BIPOC Mental Health Recovery Stories
Maternal Mental Health: Keli’s Story
A new mother details her recovery journey from postpartum depression, and how medication and therapy were critical to her success.
Holding Space: Stories of Maternal Mental Health
Series presents five women who tell of heartbreaking and challenging journeys with postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety and mood disorders.
Meet Monica (Again) – Mental Health & Chosen Family
Monica, a young transwoman, talks about her experience with mental health challenges, homelessness, and finding her chosen family at The Attic Youth Center.
Learning to Prioritize Mental Health and Self-Care through a Traumatic Experience
This mental health recovery story focuses on Andrea’s journey after an incident of unwanted touch in a public place. Andrea felt anger, confused, uncertain how to go on. Through mental health care and re-prioritizing her needs, read how Andrea learned to heal from her trauma.
The Hip Hop Therapist
Ronald Crawford calls himself a hip hop therapist, using hip hop lyrics as a way to connect in therapy sessions with young people.
The Healing Verse – Cydney, Yolanda, Ursula, Thomas
Third in a series of films that presents poetry for mental health wellbeing.
Mind Games: Depression & Anxiety Gripped My Father; COVID Nearly Took Him Away
Khadija grew up with two hard-working, loving parents, it was later in life that she experienced the impact of her father’s depression.
When Running From The Voices In Your Head Takes You Someplace New
Avis Yarbrough considers herself “shy” and “timid,” someone who stays at home. But when she first started hearing voices in her late twenties, she was catapulted on a trip she would have never taken otherwise.
The Healing Verse — Trapeta, Enoch, and Beth
Second in a series of films that presents poetry for mental health wellbeing.
Forgiving the Hurt: What Does it Mean to Forgive Our Abusers?
Alicia McClendon has been parsing out the word “forgiveness” for some time now. Can you forgive your own mother for causing you childhood trauma? And what does it mean to forgive while still holding on to your truth?
How Living With Depression Influences My Personal Growth
Onome felt a lack of support in her childhood, which quickly spiraled into depression, although it was hard to find treatment in Nigeria and Ghan, she eventually got the help she needed.
The Healing Verse: Poetry for Mental Wellbeing
First in series of films that present poetry for mental health wellbeing.
Building a Life After Violence: Leon Harris’ Story
Leon Harris was shot and paralyzed when he was 17 years old. Over the past 14 years he has built a life that includes being husband and father.
Recovering from Depression; a Taboo Illness in Indian Society
Depression in India, for women in particular, is still a taboo topic, with women being blamed and shamed for what they experience, as Aakanksha Shukla writes.
“Dear Me” A Music Video that Started in Group Therapy
David Thomas is a musician who lives with bipolar disorder. His first single, “Dear Me,” stems from an exercise assigned at a group therapy session.
“Dear Me” A Sneak Peek at a Music Video that Started in Group Therapy
David Thomas is a musician who lives with bipolar disorder. His first single, “Dear Me,” stems from an exercise assigned at a group therapy session.
A Kenyan Man’s Journey with Schizophrenia: Therapy and Medication Work Wonders
When Kenyan university student Noah Kirui was in college, he started developing hallucinations and delusions and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia.
An Extra Mile: Preserving the Literary Legacy of a Brother Who Died by Suicide
After his death by suicide, Raghav Thakran’s family discovered hundreds of poems that he wrote and published them in a book to keep his memory alive.
A Gentle Hand Reaches Out to Those Considering Suicide
Bharti Bansal reaches out a gentle, compassionate hand from India to a friend she has never met, another human being considering suicide, just like she did.
Gunshot Survivor Mental Health: Jalil Frazier’s Story
Jalil Frazier was shot trying to prevent a robbery. He is a member of a support group for gunshot violence survivors who speaks about his journey.
Kiss My Scars: Learning to Love the Whole Self, Trauma Included
by Listen to Editor in Chief Gabriel Nathan read this story: When I walk into a room, my presence, stature, and big ass afro commands attention! It wasn’t always that way—I didn’t...
Gunshot Survivor Depression & Trauma Recovery: B’s Story (Steven Smith)
Steven Smith is an anti-gun violence advocate and member of a support group for gunshot violence survivors who speaks about his journey.
How I Use the Singing of Hymns and Gospel Songs to Fight Depression
Isaac Nunoofio felt treating his depression was a hopeless cause, and then he found singing.
Gun Violence Survivor’s Mental Health Recovery: Jaleel King’s Story
Jaleel King is a photographer and member of a support group for gunshot violence survivors who speaks about his journey.
