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Read Personal Stories
by Nieisha Deed
03.21.2025
I believed in the recipe that society had laid out for me: get a good education, land a good job, buy a house, get married, have children, and boom—happiness would follow. But as I continued down this path, something didn’t add up. The math wasn’t mathing.
by Chris Maliszewski
03.21.2025
The thing about a tragic event is that the physicalness of it passes, time moves on, and life continues. We mourn and commemorate, but the world doesn’t stop. When I finally got the help that I needed, I started to feel growth
by Samantha Russo
03.11.2025
I struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, and some depression issues. My biggest triumph has been working out with my personal trainer every day. Exercise relieves some of the anxiety and pain I’m feeling, and I can let out my frustration in a way that makes me feel healthy and positive.
by Patricia Brooks
03.06.2025
Don’t give up fighting for your mental health when your gut knows something’s not right either with you, or with the diagnosis you’ve been given, fight to live.
by Jarek Tadla
02.27.2025
Depression and anxiety have a way of creeping into even the most “successful” lives. I convinced myself that if I just worked harder, I’d finally feel whole. But no matter how much I accomplished, it was never enough. I reached a breaking point where I had to make a choice: keep pretending, or finally ask for help. The truth is, reaching out for help was the strongest thing I had ever done.
by Christopher Fontana
02.20.2025
Depression consumed me, making even the smallest tasks feel impossible. I was stuck in a vicious cycle, drink to escape, wake up filled with regret, and repeat. I knew I had to make a change or risk losing everything. Today, I am a sober mental health advocate, 100 pounds lighter, and stronger than I’ve ever been, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Share Your Story and Your Voice.
Help #breakthestigma Around Mental Health.
Read 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 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.
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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