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What comes to mind when you think of events that may be the cause of post-traumatic stress disorder…
Read Personal Mental Health Stories
by Jason Brazao
09.08.2025
Jason recounts how a manic episode involving a police chase, arrest and imprisonment led to a crucial diagnosis of Bipolar 1 Disorder at the age of 38 and to his much-needed recovery.
by Kyle Elliott, EdD
09.02.2025
Read how Kyle's unexpected OCD and anxiety diagnoses helped him understand years of hidden struggles, leading to healing, self-acceptance, and advocacy to fight mental health stigma.
by Maddie Andrews
07.16.2025
After decades of battling undiagnosed trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, Maddie turned their mental health journey into a powerful story of recovery. Through therapy, medication, and community support, they founded a nonprofit to help others and now advocate for stigma-free, accessible mental health care for all.
by Lenibell Marak
06.24.2025
Battling relentless anxiety, sleepless nights, and overwhelming fear, Lenibell felt lost and disconnected. Through therapy, writing, and support, she began to heal—rediscovering hope, identity, and strength along the way.
by Ike Wynter
06.23.2025
Wood artist Ike Wynter opens up about his experience with anxiety and panic attacks, and how therapy, consistency, and leaning on his support system helped him navigate the darkest moments—ultimately allowing him to reconnect with his passion for creating wood art.
by Christian Peschken
06.13.2025
Though never personally affected by clinical depression, German filmmaker Christian Peschken had witnessed its profound impact on loved ones. Motivated by compassion and a sense of helplessness, he created "Lautlos" (The Silence Within), a short, dialogue-free film capturing the silent agony of depression.
Share Your Story and Your Voice.
Help #breakthestigma Around Mental Health.
Read Personal Stories From People Just Like You.
ADAA features a variety of personal stories shared by individuals who have experienced mental health challenges. These stories are meant to provide hope, raise awareness, and reduce stigma by showcasing real-life experiences. They often focus on overcoming obstacles related to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, sharing coping strategies, and emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
Reading these stories can be a great way to feel less alone in your own journey, as well as learn helpful tips and coping mechanisms from others who’ve gone through similar experiences.
Do you have a story about your personal mental health journey? Your voice and your story can help transform the lives of many, help decrease stigma, and make one feel less alone.
We welcome written personal stories and short 2-3 minute videos, or a 1-2 minute recording, that we will share on the ADAA website, through our Triumph e-newsletter, and across our social media platforms.
In a story of 500 -750 words (or a 2-3 minute video), please describe your mental health journey and how it has affected your life. Please provide a brief title and focus on the therapy or other treatments that have helped you manage or overcome your illness. Please include how ADAA's website or resources have helped you. In order to publish you story on our website and to share it on our social media platforms, we require that you use your real name and include a photo.
Please note that we do not accept advertorials (these stories should not include any call-outs for personal websites or publications or sell any products). We reserve the right to reject any story that we do not feel is appropriate to share.
NOTE: ADAA reserves the right to edit for clarity, length, and editorial style. We do not guarantee that every submission will be published. If your story is accepted, you will be notified. If you have not heard from ADAA within one week of submission that means that your story has not been accepted. Once your story is posted on this website, it is the property of ADAA.
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