My Bipolar, BPD, OCD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobic Life’s Journey; Thus Far
As a child, Brianna attempted to find ways to control the emotions and experiences that she did not feel in control of, how Brianna’s diagnosis and treatment helped her to understand her moods.
Mental Health and Gunshot Violence: Charles Horton’s Story
Charles Horton is a disability rights activist and member of a support group for gunshot violence survivors who speaks about his journey.
Winning My Ongoing Battle with Depression and Alcohol Abuse
During childhood, Joao had trouble finding friends he could trust, how Joao moved through experiences of bullying and self-doubt.
The Depression That Would Not Go: How Do We Fight Depression When Medicine Doesn’t Do the Trick?
Anuradha Malhotra has keeps finding ways to quell her depressive symptoms, but her cures always seem to run out of gas. Now she’s finding other ways of moving forward.
Are We Destined to Repeat the Family Cycle?
Growing up, Natalie struggled with her father’s alcoholism and manipulation, how Natalie worked through her relationship through therapy and writing.
Colours Went Flat: Losing My Brother to Suicide
Suicide loss is different than any other kind of loss, which Indian writer Raashi Thakran beautifully describes in her essay about her brother.
Dear Mom, I Want to Kill Myself
Dear Mom, I Want to Kill Myself is a heartbreaking and, ultimately, hopeful essay about overcoming suicidal thoughts and helping family members heal and grow.
The Awesome and Absolutely True Adventures of the Autisarians of Philadelphia
The Smith Family of Philadelphia rejects the limitations of the term autism, and instead create “The Autisarians,” people with superhuman abilities.
Art is a Superpower | Quarantine + Mental Health
Artist and Educator Greyson “Haji P.” Davis discusses how art is his superpower, and has been his salvation during quarantine.
Quarantine: Clarity & Ghostliness | Mental Health & Hope for the Future
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiqZCEYjVG4 by Artist and Educator Greyson “Haji P.” Davis reflects on one of the positive aspects of quarantine: he is released from the pressures of social demands. Greyson...
Parade of Puppy Fur | Play, Quarantine & Mental Health
Artist and Educator Greyson “Haji P.” Davis discusses how he’s free from social interactions and pretending to be anything but himself during quarantine.
The Vital Mission of a Therapist Working with Marginalized and Disenfranchised Populations
Angelica Pinna-Perez, an intersectionally-oriented therapist, works with marginalized and disenfranchised folx to access culturally-competent, affordable treatment.
Quarantine Doodling & Art | Mental Health & Hope for the Future
Artist and Educator Greyson “Haji P.” Davis creates a routine for maintaining his mental health during quarantine: drawing in a studio and on the street.
From Full Ride Scholar to Convicted Felon; A Suicide Attempt Changes Everything
Brittany Lopes’s suicide attempt was intended only to harm herself, but it didn’t turn out that way. Read about her journey of healing, redemption, forgiveness, and recovery.
Not All a Child Needs: Overcoming Suicidality and Depression in Pakistan
Hira Raza shares how culture and parental pressure can impact a child’s mental health, leading to an eating disorder and depression in Pakistan.
The Reluctant Filmmaker: Surviving Suicide of a Son
Yolonda Johnson-Young has created a film titled Finding Elijah to help her answer the many questions she had after losing her son to suicide.
Letting Myself Go: An Artist’s Struggle with Depression, Addiction, and Suicidality
For the artist named Mederos, physical and psychological pain of depression is inextricably intertwined.
Singing a Lullaby to Myself | Anxiety & Mental Health in Rwanda
by “My whole life became worry,” Florence Mukagenzi, a medical student from Rwanda says about her world. “It all felt so unsafe.” And so begins Florence’s recovery journey from paralyzing anxiety, which she exquisitely...
Suppress it, Survive it – How Unresolved Grief can Lead to Depression
Ananya Sahoo, a young woman from India, tried to suppress depression and place the intense grief from losses in a box; but theses boxes always open.
Epiphany: Radical Rainbow: A Middle-Aged Woman of Color Lives with Mental Illness in America
Trying to navigate the world as a black older woman diagnosed with schizophrenia has more than its fair share of roadblocks. Jacquese Armstrong sees that world differently than most.
A Voice on Anxiety and Depression in India
Sanjukta Chauhan, a self-described “annoyingly optimistic” student from India, uses writing to tackle her depression.
Wrestling with Depression
In addition to wrestling some of the most noted sumo wrestlers in the world, Mike Wietecha is also well-versed in wrestling depression.
An Average Anorexia Story (Serious, there is no big surprise or plot twist)
As her body changed, Amanda lost track of who she was. Slowly, through recovery from anorexia, Amanda found a way to reconnect to herself and to her body.
