Make It OK - Stories

Ann Flood might’ve sought help for her ADHD earlier in life if it wasn’t for the stigma.

Once Ben Rogers found the right medication for his depression, his whole life changed.

After Beth Nyguard's husband took his own life, she wants to speak out about stigma.

Brad Brake has a professional and personal stake in mental health.

After learning how to manage her mental illness, Claire Richmond became more confident.

After seeking professional help, Dan Hanrahan is now grateful for his mental health journey

A traumatic childhood experience caused Danny Beyer to experience anxiety as an adult.

It took Gina Skinner-Thebo two decades to find the right coping mechanisms for her depression.

Jake’s journey with anxiety has taught him the importance of sharing his story and self care.

Therapy helped Krys Rankin have a greater understanding of her mental illness.

Lauren Matysik is open about her mental health struggles, hoping her story can help others.

Leah Beman is the president for NAMI On Campus at Iowa State University.

Watch as Lisa shares her personal story of mental illness and why she believes the Make It OK effort is helpful.

Marty Parrish alternated between periods of wellness and depression over three decades.

Mary Nelle Trefz's support system helped her cope with postpartum depression.

Mary Neubauer and Larry Loss are advocates for mental health in honor of their son, Sergei.

Rae Shanahan, Chief Strategy Officer at Businessolver, takes medication for depression.

Sarah Noll Wilson, who suffers from panic disorder, wants others is to seek help if they need it.

Tanner Krause credits therapy with helping him navigate the unprecedented challenges of 2020.

Tegan Kraklio's mental health journey took a transformational turn when she was diagnosed with PTSD.

Vanessa Cano Zelaya wants to raise awareness of mental health to the Lantinx community.

Getting help for his depression made Wes Mallgren feel like “that dark cloud vanished.”

Anne Harris Carter now speaks openly about her Bipolar Type II diagnosis.

Amanda Yancy discovered she had bipolar disorder when she was 30 years old.

Carrie Clogg has been fighting stigma her entire life — not for herself, but for her son.

Franklin Johnson grew up in the 1960s, when mental illness went largely undiagnosed.

Following her Bipolar II diagnosis, Kai Skaggs was determined to become successful.

Zach’s journey with bipolar disorder has inspired him to share his story, so that others will know they aren’t alone.

Karla Walsh struggled with anorexia nervosa — an eating disorder and mental illness.

Kristin Sauter still deals with anxiety, but has developed healthy coping habits.

Ramona Wink has witnessed mental illness in her family and battled one herself. Now, she helps others.

Julie Carolus was a victim of a sexual assault and later diagnosed with PTSD.

Traumatic childhood experiences set Kelsey on a journey to overcome CPTSD and dissociation with help from her poetry.

Nina Richtman wants others to know that her sons, who suffer from PTSD, are trying their best.

Dawn Martinez Oropeza wants to remove barriers for Latinx youth in need of mental health resources.

After coming to terms with her mental illness, Lyndsey Fennelly has become a mental health advocate.

Orlando Fuentes wants to be known as an ally for those struggling with mental illness.