Community Stories

Welcome! In these videos, meet a group of individuals who either live with mental illness or care for someone who does. They share helpful personal insights and remind the world that a diagnosis does not define a person.

Length: 1:08

Talk About Your Depression

Talking about her depression and opening up to others allows Danielle to process her feelings and find the help she needs.

Length: 1:44

Reminders of My Self-Worth

Danielle struggles with feelings of worthlessness, so she has developed coping skills to battle this aspect of her depression.

Length: 1:09

My Treatment Plan Has Changed with My Depression

As Danielle’s depression has evolved over her lifetime, so has her treatment plan – she works with her healthcare providers to find what’s best for her.

Length: 3:05

Learning About My Diagnosis Helped Me Cope

Danielle reflects on her path to accepting and coping with her adolescent diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

Length: 2:36

It’s OK to Ask for Help

Previously, Danielle’s unacknowledged depression manifested in suicide attempts and feelings of isolation. Now, she speaks openly about her depression and asks others to listen.

If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, reach out to a healthcare provider immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

Length: 1:54

Getting Through Depressive Episodes

When Danielle experiences depression at its worst, she reminds herself that she’s lived through depression’s darkness before.

Length: 1:55

Confronting Suicidal Thoughts

Danielle manages her suicidal thoughts by using her coping skills: focusing on breathing, not isolating, and talking with others.