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Ever since I was young, I have always had a strange fascination with hospitals. While my parents hated hospitals because they reminded them of death and dying, I couldn't help but be amazed by how someone could come into the emergency room on the brink of dying, but walk out alive and well...

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1. Violence. I've been a consumer in the mental health system since 1997 and I've encountered about 3 people (all men), that have what we call 'The Violent streak.' Most people are just working hard at feeling well, and getting through the day in one piece. For some reason though, much of the...

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I experienced social anxiety when I was only five years old. I couldn't speak to anyone, especially girls, all of my elementary school years. In 1958 there was NO awareness or understanding of Mental Health so I was just considered shy and told by many to "just snap out of it and get some guts."...

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My life has been anything but dull, this is for sure! My diagnosis came while I was in high school. It came after a mental break after trying to be too strong, from traumas in my childhood, for too long. I was 17 years old and rebelling against everything in my life. I was drinking and doing...

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My first break with reality came when I was 25. It was the summertime, and I was a high-school teacher who had my summer off. I was severely depressed and would stay in bed all day. I was isolating, not eating, not sleeping at night, and drinking a lot of caffeine and alcohol...

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This brother and sister team created a beautiful video of their mom Mary Lou for the NAMIWalks. Their team, Mary Lou's Krew, is our top fundraising team of 2015. Take two minutes and watch the video now.

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I was diagnosed with major depression at age 12, and then diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 14. I was prescribed a lot of medication, and high school wasn't easy for me. My family had a hard time understanding what I was going through. I wanted to drop out of high school at 16 but instead...

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What is it about failure that makes life complicated? Is it the fear of failing? Is it letting others down? Is it feeling like you're wasting time or talent? Is it feeling like you don't have all the answers? Is it feeling depressed and not being able to get out of bed every day? Perhaps it is a...

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My brother Douglas James Lohman, born July 31, 1989, passed away unexpectedly this past October after fighting a grueling battle with mental illness. By sharing his unique and difficult journey, my family and I hope to spread awareness, provide support and break the stigma associated with mental...

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