Getting to Know the Voices Behind: Depression
If you follow Depression on The Mighty, you’re probably familiar with many of the incredibly relatable essays written by our amazing Mighty contributors. The stories they share are raw, honest and vulnerable, giving us a glimpse into the reality of depression. But who are these writers? Why do they choose to share their personal mental health journeys with The Mighty community?
That’s where Behind the Voices comes in.
The goal of Behind the Voices is to help our Mighty community grow closer by getting to know our contributors better. By putting faces (and voices) to the stories and writers that help us through our journeys, we are not only gaining new friends, but growing our support network. After all, we are in this together!
Without further introduction, let’s get to know some of the people behind the stories about depression on The Mighty.
1. Yujia Alison
Transcription:
“Hi Mighty fam. My name is Yujia Alison. I’ve been using the name ‘Alison D.’ on my Mighty profile, but you can call my Yujia or Ali. To me what it means to be ‘Mighty’ is to keep going, to keep fighting. Despite everything that I have been diagnosed with and told my entire life I’ve never given up. And I actually took on marathon running a few years ago and I have done five marathons to this day. As you can see I did San Francisco last year and I’m doing it again this year. But to me staying ‘Mighty’ is running all 26.2 miles with everything you’ve got and to run to be free. Thanks! Bye!”
Condition(s): Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anorexia Nervosa, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Dysautonomia
Follow: You can find Yujia on Instagram: @lostamongstars_ and on The Mighty: @allyruns26point2. Or, follow her cute pups @thestumpystubbyduo on Instagram and Facebook as well.
Check out some of Yujia’s stories:
How Softball Encourages Me to Keep Going in My Mental Health Journey
Fighting for My Right to Have a Service Dog
2. Marie Shanley
Transcription:
“My name is Marie Shanley, also known as ‘mxiety’ in some places online. ‘Mighty’ to me means finding the courage to share your story even when everything in your mind is screaming that you’re less than, and you’re not worthy and people shouldn’t hear about what’s going on in your head because it’s complete nonsense, and you’re broken, and all of those terrible things. It’s finding the courage to want to connect with people over that instead of letting your illness beat you down and tell you who you are and what you should be.”
Condition(s): Depression, Anxiety, PTSD
Follow: You can follow Marie on Twitter: @mxiety, Instagram: @mxiety and The Mighty: @mxiety.
Check out some of Marie’s stories:
It’s OK Not to Be OK, but It’s Not OK That My Generation Is Struggling
3 Reasons Friendships With People Who Have Depression Are Incredible
3. Jasmine Hernandez
Transcription:
“Hey I’m Jasmine and I feel ‘Mighty.’ Being ‘Mighty’ to me means that you have the strength to share your story, and not feel ashamed about it and you just want to share it in hopes that you can help someone else that resonates with your struggles. And talking about struggles, I think that being ‘Mighty’ also means pushing back on those struggles and getting out of bed in the morning when the last thing you want to do is even just sit up. I think it makes a person ‘Mighty.’”
Condition(s): Bipolar Depression and Anxiety
Follow: You can follow Jasmine on Instagram: @abreactions_ and The Mighty: @abreactions_.
Check out some of Jasmine’s stories:
I’m Done Making Excuses for the Texts I Ignore When I’m Depressed
4. Truda Wepener
Transcription:
“Hi, I’m Truda Wepener. What ‘Mighty’ means to me is that I will always tell my story because I am proud of myself. Despite everything that I went through, and the pain I experienced and the battles I faced, I fought them, and I am still here. And I am proud of myself for that, and that is ‘Mighty.’”
Condition(s): Major Depressive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Anxiety
Follow: You can follow Truda on Facebook and The Mighty: @keishasxat.
Check out some of Truda’s stories:
What the Show ‘A Million Little Things’ Means to Me as Someone With Depression
Be sure to follow these contributors and let them know what being “Mighty” means to you in the comments below!