Stories

After finding DBSA at a turning point in her life, Wendy discovered the transformative power of peer support. She reflects on the friendships, connections, and community that helped her find her way forward.

Honoring the memory of Sandra N Porter. This contribution is made in her name to advance education, reduce stigma, and empower those living with bipolar disorder.

I was taught that I could just pray about things or have faith in God and all my problems would be taken care of. My experience taught me otherwise.

How do you explain inexplicable sadness? Confusion? A loss of self? Few life experiences prepare you for the inner turmoil that mental health issues create.

When you decide to be African American, your identity is shaped by the constant struggle to be affirmed. Unfortunately my story is debated and suppressed instead of being acknowledged and celebrated.

As a first-generation person born in the United States to working-class immigrant parents, my ethnicity is a big part of my identity, and it shapes the way I experience our world.

In my experience, mental health challenges like depression, bipolar disorder, and therapy are not often discussed openly in the African American community.

My identity has shaped my mental health journey in both positive and challenging ways. It has allowed me to accept myself and strengthen emotional regulation, social awareness, and insight.

Living with a mood disorder while also being part of a marginalized community can make feelings of loneliness and isolation feel suffocating. What helped me most was peer support. 

Real Talk. You're Not Alone

After a suicide attempt left me in the hospital, the progress I made on my mental health was pretty superficial for a couple of months. I stumbled upon DBSA Louisville by happenstance...

In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we reached out to past leaders of DBSA to hear their reflections on their time at DBSA and how we have grown over the past decades.

We sat down with the Reid family – Tara, Will, Robin, and Tammy – who have been hosting an annual fundraiser benefiting DBSA from their gaming store, House of Cards in Winston-Salem, NC, for nearly 10 years.

Support Mental Health Through the House of Cards Charity Tournament

Jessica had a way of leaving people with stories - the funny ones, the outrageous ones, the tender ones, and probably a few that shouldn't be repeated in certain company. Those stories are part of her legacy.

Paul always had a big heart and loved his family. Paul had his favorite phrases that he was fond of for example, “YEAHH BABY”, “cool beans”, and “get your camera ready.” He enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, boating, and golfing.

I was in the depths of bipolar depression when I realized I needed extra support.

Mad King's Labyrinth to raise money for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance!

Unpacking Mental Health with a Community 

Tom had a big heart. Despite his darkest moments, his humor never wavered - he was the life of the party, the smartest guy in most rooms, and he had a heart of gold. May he rest peacefully knowing how much he was loved and how much light he brought to others.

Although I was apprehensive about attending my first group meeting and meeting new people, I knew it was a crucial step toward my recovery. 

Memorial page in celebration of the life of Cecille Shim, 1941-2024. Cecille lived with bipolar disorder for 83 years, and supports research of all types of mental health conditions.

After four mental hospitalizations, I was referred to my support group, sponsored by DBSA. This sacred place gave me a place to talk, learn coping skills, and develop a comradery of people just like me. I am sure I suffered from depression and bipolar for many years before my formal diagnosis, but for the last 30 years of my life were much brighter thanks to DBSA support groups.  

After four mental hospitalizations, I was referred to my support group, sponsored by DBSA. This sacred place gave me a place to talk, learn coping skills, and develop a comradery of people just like me. I am sure I suffered from depression and bipolar for many years before my formal diagnosis, but for the last 30 years of my life were much brighter thanks to DBSA support groups.  

Recognizing that I will always live with bipolar disorder, I am proud to say that I am working as a clinical psychologist, 10 years after my first hypomanic episode. I am also more than just my diagnosis. I understand how frustrating and isolating the challenges can be, and yet I have personally witnessed the impact of our work in creating resources and speaking on our own lived experiences.

As someone who has lived with bipolar disorder for most of my life, DBSA’s peer-directed approach to supporting wellness deeply resonates with me. Had I had access to DBSA resources as a young adult, I believe it could have prevented a lot of unnecessary pain in my life.

“Bipolar disorder and the broader field of mental health are my top volunteer and philanthropic priorities due to family experience with them. DBSA is a wonderful cause to support since it does really important work in this field and has an outsized impact on the individuals and families suffering from mood disorders.”

I joined DBSA's Board of Directors because my life has been greatly affected by my friends' and family members' struggles with depression and bipolar, and because of my personal experience with DBSA's incredible support system.

