Hello, I have always thought that sharing my story with the mental health community is important to bring hope to others that are just like me.

I’m a 37 year old divorced mother of two boys. I have been in therapy of some kind or another since I was 7 years old. Mental illness runs in my family as well as substance abuse addiction. I believe I was born with my many disorders that progressed and worsened as I got older, abused illegal drugs, prescribed medication and had my children. In my early childhood I showed all the many signs of OCD. I also grew up in an extremely chaotic family where my mother suffered terribly with her own mental illness that was never acknowledged or treated and an emotionally absent father. My two older siblings coped with this by using and abusing drugs and my older sister was put into rehab when I was seven. My older brother simply moved away and is still an addict today covering up his own mental health issues. My younger sister was extremely emotionally disturbed and would act out violently towards my parents but especially towards me. She would later become a drug addict for many years and thankfully entered recovery 4 ½ years ago.

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I was recently at a dinner with two friends, when we began discussing mental illness and mental health treatment.

All three of us have openly had periods of struggle with both depression and anxiety, but we all had very different takes on treatment, particularly in regards to antidepressants.

“I wouldn’t go on them,” said the first friend.

“I would go on them, but just until I feel better,” said the second.

My take was the opposite: I have been taking antidepressants on and off my entire life, and since deciding to take them consistently nearly three years ago, my life has turned around. I plan to be on them forever.

Conversations like this are not uncommon. When it comes to mental health issues, opinions are often polarized and strongly held.

I understand that antidepressants are not for everyone; many people are fortunate in not suffering from mental illness, and even many of those who do would prefer to have medication be their last resort.

For me, medication is a part of a more comprehensive treatment plan to avoid falling back into the throes of the major depression that I know always lingers beneath the surface of my delicately balanced equilibrium.

I remember what it feels like to be unwell.

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Hello.  We all can live a great, purposeful life managing Bipolar Condition or any mental health situations. 

The social stigma of mental illness used to bother me to no end…and contribute to my problems!  I’m over that now, but I prefer to call it Bipolar Condition vs. “Disorder”.  I also prefer to discuss Mental Health vs. “Illness”.

My story in general: 

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Hello, my Name is Everetta Moore. I am a productive member of my community. I have been a resident of Baltimore Maryland for 4 years. Prior to moving here I was suffering with a mental illness going back and forth to the hospital. I always had the will power to overcome my disease by just seeing my doctor, getting therapy and taking my medication every day in order to not have a crash.

 I was diagnosed in 1990. Since then I was able to hold a job, keep an apartment, go in society and function with normal people. I have more support in my community. I help others to get through on a daily basis when help is needed. I give food to the homeless. I give away my unwanted clothes. I also provide my service by doing volunteer work just to give back to the community.

I am doing wonderful with the help of my doctors, therapist and one on one counseling and take my medication everyday. I have not been admitted in the hospital since 2011. Thats good for me, I usually go in the hospital at least twice a year.

I am happily in love with my apartment.  I am proud of who I am and not afraid of talking with others. Once upon a time I would talk to no one i talk with people than i ever had in my whole  entire life. I feel safe going our into the public no matter where i have o go. I am so happy just be able to help others that experince what i have echange ideas as to how we can go about making a change for the better in order to become a productive memeber in society. 

June 3, 2014

Thank you for your interest in my recovery story. I have been in mental health treatment for the past thirty-three years. It began at age eight when I was sexually molested by a close relative. I did not tell anyone out of shame and guilt for ten years. I became anorexic immediately following the assault, which turned into bulimia, severe depression and anxiety through my teenage years. My parents would not allow hospitalization or medication because of their ignorance and the stigma involved. Suicide was constantly on my mind. My parents did allow for weekly psychotherapy treatments.

At seventeen, I suffered a major mental breakdown and was limited in my high school attendance. I disclosed facts about the abuse during therapy, but no charges were filed, once again due to the perceived stigma. At eighteen, I took myself to the psychiatrist and received my first prescription for an anti-depressant. Lack of effectiveness and side effects caused me to spend the next fifteen years trying different medicine combinations.