Eight Miles Of Agony: Anxiety and Travel
I don’t know if I will ever be free of the panic attacks but I have hope that I will know how to cope. As of right now, I am taking things one day at a time, living my life and sharing my story so that others know that they are not alone.
When Anxiety and Panic Attacks Hit; Hit Back with Therapy
Natalie Rodriguez knew she needed therapy for her anxiety and panic attacks; but she had to fight against shame and stigma to get that help.
Raised by a Broken Woman: Battling Depression and Anxiety Without Parental Support
A never-ending cycle: Broken souls having children only for those children to be shattered souls themselves. Because I know that millions experience this, I want to share my story in order to change a life or even save one.
Psychosis: A Beginning. An End.
My impaired judgement was obvious even in the early days of my illness. I exhibited so many of the symptoms associated with psychosis—a substantial drop in my grades, trouble concentrating, declining hygiene, a significant weight loss, oscillating from strong emotions to a feeling of emptiness to name a few.
Now What?: Suicidality and Planning for an Uncertain Present
When I exhibited symptoms of C-PTSD and OCD, I was afraid and lost. I survived multiple major depressive episodes, all of them including suicidality.
Call Out Each Cloud by its Silver Lining: Life with Depression & Anxiety in India
Whenever I’d gone through stages of major depression or anxiety as a young teenager, all I’d hear was that I was stupid, lazy, and unambitious. Imagine being judged by your symptoms and not by your illness.
How Audre Lorde’s Cancer Journals Helped Me Cope with my Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
I am determined to love and live intensely and fearlessly because, as Audre Lorde said, betraying myself into silence will not protect me.
Laces Out: Chokeslammed by Suicidal Thoughts & Depression
With depression, I had suicidal thoughts. Not because I wanted to kill myself, but because the idea of being “done” felt like serenity.
Bipolar Disorder and PTSD – How I Accepted My Mental Illness Before it had a Name
Before I had a name for my mental illness — bipolar disorder and ptsd — this is what it felt like: playing diagnosis dress-up, trying on labels, seeing how they fit, and feeling lost — like there was nothing left in my closet to wear.
Playing Hide and Seek with a Demon: My Struggle with Anxiety
I don’t know when it started. It was not as though I suddenly woke up with a raging heartbeat and butterflies in my stomach, wishing I could run away from myself. It came in tiny bits of worry.
Addiction and Anxiety – My Poetic Recovery
Trapped between fear and anxiety, I would drink and use drugs to cover up my feelings. After years of living this way with several bad trips, blackouts and hospitalizations, I went into treatment.
Cumulative PTSD for a Police Officer After 9/11
This video features Officer Ron Griffith, formerly of the NYPD. After 9/11, Ron’s personality shifted. He became a controlling, angry person. He says he wasn’t aware of this change until his family left him, and all he was left with cumulative PTSD.
Mental Health Silent Retreats Have Changed My Recovery Story
Mental health silent retreats have been an important tool in my recovery. They have allowed me to forgive, heal, and gain clarity.
Episode 14 – “The Hunting Ground”: Recovering from Sexual Assault – an Interview with Documentary Film Subject, Kamilah Willingham
Interview with Kamilah Willingham, a subject of the documentary film, “The Hunting Ground.”
Episode 12 – From Nigeria to the U.S. — A Journey with Anxiety and Depression
Adesola Ogunleye, a Nigerian American immigrant who lives with depression and anxiety, is interviewed on this episode of OC87 Recovery Diaries on the Radio.
Episode 10 – An Autism, Asperger’s Doctor with a Son on the Spectrum
Dr. Robert Naseef can’t alter the fact that he has a son on the spectrum, but he has evolved in the ways in which he copes with his son’s disability.
The Blended Shades of Depression
This disassociated state, where you plan your death as though you were planning Tuesday night’s dinner, is one of the many shades of depression.
Episode 8 – A Bengali American Woman’s Bipolar Journey
Bengali Mental Health – Fahmina Ahmed says she’s experiencing many more highs and lows in her bipolar disorder because of the volatile political climate.
Wrestling with Obsessive Thoughts About Everyday Encounters
how an everyday encounter with a stranger on the street can morph into a paralyzing prison-like mental trap of repetitive, obsessive thoughts.
A Letter to Niyyah: Trauma Under the Bridge
Now, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, the cycle is broken.
Mental Health at the Mic: Childhood, Loneliness, and Suicide
This is the third in a series of videos of men who have participated in the Philadelphia’s Engaging Males of Color BEyond Expectations storytelling project.