“I think DBSA has the opportunity to make the peer support specialist role a respected and valued professional on medical teams. This, along with the staff’s hard work can make DBSA the top mental health non-profit in the country.”

I joined the board of DBSA for two reasons because the organization provides amazing resources to families and individuals affected by mental health disorders.

I volunteer my time and serve as director for the DBSA for many reasons. The three most important reasons to me are that I have seen the powerful therapeutic advocacy on patients and families that have been affected by mood disorders. Secondly, I am forever grateful for the privilege that patients and families have given me; not only an incredible purpose but also a tremendous inspiration. Thirdly, I really believe that DBSA plays a critical role in representing the voice of those affected at the level of policy, education, and research, as well as in the development of new treatments for mood disorders.

“My dedication to advocacy for mental health and my path to serving on DBSA’s Board is due to family experience with the deep challenges of bipolar disorder. DBSA serves a vital need in providing unmatched levels of support for those with mood disorders as well as their families and partners. I embrace DBSA’s goal of reaching everyone they can to help those who are challenged every day by bipolar disorder and depression.”

Jimmy has been affiliated with DBSA for more than 30 years as a facilitator and board member for the Triangle Comfort Zone in North Carolina. He is a retired health care professional, journalist, ordained minister, and business consultant specializing in community engagement, church consulting, and strategic planning.

"I’ve realized that I deserve to be here. I deserve to live. I am loved."

“I’m excited to be able to contribute to an organization providing services and support to too often taboo topics that leave those impacted by them and their loved ones feeling isolated.”

Living with bipolar 2, anxiety, and PTSD, I strive to help DBSA conduct its necessary work, as DBSA has helped me.

Bruce Manhire loved baking bread for people, cooking and fishing. He earned a certificate from the Center for Creative Studies and worked for many years as an automotive clay sculptor/modeler, retiring from Ford Motor Company. His retirement was long and spent with his beloved wife, Mary, at their home in Hadley, Michigan or at Ponce Inlet, Florida when not taking a cruise.

“I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to live in pain,” my internal thoughts said to me during my suicide attempt at the age of fourteen. I didn’t realize until after trying to kill myself that I wanted to be alive.

This page was started by her fellow peer supporter co-facilitators of Support Groups Central and Hey Peers to honor and remember her. The fact that she made such a lasting impact on all of us in such a short period of time speaks volumes about her ability to connect with others.

I could not have pictured my life turning out like this before, but now I like how my fellow DBSA Peer Support Specialists apprentices and I are not letting our mental health issues control us!

Jo Ann was a faithful Catholic, dedicated teacher, historian, athlete, patriot, and Miami Hurricanes enthusiast. However, none of these compare to her greatest joy of being a grandmother.

I’ve made it my personal mission to create spaces for these tough conversations about mental health by attending DBSA support groups and being a part of the Young Adult Council.

After becoming open about my struggles with suicidality and bipolar disorder, the world became a brighter place, and I created genuine relationships with people, almost for the first time.

As a person living with mental health conditions, participating in the groups gives me a sense of community and something to look forward to. When I’m having a bad day, I know someone will be there to listen.

My involvement with DBSA gave me back my sense of purpose and meaning. Almost immediately, I realized what a privilege it is to walk alongside others as they seek wellness.

I deal with depression every single day. I question why I was put here on this earth. I say to myself: you were put here on this earth to make a difference in other people's lives. I do that when someone comes to DBSA.

I felt like no one could understand what I was going through. DBSA support groups taught me I was wrong.

I have learned so much in meetings about how to remain well and handle life’s big and small challenges.

Thank you for continuing Greg's legacy while supporting DBSA's life-changing mission.

For me, the support groups are a place where we can let our hair down. We can talk about the things people say to us that make us feel bad. A lot of us have experienced the same types of discrimination and can say “Yeah, I’ve heard that too. I understand.”

Summer of 2021 will mark 20 years of my living with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorder. I was diagnosed at 19 years old, right before starting my second year of college.

Finding the right therapist: Nak's Story

I have a strong history of trauma that started at age 9 and continued until I was 19. I knew I was different from an early age. At 19, I had people in my life who helped me seek therapy.

Micki was a tireless advocate for parents of children with mental health challenges.

Myra was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941. She was outgoing and popular as a child, and was voted “Most Popular” in her graduating class at Midwood High School. 

Devoted oldest brother to his siblings and cherished friend to countless many, Kelly Kirk, age 65, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 8, 2020.