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My name is Hannah Stark. I’m from an Atlanta Georgia however I presently live in Boone North Carolina. My main purpose for existing is to help others. I realized from a young age that I had a huge purpose in this world. My current mission is to break the sigma of mental illness, explicitly bipolar disorder. To acquire an unmistakable comprehension of my life I need you to tune in to my story.

Growing up I was consistently an overachiever. From the external glancing in it looked as though I had the “perfect”life. Little did they know it was the perfect illusion.
I was in front of an audience consistently competing in pageants and competitive cheer. I won nearly all that I contended in, and I made straight A’s.
I needed to be amazing inside and out, so I figured I ought to endeavor to have the “perfect” body also. This lead me down a hazardous way that nearly cost me my life.
At just twelve years old I was diagnosed with anorexia. I laid in the emergency clinic bed feeling hopeless, however I realized my story should not end at only twelve years of age.
In the interim, while I was battling anorexia, I was in the mist of filming a TV show. A couple of months after I left the emergency clinic I shared my story on Lifetime TV.
That was a groundbreaking moment for me, because I witnessed the number of individuals I could help by simply sharing my story.
After that I buckled down on my recovery. It was difficult, however it was worth it. After three years I was completely recovered from anorexia, and I thought my fight was finished. Much to my dismay I realized that anorexia was just the icing on the cake to my true illness.
When I hit puberty my mind changed somewhat. I didn’t act or think like I used to. My brain wouldn’t quiet down. I began to go days without resting, and I realized something wasn’t right. My outrage was at an unequaled high, as was my fixation. I faced challenge and I was occupied with wild conduct. After I descended from "celebrating good times” I fell into a profound wretchedness.
I was suffocating in bitterness, yet then half a month later I would feel like I was on top of the world and in charge once more. This vicious cycle proceeded for quite a long time, and at age 19 I was at my limit. My mom made me search for help. At that point my psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar 1 disorder. This finding was difficult to hear, yet I really felt a good feeling. Everything appeared well and good. I began taking the medication I should and going to treatment. I felt incredible, and my life was beautiful again.
My message to everybody is it’s OK not to be OK. Likewise, it’s OK to be bipolar! I’m currently in school studying brain science and I intend to go to clinical school after. I realize that one day I can help other people hands on. Up to that point, I urge you to search for treatment and not fear your analysis. Numerous individuals are battling and they are depending on you to improve so you can be a voice for them. I turned my mess into my message and so can you!

I have been depressed for over 20 years and have been medicated with many different times.  My mother was bipolar and didn’t take her medications all the time so she experienced lots of ups and downs.  I believe in treating mental health issues and even though I am still on the road to recovery and finding the right medication, I fully believe people need to get help (either meds, counseling or both). I saw what it did for my mother - which eventually plays a part in her passing…  I have gone through different situations the last 20 years such as infertility, grandmother’s Alzheimer’s, mother’s bipolar, dad’s cancer, empty nest and husband getting very ill and is now disabled and is having memory issues plus his own mental health challenges.  But through it all, I know God is with me and I get through each day with God, the love of my husband, kids, family and dogs.  I am open to talking or sharing my experiences if it will help others to cope. Thanks for all you do!

It was never about how dirty the house was or how many newspapers you had saved overtime or the amount of magnets you had on both fridges. It was the draining effect of what your mental illness would bring. What mom was I going to see today? Will she be nice and funny? Will she be mean and hurtful? Will she be sad and kept to herself? Everyday was different. Each had a little twist to them. From bipolar to manic to depression the things that are forbidden to be talked about. Yet they take so much away from people. I never hated you I just hated your illness. I hated that you became mean in a blink of an eye or you get sad within seconds and I did love when you were funny because we could crack jokes but all it took was for one little thing and you’d switch. I never wanted this for you. All I wanted was my mom. Your illness took over and it was so hard to love you. When you knew how to take the wound you opened and twist and dig it deeper. I know one day ill look back and be thankful for all the lessons learned and maybe help others one day, but for now I just want to help you.