"I will always struggle with my depression, mania and anxiety, but I have committed to over coming it."
Ashamed and made guilty by my diagnosis and bad habits, I felt like I hit the bottom of a valley. I got stuck and felt like I was sinking into quicksand with no way out.
The summer going into my junior year of high school, I started to feel different…A month or two after being diagnosed, the thoughts came. I had a plan to end my life.
I was so scared of seeing a doctor because I knew what the outcome would be. I didn’t want to put a label on myself and have it define the rest of my life.
To me, good mental health means actually wanting to get out of bed in the morning and tackling the challenges I normally find overwhelming. To achieve this, I put a lot of effort in maintaining my mental health.
Now I can recognize that there were warning signs during my childhood that pinpoint the rise of my anxiety.
Heather Von St. James is an 11-year survivor of malignant pleural mesothelioma . Heather encountered many unexpected challenges after defeating cancer and outliving her original prognosis of just 15 months to live. She experienced uncertainty of how to rebuild her life af...
During the holiday season, many look forward to festivities with friends and family. But for others, this time can bring on or worsen stress, anxiety and depression. There are a variety of factors that can bring on holiday anxiety and depression. Some people experien...
Depression is a widespread issue in the U.S. affecting about 40 million adults. Fortunately, there are many ways to feel better. Talking to a licensed psychiatrist can make a huge difference and there are so many effective medications out there. Exercise and healthy eating...
Statistics say that one in five adults has mental illness. It does not discriminate by race, age, gender or profession. Yet, I felt completely alone almost my entire time in graduate school training to be a psychologist. I’ve experienced depression and anxiety for years. I’m...
Today, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a review of all major studies involving anti-depressants in children and adolescents by a team of researchers from Western Psychiatric Institute in Pittsburgh.
NAMI's fact sheets offer clear, concise information on mental health topics. Share them with a loved one, bring to a doctor or hand them out at health fairs.
Suicide & Family Trauma: The Road to Recovery When we break the stigma around talking about suicide, we open up new roads to recovery: “There is no silence, no shame.” Venessa Abram, mental health advocate shares her experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and attempted ...
Living with Bipolar I: My First Manic Episode Manic episodes caused by bipolar disorder can be confusing and challenging to manage. Hear from NAMI Member Claudette Pombo about her experience with her first known manic episode while trying to attend her circus-themed wedding...
NAMI On Campus: Fighting for My Mental Health Rights Pooja Mehta shares her lived experience with anxiety and depression on campus, which began with a panic attack that threatened her ability to remain at school and continue her education. Together with other students, she ...
The stigma behind mental illness runs deep and it destroys lives. I’ve decided to share my story in hopes that it will provide inspiration to others.
You have the power to acknowledge your pain, your fear or even your mental health condition. I applaud those of you who have the strength to be vulnerable, real and open about your struggles. Because it is not easy. You are a true inspiration.
As a therapist, I’ve repeatedly seen the same research conclusions: a few sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (or CBT) can be very helpful in treating anxiety and depression. CBT’s simple yet powerful changes to the way we think and act can have profound impacts on...
When I was younger, I worried about everything. Worry was with me in high school: Would I get into college? If so, which one? Worry was with me when I was in college: Would I pass my finals? Would I get a job afterwards? I always assumed that I had to worry about st...
As a kid, I vividly remember sitting around my grandmother’s house thinking, “I want to be an NFL player and have a big NFL contract one day.” Looking back, I never dreamed that I would be where I am now, having just finished my first season with the Cleveland Browns. ...