My experience with depression has taught me that I can reach out for help when I need it and to surround myself with supportive people.

We will remember Anya for her love of native plants, her extraordinary talent as a ceramic sculptor, her curiosity when traveling, and her wonderful smile and hugs.

DBSA resources improve the lives of more than four million people each year, and your gift directly connects you to their recovery stories.

Wolters Kluwer employee giving in support of the DBSA's mission and programs.

At 20 years old, I was hospitalized for one month and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

I was very depressed during my junior year in high school but chalked it up to moving to a new house away from my friends.

Around age 9, I noticed that I didn’t process thoughts and ideas the same way that my peers did.

Despite his 50 plus years struggle with bipolar disorder, self-doubt & self-criticism, & thoughts of suicide, Bob accomplished a lot in his life.

Margaret currently serves on the DBSA Board of Directors.

Suzanne joined the board of The Balanced Mind Foundation to offer support to families like hers and currently serves on the DBSA Board of Directors.

Mental Health is at an all-time high in our communities. So is my support for DBSA National.

Kayla was brave and outspoken yet loving and caring. Her mission was to become vocal about living with Bipolar and to be an integral part in breaking down the stigmas that surround mental illness.

Expanding youth programs means that DBSA can improve long-term mental health outcomes for young people.

DBSA is guided by a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), who advises the Board of Directors in matters of science and medicine and is comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders.

Christy is a former DBSA Board Chair and current Board Vice Chair living in St. Louis. Christy is an active philanthropist supporting many charitable causes.

Mike has been a member of DBSA Louisville since its founding in 2000. He is currently the president of the Louisville chapter and sits on its board.

Thirty years ago, as a young husband to Jani and new dad to our three sons, Ross, Marc, and Alec, I was stopped in my tracks. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder.

I am a psychiatrist with Bipolar Disorder and serve on the Board of Directors of DBSA.

"Tell me, what is it that you plan to do With your one wild and precious life?"

It is important to share our positive and negative experiences with the world.

Allen was a kind and gentle soul and a friend to everyone he knew. He touched the lives of many and was beloved by all that knew him.

Trevor was a kind and gentle soul who sadly was tormented by bipolar disease. He always tried so hard to do what was right and to be a friend to everyone he knew.

Please hug a loved one and take a moment to express the value they bring to your life and consider donating a few dollars in Zac's memory.

Taylor was able to live the last few years of her life as a free spirit. She was fun-loving and had a bubbly personality.

As some of you know Quinton had Bi-polar disorder with paranoid delusions and psychosis.

In loving memory of our father we are accepting donations on his behalf to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. 

Dr. Paul Barker was training to be a surgeon and help others while he secretly fought his battle with depression.

Nathan Ward was a bright-burning soul and professional vocalist who made his exit on 2018-10-23, just a month after his 28th birthday.

Michelle courageously lived with depression for most of her 49 years of life.

Michael was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend whose life was ended way too soon.

Mike and Bobby suffered with bipolar disorder and depression for most of their lives.

Let's come together in memory of Lisa Mane and provide support to those affected by depression. 

For those who didn't know my older brother Enrique Carbia V, also referred to by many as Ricky, he was a loving and devoted son and grandson, an admired brother, and loyal friend.

Jared Gagnon was a runner, coach, mentor and an amazing friend. But what many people didn't know is that he struggled with Bipolar & Depression disorder.

When we hear about people’s afflictions, they usually start by saying, “I discovered I had this disease when….” Back in my day, no one spoke of mine.

I’ve had many years dealing with depression and mania. My symptoms started in my late teens.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved sister and daughter, Payal Patel.

Our beloved father Wilson Sharif was an amazing soul whose enthusiasm for life was incomparable to most.

"Remember that many influential people throughout history have struggled with various mental health conditions. You're no different. You may set the example in your command or company that creates a ripple effect of positive change."

Please contribute in honor of Brian Hinchee by providing support to others affected by Bipolar Disorder.

John Kim was our beautiful son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, artist, adventurer, erudite, goofball, and love.

The goal is to offer a scholarship for the “Peer Specialist Training”

Farewell to Our Gentle Giant. Ian was the guy everyone wanted around.

You are our sunshine, our only sunshine

After being diagnosed bipolar in college, Jolly spent the rest of his life struggling with his illness.

She always saw the best in others and would do whatever she could to help out those in need, even when many times she was the one that needed help the most.

