Stories of Hope

It Is Okay to Not Be Okay

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Dollan Cummings This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked college student Dollan Cummings about his journey. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment?   DC: I struggled with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety as …

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We Must Take Care of the Body, Mind & Spirit

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Tim Davis This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked triathlete and teacher Tim Davis about his journey and his recent memoir. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? TD: I first became aware that I might …

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Don’t Give Up Until the Miracle Happens

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Hope Andersen This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked author and online coach Hope Andersen about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? HA: My awareness of my mental illness …

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Proud to Be a Survivor

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Gerard Gerlach This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked Gerard Gerlach about his journey and his current activities. As a content warning, Gerard does discuss his past thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to suicide. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health.  How did these issues continue to affect …

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I Am An Entire Person

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Laura Kaponer This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate Laura Kaponer about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? LK: Many of those in recovery can recall a “before” and “after” …

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We Might Feel Down But We Can Get Back Up

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Pammila Allen This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked Pammila Allen about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? PA: I was a victim of abuse; mental, physical and sexual abuse. When …

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I Found a Purpose to Keep Going

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Marie Shanley (Mxiety) This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate Marie Shanley, also known as Mxiety, about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? MS: I was …

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Spark a Conversation About Mental Health

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Michelle Hammer This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate Michelle Hammer about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment and was there a turning point that led …

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