Laura
Laura
Help is available, and this life is worth living
Laura recently left a job she loved—singing with a prestigious orchestra—for health reasons. For her, fighting mental health issues has been a lifelong battle, but she is fortunate to have steady support of her family, friends, and health professionals.
In her early 20s, Laura was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Later, she suffered a traumatic experience that led to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Over the years, she’s been hospitalized some 40 times, and she’s tried dozens of medications and treatments. Despite the ups and downs, she feels that she’s on the right track.
I have an amazing support system with my family and friends. They’ve helped me work through stigma, and they’ve made it easier for me to tell people what they need to know about my conditions.
Laura says her husband and family have stood by her as she has battled mental health struggles. She says that addiction, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder runs in her family, and those closest to her have shown understanding and compassion—no matter what.
Along with an effective treatment plan and support from those close to her, Laura relies on advocacy work and creative outlets to keep her conditions under control. She sings and writes a blog, activities she calls “therapeutic.”
She also volunteers with the group PatientsLikeMe, which makes connections between people with all manner of chronic conditions. She is committed to speaking out about mental health and inspiring others to get help.
My mother told me long ago ‘God gave you a big mouth; use it for good.’
If someone is battling big-time stigma and afraid to get help, I want to let them know that help is available, and this life is worth living.
