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Our Stories

Depression is not always visible, and it can affect our lives in different ways.

By sharing your unique experiences, we can show that our stories matter and let others know that they're not alone. Together, we can help erase the stigma, so no one suffers in silence.

Sensitive Content Warning: If you experience suicidal thoughts, the following content could be potentially triggering. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org.
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Candid conversations with your healthcare provider

Demystifying the process of seeking mental health care and treatment with Amir Ahuja, M.D. (he/him).

Faces of Depression Looks Like Me

Check out what a few members of our community have to say about their experience with depression.

Quote by AJ Gibson (he/him), an individual living with depression
In the midst of difficult times, struggling to find your true self can be challenging. I have struggled with my mental health for a long time, and so has my husband. While we try our best to lift each other up, it's helpful to know you're not alone. Allowing myself to be open with others who understand me has made all the difference in overcoming obstacles and fighting for the life I know I deserve.
Quote by AJ Gibson (he/him), an individual living with depression
Quote by Alex Guerra (he/him), an individual living with depression
As a transgender man, I didn't realize how much I needed the love and beauty that comes with the queer community as I struggled with depression and the challenges of coming out. Finding people who understand me and my journey is the greatest gift, one that I hope to share with others.
Quote by Imadé Nibokun (she/her), an individual living with depression
My advice for others is to create a safety plan, which includes encouraging your therapist and the people you love to use community-based services like a peer support hotline where you can ask to speak with a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ counselor versus police intervention, whenever possible.
Quote by Jess Guilbeaux (she/her), a mental health advocate
It's difficult for some to find their voice and advocate for their mental health, which is why it's so important that we disrupt the cycle of hiding who we are. We need to feel empowered to come forward and share our personal journeys, while still being our most authentic selves.
Quote by Chris (he/him), an individual living with depression
The best thing to do when you're stuck is just to talk to someone you trust. Once you open up and start talking to someone who is there for you no matter what and will be completely nonjudgmental and accepting of who you are, you'll see that you are not alone in your experience.
Quote by Met F. (they/them), an individual living with depression
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a real illness and once that can be just as dangerous as cancer. It grows and grows and just get worse, embedding itself in every part of your life and your body. But it doesn't have to be that way forever. Fight for yourself, seek help, and talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Quote by Melissa Connelly (she/her), a mental health advocate
I faced challenge after challenge growing up After being kicked out of my religion and home for being gay, I felt so broken - like I had lost everything worth living for. Family will always be a tough topic for me, but with support from a therapist and love from my wife, I realized that no matter how hard life seems, it will always get better. Now I want to help other LGBTQ+ people feel seen and less alone in their struggles with mental health.
Quote by Ren Fernandez-Kim (they/them), an individual living with depression
Depression can make you feel like you aren't worthy and negative self-talk can become consuming. My hope is that everyone can grow to love and accept themselves as they are - I know I am working on that every day.
Quote by Ray Gibson (he/him), an individual living with depression
I've struggled with depression and my identity for many years. But once I embraced the true me - a transgender man - it felt like I found a new world. Now, I have far more sunshine than rainy days. We must remember to be there for one another - to listen and uplift those around us.
Quote by Emile Ennis Jr. (he/him), an individual living with depression
I think it's important to acknowledge that being LGBTQ+ doesn't make us depressed, but there are social factors that can make our experiences navigating the world more challenging.
Quote by Diedra (she/her), an individual living with depression
I've dealt with depression since I was a teenager. I've battled homelessness and lived through foster care. I still have my good days and my bad days, but now I'm sharing my story in an effort to help others see a path forward. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that we all love the same way and all deserve love ... no matter what our individual preferences may be.
Quote by Valentina (she/they), an individual living with depression
I feel like there is a misconception that success and depression can't go together. People assume that if you're getting attention and love from others, you can't be depressed, but that was not my experience. At a time when I was experiencing success, I couldn't feel a thing.
Quote by Rey Reséndez (they/he/she), an individual living with depression
People often would label me as "Other" because they didn't take the time to understand who I am. I knew who I was, but the stigma and discrimination I faced held me back. Once I chose to identity as the person of my dreams, a 2Spirit trans human - I discovered the power to help others become their authentic selves.
Quote by Zoe Stoller (they/she/he), an individual living with depression
My depression and queer identity are a part of my life story. For a long time, I was fearful of opening up - I didn't feel like anyone could understand what I was going through, and I struggled for years through multiple treatments that didn't work. But I know now that there are others like me and options for people with hard-to-treat depression. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and show others there is hope.

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HealthHIV SYNC 2024 Session

Dismantling Stereotypes Surrounding Depression in the LGBTQ Community

Featuring Guy Anthony (he/him), living with depression

Guy and mental health advocates dismantle the stereotypes surrounding depression and highlight its diverse—and often highly personalized—manifestations across different communities and populations, demonstrating the complex nature of depression and its impact on individuals from various backgrounds.

