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by Melissa Bernstein
Founding Melissa & Doug sparked my first “dot moment” in realizing I had capacity to forge my profound darkness into radiant light.  I had believed that my innate darkness could only incite more darkness, but now saw that it could be channeled into engaging toys and unleash imagination.
by SpairTyme
I run my fundraiser as SpairTyme, the host of a small channel on the live streaming service called Twitch. I have seen how anxiety and depression has affected the lives of a number of people very important to me. So I decided to use my hobby to help educate and support mental health awareness.
by China McCarney
...I am a former professional baseball player. I am a best-selling author. Most proudly, I am a Panic Attack Sufferer and Mental Illness Warrior.
by Kaitlyn Fieseler
I want to advocate for stroke survivors to get immediate and comprehensive support for their emotional well-being. And I want to inspire someone battling depression to ask for help. I
by Tiara Johnson
Even before 2020, I dealt with my fair share of depression. I had recently graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and was forced to move back home, unemployed.
by Melissa Osburg

I have always suffered with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but really hit rock bottom about 5 years ago after my hysterectomy.  About 18 years ago after the birth of my first child I suffered some complications. To this day, I can replay every moment - this is when the doctors diagnosed me with PTSD.

Share Your Story and Your Voice.

Help #breakthestigma Around Mental Health.

Read Stories From People Just Like You.

We invite you to explore personal stories submitted from ADAA's community to learn how people living with an anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression or a co-occurring disorder have struggled, coped, and triumphed. 

 

Do you have a story about your 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 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. 

 

SUBMIT YOUR STORY


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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