Stories

After Melissa was sexually assaulted in her own home, she was let down – and effectively revictimized – by those who were supposed to advocate for her. But she has since found focus, purpose, and community as a foster for dogs who depend on her to advocate for them.

A peer specialist gave Barbara hope after nearly two decades in and out of hospitals, on dozens of meds, and out of work. Now, she herself is a peer specialist, works full-time, and is a fierce advocate for mental health and social justice.

The emotional abuse that Crystia endured as a child damaged her self-esteem. By learning how to say no and prioritize herself, Crystia reclaimed her power.

From mental health denier to a town crier of sorts. Acknowledging to himself and others that he had a bona fide mental illness and needed to take it seriously before it took him was the turning point that saved Frank’s life.

Anita had always been empathetic and spent her life taking care of the needs of others—her father, her ex-husband, her boyfriend. Finally, Anita realized she needed to take care of herself too.

When Vinay started to feel uncharacteristically depressed and anxious, he began to explore ways to start feeling like himself again. Rating and tracking his mood, daily activities, and who he associated with allowed him to regain control of his life – and served as the basis of an app to help others do the same.