Join DBSA Greenwich and DBSA National in Celebrating the Life Unlimited of Sara Mushegian!

Dan fought the good fight, but passed away on June 21, 2017.

Gone too soon

Beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend, Bimal Bharat Patel (May 14, 1991-May 20, 2016) fought a courageous battle against the debilitating disease of Bipolar Disorder

Angie Ayres was a loving, funny young woman that struggled for a very long time

Keeping Julian's Memory Alive

My own battle with depression over the years inspired me to use my voice to advocate for teens and young adults that may not have the resources to educate themselves on the struggles they are facing.

Chasing Dreams for DBSA. I met my passion, my best friend, my worst enemy, my (free) therapist, and my strongest medication about five years ago.

Our beautiful boy joined God in heaven on Friday, September 22.

Please contribute in memory of Brian Mature by providing support to others affected by Bipolar Disorder.

I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 24 years old.

I wasn’t diagnosed with bipolar disorder until my first depressive episode, which was triggered by my dad’s suicide.

Last April, I found myself in the office of a new therapist for the third time due to a homophobic comment made by my previous therapist.

Despite my childhood years where I was diagnosed with ADHD, my struggle with mental illness began many years ago in high school during my sophomore year.

Born into a dysfunctional family as the youngest of four girls, I experienced a childhood that shaped my future.

I am a psychiatrist with a practice in New York City and I have bipolar disorder. My story is about the voices in my head.

Since I was 5 years old, my life has felt like a constant roller coaster of chaos, although at an early age I gained some coping skills...

The best way I can describe my experience with bipolar is that it is like the movie A Beautiful Mind—minus the paranoid schizophrenia. 

I had a great childhood, playing sports and spending time with family. We lived near the beach in the South Coast of Massachusetts and I had access to all ocean activities growing up.

Even as a young child, I lacked impulse control and fear of consequences. If I wasn’t engaged and feeling like I was learning something new, I’d get bored very easily...

I believe I was born with a predisposition for mental health conditions and that substance use disorder triggered its onset.

My mother, widowed at an early age, was a teacher and I was her youngest daughter. She had to face life with three children in an underdeveloped country.

Adapt. Improvise. Overcome....  This saying was powerful while I was serving in the United States Army, and it still is.

Is there a tipping point in a person’s life where the drive to be better, to never quit, and to throw off doubt...

Bipolar disorder did not become a part of my life until I was 34. While I had experienced several bouts of depression earlier in my life...

At an early age, I started to feel like I was much different than people around me. I’ve always felt that I have never truly fit in with the crowd.

Let the journey begin. I relied on two diaries from ages 10-20 to help recall details. Partying with friends to help slow my racing mind...

I’m 61. And, I have really only discovered in the past nine years what it means to live Life Unlimited by mental pain.

Mental health challenges are no joke. They suck. Suffering with anxiety, severe depression, and ADHD has made "adult life" challenging.

Ever since I was a child, I felt different, too emotional for my own good. When I was fourteen, the feelings became too much, and my doctor prescribed an antidepressant.

After living with bipolar disorder for ten years, I can see that God uses the struggles of a few to save the lives of many.

Having bipolar disorder has not made for an easy life. But within my pain and struggles there have been transformative gifts...

At 19, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. From that point, life was a struggle. My moods were all over the place.

Over the years, medications changed, counselors changed, locations changed, but the condition was always there—relentless.

One of the most emotional moments of my life was when I decided I was staying—when I took suicide off the table.

I’ve always excelled in everything I’ve tried. In grade school, I swam on the YMCA swim team.

To put it mildly, my upbringing was pretty tempestuous. As a result, I developed woefully low self-esteem—I was inherently not good enough, no matter the situation...

One day, a little more than three years ago, I was lying in my mother's bed curled up in the fetal position.

I define my life by one never-ending belief: I believe in me. That belief has guided me from hell into a fulfilling life...

I have always loved technology. I even go as far as saying, “My mind (aka my CPU) is my favorite and most powerful muscle.”

It happened very quickly. I had just finished my sophomore year at college and was working at a summer camp.

“You’re not good enough!” “Things will never get better!” “It’s hopeless!” These are just a few of the voices of bipolar disorder that have been living in my head since I was a teenager.

I developed major depressive disorder when I was eighteen, caused by severe social anxiety. Treatments failed, perhaps not unexpectedly...

As with many of us I knew from an early age I was different from the children and adults that were in my life.

