ADAA Story of Triumph: Dark Cloud Overhead

[ADAATeamRachel]

Trigger warning: suicide

Jason had parents and a brother who loved him, but he still felt like there was always a dark cloud over his head. Jason went years feeling suicidal and depressed and not knowing how to reach out or ask for help. He turned to alcohol and cigarettes, but it didn't help everything and life seemed to get worse.

Finally, when Jason joined the Army, it was at his first duty station that he was diagnosed with a severe mental illness—schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.

"I now take an anti-depressant that has made all the difference," Jason says. "Life has been a roller coaster ride since that diagnosis, but I am happy to report that I am now living my best life. The dark cloud has cleared away, and I am now living a life of recovery. I learn more every day about managing my symptoms, and I use my experience to advocate for others who might be experiencing mental illness."

Read Jason's full story of Triumph here: adaa.org/living-with-anxiet...

[Agora1]

Beautiful hopeful story of Jason's struggles with life.I like happy endings which can be seen in his smile and his eyes.

Thank you for sharing your personal journey with us Jason. My best xx

[Hidden]

What a great story and ending. I am glad that you are doing well.

There are some of us that survive with medication. What a blessing!