a part of my story for as long as I can remember. I’m no stranger to spiraling thoughts, a tightness in my chest, that choking feeling in my throat, or the intensity of a full-blown panic attack. I also know the other side of it: the numbness, the loss of motivation, the days spent rotting in bed… Read More>>
