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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 Hannah
04.27.2026
Hannah shares her story of surviving domestic abuse, the loss of her parents, and severe mental health struggles, and ultimately finding healing through therapy, sobriety, and yoga while rebuilding a safe life for herself and her children.
by Amanda Sobhy
04.20.2026
USA squash player, Amanda Sobhy, shares her experience as a high-achieving athlete battling an eating disorder intertwined with anxiety and depression. Sobhy explains how cycles of control, perfectionism, and identity in sport fueled her struggles, and how mindfulness, self-awareness, and healthier coping tools became essential in breaking the cycle and moving toward healing.
by Cara Erdheim Kilgallen
04.17.2026
Cara shares her experience growing up with severe OCD, how compulsive rituals disrupted her childhood, and how rediscovering ice skating—along with therapy, writing, and support from loved ones—became essential tools in transforming her struggles into resilience and lifelong healing.
by Ale Lasas
03.25.2026
Ale Lasas shares her experience with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and severe burnout and how practices such as journaling, meditation and movement, as well as finding a support community and allowing herself to ask for help, became essential tools in her recovery.
by Trinity Scholl
02.04.2026
Trinity shares her battle with borderline personality disorder, marked by intense emotions and fear of abandonment, and how she has found resilience and healing through therapy, faith, and the belief she is more than her impulses.
by Sydni Kobayashi
10.31.2025
After losing her sister and father, Sydni Kobayashi transformed her grief into purpose by creating 4forty4—a brand rooted in healing, hope, and mental health awareness that reminds others to find meaning and alignment even in life’s darkest moments.
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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