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Read Personal Mental Health Stories
by Rachel Keeler
05.20.2026
After years of struggling with severe, cyclical emotional and physical symptoms, Rachel was finally diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), giving her the validation that it wasn't just "in her head". Through lifestyle and diet changes, her once severe PMDD symptoms have substantially subsided and it's given her hope that she can have a functional and happy life.
by Jyoti Mishra
05.19.2026
Jyoti, a neuroscientist, explores and expresses her experience with anxiety and depression through poem. She dives into her personal battle with mental illness and how treatment, familial support and nature connected have shaped her recovery.
by Alma Manso Rojas
05.08.2026
College student Alma Rojas created an art poster series with ADAA about OCD for a school project. This series explores the idea of the way OCD is perceived and the internal patterns of OCD.
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.
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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