Landing Page Hero Image

Read Personal Stories 

Filter by:
by Daniel Vanegas
The physical aspect of my recovery, though difficult at many times, didn't come close to the mental battle I was unaware and unprepared to face. I sought out therapy. It took an adjustment period for my mind and body to find a sense of balance as I began to dig deep into the psychosis of what had happened to me. By vocalizing and working with a community I am in a much better place and want others to know they’re not alone either.
by Stacy Pierce

 Work It Towels is a San Diego, CA mother and son premium fitness towel business created to inspire everybody to move. Our gym towels are incredibly soft, absorbent and motivational. We strongly believe exercise plays a significant role in maintaining positive mental health.

by T.J. Bradley
Over the past 5 years, I have worked very hard not only to heal from the past trauma that I experienced but to become the man on the outside that I have always been inside. It's not been an easy journey at all, and it is not a choice, but it is worth it.
by Neal Sideman

I have chosen to focus on my healing, and to say only a few words about my long period of suffering. Chances are, you already know – firsthand or secondhand – more than you'd care  to know about the suffering! My own suffering had its unique form, but essentially, it was no different from what you probably already know.

by Andy

I created this video because, for as long as I can remember, mental health has been a daily factor in my life-- something which has weighed me down at times and made me want to hide from the world. I wanted to share this video because I thought maybe, just maybe, it could inspire courage and strength in someone else who struggles with similar hardships. If I could inspire just one person, then this video was a success and worth all the time I spent making it.
 

by Justin Bernardez
I prioritized reading, journaling, meditating and therapy as the first ways to get myself back on track. I used music and my voice to talk about my experiences and the constant state of overthinking and anxiety that I was in.

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.
Boost Search Results
On
Educational Resources
Tips & Strategies from our Member Experts and Public Community
Block reference
Blog
As parents we don’t like or want to see our children struggling. But worries, fears and anxieties…
PERSONAL STORY
My music persona “Goldyngambit” has become my brand to be an advocate of mental health awareness.…