“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.
Lizzie Rossow
As someone who has struggled with PTSD, panic disorders, and anxiety disorders for most of my life, it has been a long journey of healing and finding ways to be “successful” and become resilient. It’s really pushed me to find out who I am, what my values are, and how I can pull those qualities into everything I do. For me, I’ve found that serving others and building relationships helps me to feel confident and empowered to push through those darker mental health moments. Read more>>
Stephanie Sorady
Growing up I struggled with anxiety, depression, and undiagnosed ADHD. Like many others with mental health challenges, I didn’t have the words or the tools to manage my mental health. My mom was an immigrant from Mexico, my dad was traditional Irish-American and both cultures hold stigma around mental health. Far too many cultures do! Additionally, we didn’t always have health insurance, so my access to health and mental health professionals was limited. Because of these factors, Read more>>
Shiree Houf
I really do think it is a matter of persisting rather than overcoming. In my experience mental health issues do not have a simple or miraculous overcoming moment, however, I do think there can be practical breakthroughs & miraculous experiences that ease living with them. Therapy and meds can do wonders but for me (& many who have bipolar) sleep is crucial. As a creative mom this can be quite challenging. Read more>>
Maryjo Mattea
I don’t think I received a formal depression diagnosis until I was in my 20s, but knowing what I know now, I’m fairly sure depression is something I’ve been living with since at least my teens. Depression is no joke. I am on medication for it, do talk therapy, and I try to take care of my physical health as well with diet and exercise, but even still, I experience ups and downs. Some days (or weeks) are worse than others. Read more>>
Jason Nash
Mental health is a topic that’s very near and dear to my heart…not because I’ve chosen to stew in its misery, but because I’ve overcome each and every issue that’s come my way! I’ve actually written three suicide notes; one in 2013, one in 2016, and one in 2017. In 2017, I finally decided to reach out for help. What I learned is that my body had been dealing with Adrenal Fatigue for almost 10 years. Since traditional medicine doesn’t recognize this condition, I was forced to find an alternative medicine clinic, also known as functional medicine. Read more>>
John Dabla
For me as a Educator, Model, Activist and Man of God, I have had my fair share of mental health struggles over the years in the industries that I am called to, that is not to say that I still don’t. However, as I have grown far more in the spirit, I have learned and continue to learn to come against mind binding spirits and to rebuke what the enemy’s agendas is and are, which are to kill, steal and destroy. Read more>>
Jillian Highsmith
I have overcome many barriers on my journey to success, despite facing challenges related to being diagnosed with anxiety, through three essential factors. Firstly, I challenged negative thoughts by identifying my negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. Secondly, I set realistic goals for myself by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrating achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Read more>>
Willie Of Wilshire
A lot of people don’t know but I have suffered from bouts of depression. I would be lying if I said I have never thought of suicide. I usually present a happy face to others and I do my best to be of support to others, but when it came to me I was neglecting my own mental health. Music has always been a form of therapy for me. It helps me vent and I am able to express my feelings by putting it in song form. Read more>>
Lindsay Purvis
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 about 6 years ago and it’s been quite a roller-coaster to get to where I am now. It’s a lifelong journey and I am continuing to grow with the help of loved ones, therapy and medication. I also find my peace through nature, animals and making art. I enjoy making colorful art that makes people smile and the process of making my pieces is therapeutic in and of itself. Read more>>
King Jaquell Martin
I’ve overcame my challenges by fully understanding that I am not the first or the last person to experience police brutality. By knowing this, I am able to be the spark for the future while also honoring my ancestors. Read more>>
