My Video Story

Introducing the campaign

A personal experience with a mental illness inspired Liz Hinds to help launch a local anti-stigma campaign.

Liz Hinds

Liz Hinds is a retired attorney who lives in Morris, Minnesota. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.