Your mental health story is worth telling

Mental Health 417 Stories Project

We’re collecting and sharing anonymous stories from people in our community to inspire hope, instill resilience, and display humanity, even when it’s hard.

Featured stories from our community

This is what I've learned on my journey that I want others to know:

In my journey of healing from and managing anxiety, depression, and PTSD, I’ve tried many different strategies and treatments. For many years, I tried managing my symptoms without medication. While strategies like therapy, exercise, and mindfulness are effective, and enough for many people, medication is necessary for others. I thought I would be a failure if I took medication – that I “should” be able to manage it myself. When I started taking an antidepressant, my only regret was waiting so long to start. I suffered for far too long.
On my hardest day, I wish I could have told myself this:

The situation you’re in right now is temporary. I know you feel like you’re stuck on a never-ending hamster wheel, and you don’t feel like a better life is possible, but you can get some help and take steps to break free and feel better. It’s not going to be easy, but recovery is completely possible. People you don’t even know will be willing to step alongside you and help reframe your thinking. There is so much hope and happiness within your grasp.
When I'm having a hard time, this is what I do:

Remember that this too shall pass… time and distance help. Remember to nourish with healthy food an beverage… your body needs your help. Remember to move… walk, stretch every day. Get outside in nature. Turn off screens and listen to music.
This is how someone showed me kindness:

Literally someone held my hand. (I felt stable and safe).