Stories related to Depression

  • Jules Plumadore

    Who I Am

    Jules Plumadore, contributor, in dark-framed glasses and a beard, wearing a gray-blue wool sweater over a blue plaid button-down shirt, standing in front of a neutral background

    For many years, Jules internalized the message he received from those around him that he was broken and unfixable. But all that changed once he realized that he alone is the expert on his life – and that it’s actively better because of who he is and what he’s been through.

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  • Erica Rae

    Finding My Nourishment

    Erica Rae, contributor, wearing glasses and black tank top, in front of a white closet door from which hang two black ties with rainbows on them.

    Erica had suffered in silence for too long. She knew it was time she sought out help. Getting treatment for her eating disorder revolutionized her life, and she finally found power in loving herself for exactly who she is.

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  • Laura Fox

    Odyssey to Me

    Portrait of Laura Fox, story contributor.

    Laura has suffered for 26 years with mental and physical illness that left her feeling worthless and alone. After many treatments and medications, the length and severity of her suffering led her to a better understanding of herself and the world around her.

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  • Anthony Acampora

    From Darkness to Light

    Anthony Acampora.

    Anthony’s life was spiraling out of his control. That is, until he discovered his faith—and through this faith, he found a light that cast out the shadows of his past.

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  • Laura Riodan

    Kintsukuroi

    A smiling headshot of Laura Riordan, contributor; she has shoulder-length curly brown hair and is wearing a black V-neck top

    After a manic episode, Laura found herself in a mental health crisis center diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As she puts the pieces of herself back together, Laura likens her journey to the practice of kintsukuroi—more beautiful for having been broken.

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  • Amanda Boman

    What Does Freedom Mean

    Amanda Boman, a story contributor, wearing a silver septum piercing and a black top with colorful floral embroidery.

    Amanda spent years denying her alcoholism, afraid that facing it would liken her to her father. A hungover Sunday morning resulted in an epiphany that gave her the strength to face the trauma she had for so long tried to drown. Today, she revels in her sobriety.

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  • Brendan McHugh

    Real Life in the Psych Ward

    Brendan McHugh, story contributor, wearing a maroon T-shirt, sitting on a sofa in front of a neutral background.

    Brendan’s seven days in the psych ward were transformative. The people he met, the conversations he had, and the ways he learned how to cope with his mental illness gave him the ability to let go of shame and find tenacity within himself.

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  • Susan Page

    A Bipolar Superpower

    Headshot of Susan Page, story contributor, in front of a neutral background.

    Susan is truly thankful for her manic and depressive episodes. Mania has taught her how not to live life, and depression has taught her to focus on her well-being in positive ways. Now, she can take on the world.

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  • John Shearer

    My Story–Meds to Mindfulness

    Headshot portrait of contributor John Shearer

    After being pronounced dead in a severe car crash, John was revived at the scene and embarked on a new life journey filled with struggle and hope. Over time, he found meaning in what happened to him and a new purpose in his second chance at life.

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  • Anonymous

    I Thought I Knew

    Anonymous contributor image, featuring a Nikon SLR camera on a table.

    Through a storm of borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, she came to realize her true purpose in life. And when hard days reared their head, she learned how to ride out the storm.

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