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Our digital storytelling series highlights the lived experience of individuals with mental health conditions and developmental disabilities. This effort aims to raise awareness and educate the public on best practices when it comes to working with this population.
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Lukas' Story Part One: About Lukas and His Thoughts on His Diagnoses and Disabilities
Lukas is a Cold War Veteran living in Hyden, Kentucky. In adolescence, he was falsely diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depression. The resulting traumas left him with PTSD to confront throughout a childhood and young adulthood in both Germany and the U.S. He was also diagnosed with Asperger's in the last decade - but Lukas does not view this as a problem. From his house tucked at the top of the small mountain at the center of town - he serves his community via the Red Cross. These efforts earned him the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award in 2020. He is now a clinical psychotherapist with a private practice in town, actively serving the people around him in multiple ways. Lukas believes that all people have a purpose to serve in life. -
Isabel's Story Part One: About Isabel and How Anxiety Affected Her
In this digital storytelling episode, Isabel talks about her personal experiences with anxiety and as a caregiver when anxiety began affecting her son. Isabel also discusses how Mexico and the United States differ in their perception of mental health and the effect this had on her. She shares many things she learned on her journey and speaks out against misconceptions.
En este episodio, Isabel habla de sus experiencias personales con la ansiedad y como cuidadora cuando la ansiedad comenzó a afectar a su hijo. Isabel también analiza cómo México y Estados Unidos difieren en su percepción de la salud mental y el efecto que esto tuvo en ella. Ella comparte muchas cosas que aprendió en su viaje y habla en contra de los conceptos erróneos. -
Tracy's Story Part One: Introduction - Growing up With a Dual Diagnosis
Tracy Martin has been familiar with terms like dual-diagnosis, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia all his life. At a young age, he received these diagnoses and still deals with the ups and downs that accompany them to this day. Although, Tracy does not let his disability or his mental health disorders keep him from attending and supporting his church, participating in peer support networks, and advocating for others. He looks up to great musicians with disabilities as inspiration! -
Catherine's Story Part One: About Catherine, Gina, and Being a Caregiver
Catherine is a full-time caregiver for her 33 year-old daughter with developmental disabilities. In this interview, she discusses many anecdotes and opinions she's formed over the years. Being away from her daughter while she was in a group home affected her outlook on raising and caring for people with disabilities. -
Max's Story Part One: About Max, His Diagnosis, and Resilience
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MHDD Digital Storytelling Series: Jena from Eagle River, AK
Jena Crafton is a 31 year-old woman with intellectual disabilities from Eagle River, Alaska. During adolescence, Jena's family thought of a unique way for their family to learn about and experience the rest of the world hands-on. They ended up sailing the world for nearly a decade, meeting diverse people in incredible places. Her parents realized amidst their travels that Jena possesses a gift to communicate with others, untethered by spoken language. The Craftons channeled her talents to encounter unforgettable moments with powerful and interesting people around the world. Now, she hopes to inspire others in a similar way.