It never crossed my mind that I might be suffering from a mental illness, despite staying awake for days at a time...

I’m a 47 year old single mother that used to maintain a wonderful career in the healthcare industry and had a very productive life until the end of 2008.

On a fragrant, spring evening in 2006, my mood and behavior were marred by somber darkness and crippling psychosis. It was my first break in several years.

In the dark year of 1999, I was challenged with a dilemma that I thought could not be solved. But luckily, with treatment and time, I recovered gracefully.

When I was eight years old I announced that when I grew up I was going to be a famous artist and live in Paris.

Some of my earliest memories go back to when I was in kindergarten. These are not happy memories of friends, coloring, chocolate milk, and cookies.

My journey with bipolar certainly has framed my adult life, but it hasn’t defined it. Just getting a correct diagnosis was certainly half the battle...

As a college freshman, I fell into a suicidal depression, believing that my family and the world would be better off without me.

I was raised in Los Angeles, the daughter of a world-class violinist who played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

My mental illness emerged at the very end of 2005 in December—two years into my marriage, but before kids came along.

I was born to a substance-addicted mother in a rough section of North Philadelphia, and was raised by my grandmother and step-grandfather.

When I found out I had been named the recipient of DBSA’s 2014 Life Unlimited Award, I was stunned.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly before my 30th birthday.

Beginning in 2000, I lived with a 5 year episode of depression which my psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated.

If you walk about half a block down my street, you’ll see it—the locked treatment center for kids where I lived in the late 1980s.

I always knew something wasn’t right. Throughout childhood, I swung back and forth between states of high energy and low self esteem.

If I had to pinpoint a time when I first felt the symptoms of depression—the feelings of sadness, aloneness, and worthlessness...

“I wish my son had cancer instead of depression” the mother of an Indian teenager I recently met said to me.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Pr. 13:12. This scripture beautifully describes the journey I have traveled...

After a distinguished career in the Navy, I was proud to join the public sector utilizing the immeasurable discipline and knowledge...

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during my sophomore year of college. I distinctly remember how alone and scared I felt...

If you met me five years ago, it may well have been on a locked psychiatric ward. I may have told you I was a prophet...

I was born in the middle of the great depression in 1933.  Hoover was president and my family was trying to make ends meet.

What I have learned about living with and overcoming bipolar disorder can be summed up in three words: faith, hope, and knowledge.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can change your life in an instant. Learning to not be defined by that diagnosis takes faith, support, and sheer will.

“Never Give Up.” Three bold words written across my favorite SGI International t-shirt. The simple phrase resonates with a lesson that I learned...

My first depression hit when I was 16. After an increasing downward spiral of drinking and abusing prescription drugs, I attempted suicide...

In 2002, I was on the way to marriage with the love of my life. I was a workaholic technologist with a comfortable income.

I was twenty when I found myself in a mental institution being handed a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

I walk into class, my shield a thick blue binder filled with my countless ideas and thoughts—my nature in disorganized paper form.

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003 at the age 29 after friends and coworkers intervened, confronted my mood instability...

I was first officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of nineteen after falling into a suicidal depression.

The elite United States Army Airborne Rangers' motto "Rangers Lead The Way!" originated when the US Army Rangers were tasked...

Acceptance. The acceptance of having the bipolar disorder was not something I knew very well.

My name is Chris Jasikoff and I am being treated for major depression and social anxiety. My story begins way back in my childhood...

For over twenty years, I have struggled with symptoms of mental illness. When I was only twelve, my father passed away...

I was not formally diagnosed until I was 29 years old. It was only 2 months after marrying the love of my life.

One of the worst moment I've had living with Bipolar would be when I was sixteen.

Growing up I always handled my emotions differently. I took things very personally and become upset easily.

Picture it: you're a sixteen-year-old girl. You have a wonderful boyfriend, great friends, a loving family and you excel at school.

I'm 23 years old, and at 17 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Despite experiencing my first manic episode at the age of fourteen, I was not diagnosed with bipolar I until a few months before my eighteenth birthday.

It is in my personal opinion that most individuals diagnosed with a mood disorder would say, in all honesty, that their diagnoses changed their lives;

I was first diagnosed with depression when I was 13. I noticed things were different between my peers and me.

I was born with health issues and colic because I was extra sensitive to sound, light, etc, so my mother did her best to maintain routine for me to keep me calm.

I was around eight when I first was diagnosed with a mental illness, nine when I started medication.