Personal Stories

Happiness and contentment come from the inside out and not the outside in.

I will never forget the people who helped me on my road to recovery.

Sadly, mental illness still carries undue stigma — and is unfairly associated with violence, contagion and avoidance.

Now, 20 years after first experiencing suicidal ideation, I have found recovery and my passion.

For the first time, I felt hopeful. It was only a slight bit of hope, but I could see light, a faint light, and realized that maybe I could get through this with help.

The beauty in my mother’s story is that she continues to have a positive impact on people’s lives because her experience continues to resonate with many.

I have come to understand the following: I need to lean on my support system. I am not on this journey alone, and I don’t need to try to manage this disorder by myself.

The activity book provided a good entry point for discussing emotions.

It is not your responsibility to convince your family or an entire community that your struggle is worthy of attention and care.

I want to tell those who are struggling the same thing that saved me: you are not alone, and you are not “crazy.”