This Is My Brave storytellers that identify at the intersection of College Students living with a mental illness reported experiences of:
- Stigma surrounding mental illness/mental health within their school
- Onset experiences of mental illness:
- Starting in high school
- Starting in college
- Experiences of recovery that is not linear
- Resilience
- Experiences with treatment
- Resources of support in college
- Mindfulness practices
- Identity development and understanding as an individual living with a mental illness
Learn more about each of our storytellers that identify as a College Student living with a mental illness.
“My mindfulness practices help me cope and manage my mental health through yoga, meditation, journaling and self-reflection. I remember that we all have mental health that my self-awareness is a gift and one of my best qualities — I ask questions, try to listen to my body and lean on my family and friends.”
“You’re only who you are today because of what you went through.”
“After almost two years of treatment and practice dealing with symptoms I live a pretty normal life. Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic illness and like all mental illnesses there is no cure but I think all of us deal with things in life that test our strength and resilience. This is mine.”
“I am constantly and consistently making mistakes. I see these moments as little gifts from the universe. They are moments of surrender. They are moments that teach me what it is like to be truly and wholly human.”
“The reason I’m sharing this revealing story is so more people know what mania looks like so it can get caught earlier on…I hope I can help to raise awareness and break the stigma of bipolar disorder and mental illness as a whole.”
“I wanted to reduce the stigma around mental illness and promote healing for others, I wanted to get involved in my community and make a difference. My mantra has always been “inspire and be inspired” and that is exactly what I hoped to do.”
“Mental illness at times makes you feel unlovable. So, when you have people around you holding your hand and proving that false you want to protect those moments forever.”
“Mental illness isn’t something to conquer. I still struggle, I continue to have episodes, painful moments, at times where I come face-to-face with what feels like the end. And yet … I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride wash over me despite having to continue navigating life with a mental illness.”
“Today seeing the abundance of students on campuses that take advantage of resources provided by the mental health center makes me happy that people are addressing the issue of mental health and they’re willing to talk about it.”
“What it means to be a thriver is to live. To show up every day, to show up even if you don’t feel like you want to live.”
