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Personal Story 03.20.2024

Advocating for Mental Health with Music

My music persona “Goldyngambit” has become my brand to be an advocate of mental health awareness. And had I not battled this illness, I wouldn’t have been able to create my art.

Personal Story 02.06.2024

Rising Above My Story of Depression and Anxiety

After a while, my life began to take on meaning. I let myself feel. I unearthed pain, raw emotions, and intense feelings. These are not minor feats, especially for anyone suffering from depression or anxiety.

Personal Story 08.16.2023

Treat Anxiety as a Mustard Seed

Most would agree that treating invasive cancer when it is still just the size of a mustard seed has a much better prognosis than waiting and treating it when it metastasizes into a larger, less curable disease. My cancer experience makes me more resolute about treating anxiety early.

Personal Story 04.28.2023

Sharing My Story and My Art

I work as a freelance illustrator. It is very difficult for me to fit into a team and I prefer to work from home and communicate only with close friends. I often feel lonely, sad and anxious, but drawing helps me. I put my feelings on paper.

Personal Story 04.24.2023

My Obsessive Life

I became successful as an electrician but would self sooth with alcohol. Once I gave that up, the emotions had to go somewhere but where?

Personal Story 07.15.2021

OCD Artist: Amy Diener on Dot Painting and OCD Triumphs

After viewing my art and story, I want others to understand that we are not alone in this and should not be embarrassed of our struggles. Instead, acknowledge them and work hard to triumph over them.

Personal Story 05.19.2021

If We Could See Mental Health

I wasn’t normal, but somehow, to the world and medical spreadsheets I was, “just an average kid with anxiety” and not a kid who desperately needed help.

Personal Story 02.25.2020

Open Doors

I am currently typing this in bed as I’m trying to avoid getting up. It is 2:13 pm and I haven’t found the motivation to start my day.

Personal Story 12.22.2017

Now the 'Why?' - Part One

March 25, 2017 – 6 weeks later: My name is Samantha Thornton.

Personal Story 05.22.2017

Kayleigh's Story

I have battled more at the age of 25 than most humans do in a lifetime. Take a moment to think of the most dreadfully painful experience you have had – I can empathize with you.

Personal Story 09.06.2012

Perfectionism and Panic

Back in 2006, I had it all: A loving fiancé, a coveted publishing job, a supportive network of friends and family.

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The world was once my oyster; now, it was my prison.

Personal Story 11.20.2009

My Childhood OCD

My experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) began in the summer I was seven years old. My father was planning a vacation to Florida with his girlfriend, my five-year-old brother, and me. I was so excited about seeing the beach and feeling real sand for the first time.

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I spent hours in the bathroom scrubbing my hands raw. I felt that if I didn't take part in this routine, my mother would die. I forced myself to eat foods that I absolutely hated.