Share Lived Experience

I was diagnosed with depression and then bipolar disorder over 15 years ago while a graduate student. Like so many of us, the stigma associated with mental illness kept me silent and in denial about my condition, making it only worse. Bipolar disorder impacted every aspect of my life. I felt alone and isolated. At times, I thought my life was over. At my lowest, I experienced suicidal depression. I lost hope.

Accepting my family’s loving support and connecting with other people were critical to my recovery. The example of others taking on similar challenges gave me the hope that I could too.

I was awed and inspired by the great courage and strength of our community. Once I finally achieved recovery, I realized that too many people like me continue to suffer in silence. But there is hope.

My spouse and I created ForLikeMinds to help people like us achieve recovery and wellness. We are a people-driven platform. ForLikeMinds allows people living with or supporting someone with mental illness, substance use, or a stressful life event to find, share, support, and inspire each other - to give and receive hope. You are not alone. Please join us.