Watch session


MHA Webinar Mental Health of America (MHA) Webinar

Pride in Practice: Acknowledging Struggle, Celebrating Strength

Featuring Melissa Connelly (she/her), mental health advocate

Mental Health America moderated a webinar with Melissa and members of the LGBTQ+ community to discuss how their identity has impacted their mental health, what pride means to them, and how they have found joy amid the stress and threats their communities continue to face.

Watch webinar


Queerty Portrait of Emile Ennis Jr. (he/him), an individual living with depression

How Emile Ennis Jr. Works Out Both Body and Mind to Combat Depression

By Emile Ennis Jr. (he/him), living with depression

As a queer Black man growing up in a religious family in the South, Emile struggled to be his true self. Now, he shares his story and experience with depression to show others the importance of self-love and acceptance.

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Portrait of Ren Fernandez-Kim (they/them), an individual living with depression

Accepting My Depression Helped Me Discover Who I Am

By Ren Fernandez-Kim (they/them), living with depression

Growing up with depression wasn’t easy for Ren, especially as a queer, Latinx/Asian-American. They share their personal story and spread the message that we each have a space in this world and deserve to exist.

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Queerty Portrait of Chella Man (he/him), an individual living with depression

Chella Man on How Art and Chosen Family Helped Him Take on Depression

Featuring Chella Man (he/him), living with depression

As a deaf, trans, Jewish, and Chinese-American public figure, Chella shares why he chose to join Depression Looks Like Me to tell his own story and how he hopes his transparency can help others.

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Portrait of Valentina Campos Yanez (she/they), an individual living with depression

How Depression Looks Different for Everyone

By Valentina Campos Yanez (she/they), living with depression

Valentina opens up about navigating a new country and culture, and how she hopes sharing her story will help others put a name to what they may be feeling.

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Queerty Portrait of Hope Giselle (she/her), an individual living with depression

How Hope Giselle Overcame Bullying to Help Others Live Their Best Lives

By Hope Giselle (she/her), living with depression

Hope details how the moment when considering suicide transformed her and why she shares her personal experiences with depression to remind others who may be suffering that help is out there.

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Portrait of Imadé Nibokun (she/her), an individual living with depression

How My Queerness Unlocked My Imagination

By Imadé Nibokun (she/her), living with depression

After realizing she liked women at age 30, Imadé details how she experienced a kaleidoscope of new mental images and ideas that conflicted with the religious culture she grew up in, which led to her mental health advocacy in the Black community.

Read More


Portrait of Met F. (they/them), an individual living with depression

I Worried Healthcare Providers Would Treat My Sexuality or Gender Identity, Not My Depression

By Met F. (they/them), living with depression

Met’s struggles with depression began when they were being bullied, but it took several years to receive a treatment-resistant depression diagnosis. They share their story.

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The Mighty Ren Fernandez-Kim (they/them) and Devin-Norelle (ze/zim/zis), both living with depression

Podcast: Let's Get Real About Depression in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Featuring Ren Fernandez-Kim (they/them) and Devin-Norelle (ze/zim), both living with depression

Mighty Host Ashley Kristoff sits down with LGBTQ+ advocates, Devin-Norelle and Ren, to discuss their personal mental health journeys and the importance of normalizing the conversation about depression in the community.

Listen Here


Queerty Portrait of Devin-Norelle (ze/zim/zis), an individual living with depression

New York’s Devin-Norelle on How the Love of Queer Community Inspires Hope

Featuring Devin-Norelle (ze/zim/zis), living with depression

Queerty speaks to Black trans model, actor, and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion trainer Devin-Norelle about battling depression, stigma, and how to get the most out of life.

Read More


The Mighty The back of a person wearing a white shirt

I Can Never Be the Person I Was Before Having Treatment-Resistant Depression. And I Don't Want to Be.

By Imadé Nibokun (she/her), living with depression

Imadé details how her journey with depression began and why she is no longer the same narrow-minded person after her treatment-resistant depression diagnosis.

Read More


Queerty Portrait of Zoe Stoller (they/she/he), an individual living with depression

How Queer Influencer Zoe Stoller is Leading the Way for Inclusive Mental Health Awareness

Featuring Zoe Stoller (they/she/he), living with depression

Striving to be the role model she wishes she had when she was younger, Zoe shares how she is working to create an online community where she can spread information about LGBTQ+ identities and mental health, which ultimately helped her find her own gender identity and manage her depression.

Read More


Don't see yourself represented but are interested in sharing your Depression Looks Like Me story? We're always looking for diverse perspectives.

Submit Your Story

Learn more about patient experiences with hard-to-treat forms of depression and a treatment option that worked for them.

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Please know you are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org.

Some featured images have been purchased for use on this website. The use of these images does not imply that the individuals featured are living with depression, unless otherwise noted.

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This site is published by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. The material on this site is intended only as informational or as an educational aid and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. The ultimate responsibility for patient care resides with a healthcare professional. This information is intended for the use of patients and caregivers in the United States. Laws, regulatory requirements, and medical practices for pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States. Some documents on this site are stored in Adobe PDF format and require the free Adobe® Reader to view.

Last updated: 10/24 cp-293059v8

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