David
David
There is no limit to success
I want future generations to understand what mental health challenges really are so they can live more fulfilled lives.
David is dedicated to living a full life despite his mental health diagnoses. He is a passionate advocate for those with mental health conditions, and he is dedicated to changing the way people look at mental health.
I wholeheartedly support any effort that works to tear down the misconceptions of what those with mental health disorders look like.
Over the years, David has confronted those misconceptions, along with many other obstacles that can prevent individuals with mental health issues from living their lives to the fullest.
For several years, he worked in the civil rights sector. In this role, he saw the struggles that individuals with mental health issues faced in gaining employment, keeping their jobs, and accessing appropriate accommodations for their conditions.
For his work, David drew on his personal experience with mental health struggles to help his clients. David was first diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at age 9. Later, he received diagnoses for bipolar disorder, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
My parents knew that something was going on. I had trouble making friends. Also, when I was learning to write, I would throw away paper after paper because of the spacing. I knew it was fine, but it had to be perfect.
“With better insight into mental health, I believe there is no limit to success.”
David reached a turning point when he sought treatment at McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute. He spent 11 weeks at the hospital. Not only did David benefit from the treatment he received at McLean, but he also drew strength from the connections he made with other patients.
I not only realized where OCD comes from, but I met people who had the same symptoms that I did—people who felt alone and didn’t understand what was going on. My life has absolutely changed in the last two years after being hospitalized.
David also learned, through the technique of mindfulness, that kindness is a cornerstone to his recovery.
These days, David is reaching out to increase awareness about mental health and fight the stigma that holds people back from getting treatment and living value-rich lives.
I tell people to keep going—you got this. One way or another, you have to take a stance. Whatever comes your way, you have to deal with it. You have to look at where you are and keep moving forward.
