Make It OK Stories

Marty's story

Marty Parrish alternated between periods of wellness and depression over three decades.

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Carrie's story

Carrie Clogg has been fighting stigma her entire life — not for herself, but for her son.

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Dawn's story

Dawn Martinez Oropeza wants to remove barriers for Latinx youth in need of mental health resources.

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Karla's story

Karla Walsh struggled with anorexia nervosa — an eating disorder and mental illness.

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Kristin's story

Kristin Sauter still deals with anxiety, but has developed healthy coping habits.

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Krys' story

Therapy helped Krys Rankin have a greater understanding of her mental illness.

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Ann's story

Ann Flood might’ve sought help for her ADHD earlier in life if it wasn’t for the stigma. 

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Orlando's story

Orlando Fuentes wants to be known as an ally for those struggling with mental illness.

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Sarah's story

Sarah Noll Wilson, who suffers from panic disorder, wants others is to seek help if they need it.

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Claire's story

After learning how to manage her mental illness, Claire Richmond became more confident.

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Dan's story

After seeking professional help, Dan Hanrahan is now grateful for his mental health journey.

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Beth's story

After Beth Nyguard's husband took his own life, she wants to speak out about stigma.

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Danny's story

A traumatic childhood experience caused Danny Beyer to experience anxiety as an adult.

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Lauren's story

Lauren Matysik is open about her mental health struggles, hoping her story can help others.

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Lyndsey's story

After coming to terms with her mental illness, Lyndsey Fennelly has become a mental health advocate.

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Nina's story

Nina Richtman wants others to know that her sons, who suffer from PTSD, are trying their best.

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Wes' story

Getting help for his depression made Wes Mallgren feel like "that dark cloud vanished."

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Gina's story 

It took Gina Skinner-Thebo two decades to find the right coping mechanisms for her depression.

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Mary Nelle's story

Mary Nelle Trefz's support system helped her cope with postpartum depression.

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Franklin's story

Franklin Johnson grew up in the 1960s, when mental illness went largely undiagnosed.

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Mary & Larry's story 

Mary Neubauer and Larry Loss are advocates for mental health in honor of their son, Sergei.

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Anne's story

Anne Harris Carter now speaks openly about her Bipolar Type II diagnosis.

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Ben's story

Once Ben Rogers found the right medication for his depression, his whole life changed.

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Leah's story

Leah Beman is the president for NAMI On Campus at Iowa State University.

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Tanner's story

Tanner Krause credits therapy with helping him navigate the unprecedented challenges of 2020.

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Vanessa's story

Vanessa Cano Zelaya wants to raise awareness of mental health to the Lantinx community.

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Amanda's story

Amanda Yancy discovered she had bipolar disorder when she was 30 years old.

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Kai's story

Following her Bipolar II diagnosis, Kai Skaggs was determined to become successful.

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Ramona's story

Ramona Wink has witnessed mental illness in her family and battled one herself. Now, she helps others.

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Rae's story

Rae Shanahan, Chief Strategy Officer at Businessolver, takes medication for depression.

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Brad's story

Brad Brake has a professional  and personal stake in mental health.

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Julie's story

Julie Carolus was a victim of a sexual assault and later diagnosed with PTSD.

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Tegan's story

Tegan Kraklio's mental health journey took a transformational turn when she was diagnosed with PTSD.

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Tell your story!

If you are interested in telling your personal story of living with a mental illness in order to end stigma for others, email info@iowahealthieststate.com