Bipolar Strong – Kim’s story Part 2

In February 2018 when I was 30 years old, I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. It all made sense. My maternal aunt has it and my sister was diagnosed the year prior. All the years of misdiagnosis and antidepressants that most likely exasperated my condition, came to an end. I had struggled since […]

Living with social anxiety-Kyle’s story

My name is Kyle Mitchell and ever since I was in grade school, I felt different. I grew up going to a very small private school with a small group of friends. When I was with my friends, I felt like myself. I felt “normal”. When I was without them, I felt incredibly uncomfortable doing […]

Mental health related books you should read.

I don’t know about all of you, but my mind sure feels much more at rest when I’m reading. Every year, I challenge myself to read at least 30 books, although I just barely make it to my goal. This time last year I had already read four books. This month has been a […]

The bully inside – Amy’s story

Just before my 13th birthday, a bully appeared in my head, no matter what I did, no matter how hard I listened to him he wouldn’t leave. Another bully then started talking until my brain was constantly filled with voices and talking day and night. I was scared and didn’t know what to do and […]

Understanding Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental conditions. There is strong stigma attached and people living with it are often portrayed as dangerous. It is diagnosed in the late teens and early adulthood. Some even develop symptoms in their early thirties, but it is uncommon to diagnose over the age of forty. However late […]

Share your story with us!

The Standing Strong Blog was created as an interactive format where strangers can share their stories of living with mental illness. Whether it be your own or you care for someone with mental illness, your story will help break down the wall of stigma and will encourage others to speak up and reach out. Not […]

The battle within – Alan’s story

On a cold day in December in 1984 my life would change forever. I was 11 and had a verbal altercation with my mom. She wouldn’t let me watch a show I really enjoyed, that wasn’t what I needed actually. I just needed her to acknowledge my needs as her oldest child. She didn’t, I […]

Visiting the psych ward

Several years ago in one of my deepest depressions, I considered checking myself into somewhere. The only thing was I had no idea where to go. So I pushed on with the aide of my antidepressant and eventually, saw the light again. Even though I considered it for myself, I never imagined someone closest to […]

I am me – Kay’s Journey

An eight-year-old standing in the living room staring into the kitchen watching her parents fight (details left out to avoid triggers for others). A frightened child who got nauseous every time she went to the doctors and the dentist. A child misdiagnosed with asthma because she was having breathing attacks. A happy adventurous child who […]

Don’t Stop Me Now – Dawn Recollects

Rape.. it’s an ugly word. It’s a fucking ugly word. I don’t know anything that will ever change that. June 26th. And it began. Tears, doubt, anger, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, fear, fury… the descriptive words are endless and continue to spew. The wave of emotions, the better days. The suicidal days. You wonder if […]