Personal Stories

Jason has had a difficult life including sexual abuse and repeated incarceration. Drug addiction has been a constant influence, and depression has simultaneously overwhelmed him with negative… read more

Samantha’s story starts with her own eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD and eventually problems with alcohol and painkillers, too. Samantha then describes the transition to becoming a… read more

Like many, Leslie did not accept her diagnosis easily. But manic spending, rage against loved ones, homelessness and hospitalization finally swayed Leslie that medication was a needed support. Major… read more

Jillian’s story of depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use is a story of pain—and self-discovery. She recognizes her early warning signs and that ignoring or minimizing them means slipping down a… read more

With years of experience through the “ins” and “outs” of a child’s recovery, attentive parents can build skills to recognize and support wellness. For Heidi, mother to an adult daughter with bipolar… read more

From Manitoba to Victoria to Kamloops, Mike has undertaken profound physical and emotional journeys. An Anishinaabe Sixties Scoop survivor whose connection to his Indigenous language and culture has… read more

After seven years of active symptoms, a dozen medications, three hospitalizations and a course of electroconvulsive therapy, Daphnée has leaned into young adulthood equipping herself with a host of… read more

Susan Inman, MA Visions Journal, 2019, 15 (1), pp. 31-33

A father’s story of frustration Gord M. (As told to Sarah Hamid-Balma) Visions Journal, 2019, 15 (1), pp. 28-30 and 39

A daughter’s story of eating disorder and recovery Rylee McKinlay Visions Journal, 2019, 15 (1), pp. 24-27