Community Stories

Community Stories

Community Stories

Welcome! In these videos, meet a group of individuals who either live with mental illness or care for someone who does. They share helpful personal insights and remind the world that a diagnosis does not define a person.

Length: 1:32

Challenges with Relationships

With its stigma and symptoms, schizophrenia can cause relationship difficulties for Mike.

Length: 1:18

Be Kind to Yourself and Know That You’re Not Alone

Those suffering with mental illness are not alone. Mike offers his perspective to others with schizophrenia — be patient, trust loved ones, and know that there are others that feel just like you.

Length: 1:14

Night Terrors or Hallucinations? Just being a Kid or Bipolar?

As the sister of someone who would later be diagnosed with a mental illness, Jayce explains that what may have been symptoms were overlooked as normal childhood behavior.

Length: 1:12

My Brother is Kind and Loving

Jayce describes her brother, who has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder
bipolar type.

Length: 0:32

Being Careful Not to Smother

Jayce has found that in her experience, giving her brother some space and autonomy was the right choice, but may not be for everyone.

Length: 2:08

Seeking Out Information and Support Groups

Ginger felt like she needed as much education, support, and guidance as she could get. So, she took action.

Length: 4:13

Our Son’s Schizophrenia Diagnosis Changed Our Lives

Ginger recounts the events leading up to her son’s diagnosis. Unaware of mental illnesses, Mike’s escalating paranoia and unusual behavior were alarming to his loving parents. The schizophrenia diagnosis was just the beginning of their family’s journey.

Length: 2:17

Our Family’s Role in Treatment and Recovery

The Hedrick family rallied around Mike, educating themselves on mental illness and joining him in therapy.

Length: 0:42

Your Diagnosis Doesn't Control Your Life — You Do

Cody feels that at first, he let his diagnosis call the shots, and describes how choosing a personal goal helped him regain control of his life.

Length: 0:35

Taking an Active Role in My Treatment

Cody feels strongly about the value of therapy.