Personal Stories

Listen, watch, and read the inspiring, personal stories of others who have struggled with mental illness and find out how they adapted to lead healthy lives.   

Alison shares her perspective on what it was like watching her dad struggle with depression and addiction after losing her father to suicide. She’s since learned that his death was not her fault, as some friends and family often believe, and that he was so much more than just his illness.

Chris Hubbard is an NFL football player who goes back to his high school to talk with students about his experience with depression. His goal is to raise awareness and break down the stigma of mental health, especially in the African American male community. As he sponsors an event to benefit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), he wants you to know that you are not alone, and a million other people are going through what you’re going through. You can get out of the darkness, and we’re going to help you. 

Erin lives with anxiety and depression and has experienced self-harm and suicidal ideation. She explains how diagnosed anxiety can feel indescribable, like you’ve done nothing and everything wrong all at the same time. Therapy has taught her a few things that she wants everyone to know including that whatever you’re feeling is valid, and to reach out and allow others to help you. 

Eryn shares her journey with general anxiety disorder, intermittent depression, and ADHD. Eryn describes her struggle with her diagnosis as well as normal teenage stressors and obstacles. When feeling that she let herself and everyone she loved down, her friends and family helped her to believe that she was important. Their support also helped her realize the importance of both people listening to others and talking about your struggles. 

Kevin shares his story of his miraculous survival after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge in 2000. Kevin lives with bipolar disorder, and at the time, he was also suffering from hallucinations, paranoia, and mania. He thought that no one cared, but then came to realize that everybody cared—he just couldn’t see it. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery, while also teaching people of all ages the art of wellness and the ability to survive pain with true resilience. 

Ruku is a 12th grader who lives with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. She recounts the symptoms she had as a young child but thought that was just the way that she was. When her symptoms increased, she received professional help but still experienced obstacles that she had to overcome. Her story is powerful and relatable for so many.  

Sydney is living beyond her depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. At an early age, Sydney survived the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, bullying, and losing a parent. Her story is one of survival and triumph over circumstances that were out of her control, and now she’s owning her painful past by telling her truth!  

Tim truly believes: “You’re not alone. Your story matters. Your pain matters.” He lives with persistent depression, with episodes of major depression, as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Tim talks about how the deception of depression led him to really dark places, but how the scariest moment can be when you finally make the decision you need to get help. Once he did, everything in his life started to improve.