Mental Health at the Mic: A Veteran’s Story
A veteran of the United States Army, Russell lives with PTSD, something that affects his daily life. Watch these videos about veteran’s mental health.
A Mental Health Advocate Sends Love and Light to the World
Sitawa Wafula is a Kenyan mental health blogger and advocate for people living with mental health conditions and their families.
Mental Health at the Mic: Christian A’Xavier Lovehall
This video post features the stories of Christian A’Xavier Lovehall, a transgender man who talks about his mental health journey.
It’s Time To Talk, Then Reflect, Then Grow
I don’t know if my depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder will ever go away.
Mike Veny: “An Interview With My Depression”
“I’d really love to interview my depression,” Mike said. And we were off. Watch Mike Veny do the (near) impossible: interview his depression.
Mike Veny: Mental Health Recovery, Music & Advocacy
Mike Veny is an advocate who speaks boldly about his journey with mental health. Mike Veny is also a lifesaver. The first life he saved was his own.
The Pain of Being Labeled Crazy
The pain of being labeled crazy doesn’t present itself as one big sweeping hurt, more like a series of small little jabs as you go through your days.
Bipolar-ish: Q&A with Musician Deidre Young
“My medicine is my music. When it gets too bad, I’ve got to sit down and do my music.” – Deidre Young a.k.a. H-Town Butta, creator of the song “Bipolar-ish.”
Having Hope After Being Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
Shireda was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. That solved some of the confusion. Support at The Attic, an LGBTQ youth center, and Horizon House helped next.
Father Figures, Forgiveness & Mental Health Recovery
Voices of young black men are often misunderstood. This video with 15-year-old Jaywan explores forgiveness and mental health recovery with mentor Levi Lee.
Darryl’s Bipolar Disorder Recovery at COMHAR & Beyond
Darryl Armour was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at an early age. His story includes residential treatment programs, incarceration, and recovery at COMHAR.
A Certified Peer Specialist Living With PTSD
Brenda Lewis is now a Certified Peer Specialist who helps other people find resources along this journey so they won’t have such a difficult time.
A Molecular Biologist With Bipolar 1 Disorder
I have a wonderful life. But I would be lying if I didn’t say it has been a hard fought one. I suffer from bipolar 1 disorder. Here is my story.
Not For The Faint of Heart: Recovering From Co-Occurring Illnesses
Bipolar disorder and alcoholism left me exhausted and defeated. Hope came in the form of a co-occurring illnesses rehab facility.
Young, Black and Bipolar
“Young, Black and Bipolar” helps people navigate through the craziness of accomplishing a normal life after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Hyacinth’s Journey Home: Surviving Schizophrenia, Drug Abuse, and Homelessness
Hyacinth wrestled with the toxic combination of schizophrenia, drug abuse, and homelessness. 18 years ago she discovered Project HOME, changing her life.
Life at the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Mental Health
Race gender and mental health were discussed intersectionally at the 2015 Gender Spectrum conference, featuring the original video A Journey Within.
Rachel’s Recovery On Film
Rachel has been on her own since high school. She has fought to overcome depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
Best Day Project
To cope with depression, Grace Kim set out to do something scary every day, and the Best Day Project was born, giving Grace a new perspective on life.
Eric Cureton’s Journey to Independence
Eric’s story begins with sadness and isolation. Today, Eric has uncovered a strong sense of self, created supportive relationships, and learned coping skills.
Drawn to Forgiveness
Ron Thompson is a fascinating guy — an artist with a pen, a poet with words. His video, Drawn to Forgiveness, incorporates both of these strengths.
PTSD & Healing Hurt People
Healing Hurt People works with young people in Philadelphia who are seen in the emergency room for violent injuries (gunshot, stab, or assault wounds).
Darlene’s Recovery Story
Video from the Hollywood Beauty Salon documentary: Remembering neglect in foster care, alcoholism, and mental illness, Darlene talks to her inner child.
A Journey Within
Monica, a young transwoman, talks about her experience with mental health challenges, homelessness, and finding her chosen family at The Attic Youth Center.
Rachel “Hollywood” Carr
“I would not want to change my life, even all the negative and bad stuff, because it actually made me who I am.” —Rachel “Hollywood” Carr
We’re to be Heard: Arah’s Story
“If there’s anybody having a mental challenge, I hope they’d be brave enough to speak out. They are not the only one going through that.” – Arah Cooper
The Metamorphosis of Sanetta Watkins
In this excerpt from the documentary Hollywood Beauty Salon, Sanetta “Butterfly” Watkins shares her metamorphosis recovery journey with schizophrenia.