My Video Story

View a real life story* of people from our region living with mental illness.

Intro Anti-Stigma	Introducing the campaign A personal experience with a mental illness inspired Liz Hinds to help launch a local anti-stigma campaign.	Hinds Story	Liz Hinds Liz Hinds is a retired attorney who lives in Morris, MN. Liz was diagnosed with a mood disorder in the late 1980’s and has witnessed the adult mental health system go through a significant transition. Since her diagnosis she has been heavily involved as a mental health activist.

Dilly Story - Part 1	Mark Dilly *(part 1)* After the death of his father, Mark grew up as the eldest son of a single mother in a small west-central MN community Mark describes his long journey with depression, bi-polar disorder, and chemical addiction from a young age, and how he eventually found help and recovery.	Dilly Story - Part 2	Mark Dilly (part 2) In part two of this interview Mark talks about the stability of his new life, his restoration with family, and his fresh new outlook on life.

Karen Story	Karen Karen struggled emotionally her entire life before first being diagnosed with dysthymic depression, and later with bi-polar and personality disorders. She describes her path to recovery, how her spiritual life is essential to wholeness, and how today she carries no shame over her illness.	Bolland Story	Heidi Bolland Heidi was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at sixteen years old, one year after a traumatic event. Heidi describes the ups and downs her life took and how today she is pro-actively, positively managing her mental illness.

Leonard Story - Part 1	Shelly Leonard *(part 1)* With raw emotion and honesty, Shelly tells of her journey through depression that began in childhood and continued into her young adult years. The road to recovery she travelled included seven hospitalizations before finding the right mix of medication and a strong support system.	Leonard Story - Part 2	Shelly Leonard (part 2) In part two of this interview, Shelly talks about how her personal decisions, mental health programs, a new job, and the support of friends and mental health professionals have kept her healthy and stable.

Andrew Story - Part 1	Andrew *(part 1)* At age 26, Andrew was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. He describes both challenges and positive aspects of his extreme sensitivity to sensory input, and also reveals a new form of Chess he invented.	Andrew Story - Part 2	Andrew (part 2) In part two of this interview, Andrew discusses the many ways he successfully navigates the challenges of life with Asperger syndrome and his many accomplishments.

Stark Story - Part 1	Debby Stark *(part 1)* Six years ago, Debby was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Debby describes the long and difficult journey she experienced before being properly diagnosed and getting to where she is today: a place of mental stability and managing a healthy lifestyle and attitude.	Stark Story - Part 2	Debby Stark (part 2) In part two of this interview, Debby talks about the importance of having a supportive network of friends and professionals in her life that help keep her healthy. She also discusses the positive effect having personal goals, and how "getting involved" with others helped her overcome her own challenges.

Pearson Story - Part 1	Dave Pearson (part 1) Dave Pearson lives in Glenwood, MN. Dave was diagnosed with bi-polar, PTSD, and personality disorder. Dave talks openly about the painful circumstances of his past, and his struggle with mental illness. Dave also describes a significant turning point in his life that set him on the road to recovery.	Pearson Story - Part 2	Dave Pearson (part 2) In part two of this interview Dave talks about the importance of goals and pro-active, positive action in a person's life to help them manage their illness and live a full life. He also offers perspective and sound advice for anyone diagnosed with a mental illness.

Hiatt Story - Part 1	Tom Hiatt (part 1) Tom Hiatt lives in Morris, MN, and has managed depression for many years. Tom describes how the depression affected many of his life decisions, and how events that occurred in his childhood affected his depression.	Hiatt Story - Part 2	Tom Hiatt (part 2) In part two of this interview, Tom describes how he uses creative writing and journaling as “therapy” for depression, and also talks about his goals for the future. He also offers a healthy perspective on how someone experiencing depression can view themselves positively and realize they are not alone.

Kleinwechter Story Part 1	Hope Kleinwechter (part 1) A resident of Alexandria, MN, Hope Kleinwechter was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a young girl and later, as a college student, was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the death of a close friend. Hope talks about working through mental illness and how she began a process of recovery.	Kleinwechter Story Part 2	Hope Kleinwechter (part 2) In part two Hope talks about using pro-active steps to live a healthy and full life, including forcing herself out of her comfort zone to be able to handle more. Hope also offers perspective and sound advice for anyone diagnosed with a mental illness.

Kiehn Story	Amy Kiehn Amy, a resident of Alexandria, MN, shares her early struggles with manic depressive disorder, mood swings and depression and how she manages her illness and lives a productive life today.	Glaesman Story	Al Glaesman Al Glaesman, the Assistant Director of the Douglas County HRA in Alexandria, MN, experienced major depression and sought treatment early. Al shares about the extreme stress that led to his depression and how he is able to maintain recovery.

Westrom Story	Emma Westrom Emma Westrom is a retired teacher living in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. Emma grew up with a mentally ill mother who was never diagnosed or treated. Emma was diagnosed with depression after a suicide attempt in early adulthood. She has since been an active advocate for mental illness treatment and understanding.	Voorhees Story	Carol and Ward Voorhees Carol and Ward live in Morris, Minnesota. Carol was hospitalized in a state hospital in 1963 after Ward noticed symptoms of mental illness, and was eventually diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Carol and Ward share the uncertain early days, and 46 years of working together toward a successful life.

Branby Story	Justin Branby Justin is from Starbuck, MN, and now lives in Alexandria, MN. While attending college in the Twin Cities in the early 1990's, he became seriously depressed and was unable to complete his college career. Now, nearly 20 years later, Justin has been walking a healthy road to recovery and is rediscovering his goals and dreams.	Brooks Story	Susan Brooks Susan Brooks was diagnosed with bi-polar2 disorder in the mid-1990's. Brooks shares her life experiences with mental illness, and how today she is able to live a healthy and balanced life.

Freels Story - Part 1	Janice Freels *(part 1)* Janice Freels worked as an engineer with 3M for 40 years and, now retired, lives in Glenwood Minnesota. In part one of her story, Janice shares about her life and the dramatic events that led to being diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in the mid-1990's.	Freels Story - Part 2	Janice Freels (part 2) In part two, Janice discusses "Shadow" her service dog, prescribed to her by her psychiatrist. She also talks about the improvements that have occurred in her life as she has learned to manage her illness.

Peterson Story	Gale Peterson Gale Peterson lives in Alexandria, MN and is diagnosed with schizo-effective bi-polar type disorder. Gale shares about her childhood in an abusive home with family who were all diagnosed with mental illnesses. She also shares how she has moved past childhood pain and denial of her illness, and now lives a satisfying life.	Boe Story	Chris Boe Chris Boe lives in Traverse County and is the former Director of Traverse County Social services. Boe was diagnosed with bi-polar 2 a few years ago. He talks about his experiences with mental illness, the effect it has had on his life and family, and how he is working to over come difficult circumstances and lead a healthy life.
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