Blog
NAMI Keystone PA’s Blog features personal stories, press releases, news articles, and other content that provides information, insight, personal experiences, and more.
Personal Stories
Breaking Point
Growing up my life appeared to be very normal from the outside looking in. I had friends, spent lots of time at parties, football games, and playing volleyball. But what most people didn't know is that I was hiding. I was suffering in silence, because I felt like I had to be perfect to be likable...
My Experience With Tardive Dyskinesia
I had been on atypical antipsychotics after having serious side effects from mood stabilizers for Bipolar Disorder Type II when I noticed that the right side of my face would seem to move by itself. At first, I just thought it would go away and because I had had such a hard time...
Running for Mental Health: 6 Reasons It Works For Me
I've been a runner for over half my life, but I've never known how to convince other people to start running. Everyone already knows all the reasons to start: improved cardiovascular fitness, increased life expectancy. Everyone knows that more time in the sun means more vitamin D.
I'm Good
My anxiety is high. Go see a Therapist! I'm Good I'm so sad. Go see a Therapist! I'm Good ...
Taking Care of your Mental Health this Winter
2020 has been quite a year. It's hard to believe we are already in December and the year is almost over. It felt like 2020 was just getting started when the pandemic hit and crushed all of our plans and expectations. I can't wait to put 2020 to rest and I hope 2021 is a much better year...
I Served, Too
It seems simple enough. I served, too! In the US Army, for eight years and even deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. But I and thousands of other women vets, many also married to a veteran, are always overlooked, not only by the public, but also our fellow veterans and the systems...
I Can't Remember a Time Before Mental Illness
I can't remember a time before mental illness in my life, a time before the thoughts of my own death swam in and out between wondering what was on television and which crayon I wanted to pick next. I can't remember a time before seeing "visions" that no-one else saw...
The Breakup
Dear Alcohol, It's been a few days. I'll be honest, I miss you a little. When I woke up the other day and decided to let you go, I still was unsure about it. After all, we have had so many good times together. When did we meet? I think I was 16 or so. But it wasn't until I turned 21...
Fighting a War in My Head
I was diagnosed in high school with depression and anxiety then later in life diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Looking back on my childhood, I can see the ways I was struggling then and the unhealthy coping skills I learned. Being diagnosed helped in some ways because it gave me a...