6/12/2013 6:00:00 AM
Almost two years ago Angie wrote to me, depressed and suffering from extremely low self esteem. She listened and heeded my advice, as well as the advice of other readers who left their comments and today she is happy, feeling loved and is a new grandmother.
5/19/2013 6:00:00 AM
Gloria is the proud grandmother of a 10 year old girl who is now an author. She wrote a book about her brother with Autism and Epilepsy, and how this affects her.
3/7/2013 6:00:00 AM
Jackie was diagnosed with schizophrenia years ago. Though the road was rough, but she now is in a much better place. She's in school, studying Early Childhood Education and is working part time
9/30/2012 6:00:00 AM
Melinda was 30 when diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Shamed by the stigma, she struggled through life. She now embraces her individuality, and is conscious of her strengths and weaknesses and working around that knowledge to make her life the best it can be. She says my book, 'Better Than Normal' has given her a new lease on life, and she's grateful for who she is and what she has accomplished
9/18/2012 6:00:00 AM
Gisele is a self proclaimed young 67 years old. Despite physical disabilities which slowed her learning and earned her the title of "stupid" in elementary school, she earned a B.S., Master's and Doctorate degrees. She is truly making the world a better place because of her contributions.
8/3/2012 6:00:00 AM
Linda has three children and four grandchildren. She quit work to help her mother, who has since died. Suffering from lupus, she's broke, in pain and tries not to burden anyone with her problems. She has self published four children's books to help maintain her sense of independence. Sound like a survivor to you?
7/15/2012 6:00:21 AM
M grew up depressed, anxious and painfully shy. Between doctors, therapists and medication, she struggled, until it dawned on her that she had personal strengths. Putting those strengths to work for her instead of fighting them, she's now happy, successful and medication free for eight years! Are you doing what makes YOU happy?
5/17/2012 6:00:56 AM
Jason is a very successful national hairstylist who has first hand knowledge of battling mental illness. A manic depressive himself, he wants to fight the stigma that's associated with mental illness, and show others that being different should not be considered a bad thing. He also realizes that sometimes medication and therapy are needed, and feels like he can be a force for the cause, since he's been there, done that. Thoughts?
5/12/2012 6:00:58 AM
Keith read an interview with me and shared some of his blogs with us. He writes about faith, and how it can carry us through the darkest of times, to emerge stronger and better than before. Have your trials in life made you stronger?
4/26/2012 6:00:44 AM
Lucy doesn't care much for people. She's happiest when she's alone, taking trips, gardening and reading. She has a couple of friends that she sees two or three times a year and that's just fine with her. The problem is her parents, those friends and her boss tend to think she's depressed and needs help. Does she need to change her life to make them feel better?
4/18/2012 2:00:29 PM
Kit realizes many people with bipolar disorder must rely on medication and therapies. He, however, finds humor to be the best medicine for him. He wrote a book called 'Dodging Suicide' to discuss.
3/18/2012 6:00:31 AM
Kanyi, a very gentle person, grew up in a home with domestic violence. Later, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and experienced some of the horrific conditions in mental hospitals in Kenya. Do you think we still have a stigma attached to mental illness?
3/3/2012 10:00:45 PM
Oladipo has been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder, but he's not about to let that get the best of him. Persevering against all odds, he is now educated and has a good job. He has friends in both the US and Asia and considers himself successful. Have you ever had to overcome something like that in life? If so, how?
2/25/2012 2:00:52 PM
Lucian suffered terrible, unspeakable abuses at the hands of many when he was merely a child starting at 9 years of age. As an adult, he is in New York City, helping others with mental illness. He has authored poems to help survivors of abuse, victims of rape, self-cutters and more. He wants to continue to help others, although for him it feels like he will never get over his past. He wonders if this is all there is to life? Do you have words of encouragement for him?
2/18/2012 6:00:44 AM
Catherine was adopted when she was six months old by a couple who had their birth son six months earlier. Neglected by her mother but loved by her father, the family constantly moved because of her father's job. She suffered delusions, psychosis and nervous breakdowns. She found a convent in London where she learned English. After numerous psychotic episodes, she received her English Literature degree, had a son, and is now happy and secure in life. She tells everyone: Never give up! Do you agree?
2/15/2012 6:00:02 AM
Ginny's son suffered from epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression. He committed suicide in May 2011. Now he is gone, and she misses him so, but in his memory she started the non-profit organization, Preventing Teen Tragedy. Do you think you could be this brave after the loss of your child? What would you do?
2/13/2012 10:00:42 PM
When Lisa was young she wished someone else was her mother. Now her mom suffers from Alzheimer's, and she wouldn't trade her mom for anyone else in the world. She started a blog -- a love story of sorts -- dedicated to her mother. While she is touched by others, she wants to touch others' lives, as well, and make a difference. Do you know someone with dementia or Alzheimer's, and do you find it difficult to cope?
2/2/2012 6:00:10 AM
Erin, 27, has been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and borderline personality. She participates in behavioral therapy and works with her bipolar disorder to further her career. She finds that because of her disorder, she knows how to increase her productivity, thus being very successful in her profession. Do you have challenges that, when overcome, actually help you succeed within your own career?
1/20/2012 10:00:36 PM
Cindy is living the good life as a kindergarten teacher. Growing up, she experienced many setbacks, such as DID, depression, the loss of both her father and brother and even faulted for seducing a youth minister, even though she was underage. Through psychotherapy and antidepressants and a very good psychiatrist, she is happily married and finally enjoying her life. Have you ever overcome an obstacle that seemed insurmountable?
1/4/2012 10:00:31 PM
Debbie has suffered from depression since high school. She married and went through the pain of losing her mom, only to realize that she was pregnant. That's when the delusions started and she began to self-medicate with alcohol. Ending up in the hospital from an overdose was a blessing in disguise, for now she is secure and takes one day at a time, enjoying her husband and 7 year old daughter. Check out this success story.
12/25/2011 2:00:23 PM
@UnwarnedLife finally healed after the death of a loved one. When she recovered, her life shattered again because of losing another loved one. She realizes life is difficult, the road can be long, but she must take one step at a time, one day at a time. Is that the secret to life?
12/17/2011 2:00:32 PM
Sherry knew her mom was diagnosed with a thyroid disease, but forgot about it until her pregnancy. Her story has a few lessons, mainly to listen to your body. When something isn't right, don't self medicate or think it will go away on it's own -- have it checked out. It might save you much pain and anguish, and could possibly save your life!
9/4/2011 10:00:11 PM
I realized how many people were trying to help me, and I couldn't let them down. In order to help them help me, I had to help myself. I struggle, and have given in only a few times to drinking or getting high. But I love my life now, and everything I have done to get me to where I am makes me who I am today.
7/7/2011 12:00:18 PM
I wrote this story to encourage people. I want to say NEVER GIVE UP, no matter how difficult your situation. It will get better! Believe me, because I've experienced it!
6/25/2011 12:00:00 AM
Two years ago I was diagnosed with Major Depression after a suicide attempt. It's been a long road, but I believe I'm doing much better. I tend to identify myself as having had depression. Will it always be this way?
