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.

Hiatt Story - Part 1	Hiatt (part one) 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	Hiatt (part two) 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	Kleinwechter (part one) 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	Kleinwechter (part two) 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 I	Janice Freels - Part I 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 II	Janice Freels - Part II 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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