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- My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, and it started like a bang.

and it started like a bang.

and it started like a bang.

- It almost feels like how you would think - It almost feels like how you would think a heart attack would feel.

a heart attack would feel.

FEMALE NARRATOR: More Americans than ever FEMALE NARRATOR: More Americans than ever live with anxiety disorders... live with anxiety disorders...

Yet fewer than a third of those people Yet fewer than a third of those people Yet fewer than a third of those people seek treatment.

seek treatment.

- There's a lot of shame or embarrassment - There's a lot of shame or embarrassment that happens in patients that happens in patients that happens in patients that suffer from anxiety disorders... that suffer from anxiety disorders... even though they're the most common psychiatric condition, even though they're the most common psychiatric condition, even though they're the most common psychiatric condition, and they're very treatable.

and they're very treatable.

- I never really knew it was anxiety.

- I never really knew it was anxiety.

- I never really knew it was anxiety.

I kept that thought that I was a weak man.

I kept that thought that I was a weak man.

I kept that thought that I was a weak man.

I kept that thought that I was a weak man.

I kept that thought that I was a weak man.

- You can't just "snap out of it," - You can't just "snap out of it," - You can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

you can't just stop.

you can't just stop.

NARRATOR: What causes everyday worries NARRATOR: What causes everyday worries NARRATOR: What causes everyday worries to spin out of control?

to spin out of control?

Over the next half hour, Over the next half hour, meet professionals who offer help... meet professionals who offer help... meet professionals who offer help... and people who have experienced hope.

and people who have experienced hope.

and people who have experienced hope.

- What's important to know is there is help out there, - What's important to know is there is help out there, - What's important to know is there is help out there, that people aren't alone.

that people aren't alone.

[*] [*] [*] CHUCK: It just happened to hit me one day, CHUCK: It just happened to hit me one day, out of the clear blue sky.

out of the clear blue sky.

Feeling of doom, like I was going to wreck, Feeling of doom, like I was going to wreck, Feeling of doom, like I was going to wreck, have a heart attack.

have a heart attack.

NARRATOR: It started in 1975.

NARRATOR: It started in 1975.

NARRATOR: It started in 1975.

Chuck Helmstetter was driving to work... Chuck Helmstetter was driving to work... Chuck Helmstetter was driving to work... and nothing was different that day, and nothing was different that day, but everything was about to change.

but everything was about to change.

but everything was about to change.

- The farther I drove, the more upset I got.

- The farther I drove, the more upset I got.

- The farther I drove, the more upset I got.

Something bad's going to happen to me, Something bad's going to happen to me, I'm not going to be able to get back to my house, I'm not going to be able to get back to my house, and where I came from.

and where I came from.

NARRATOR: Chuck turned around and drove home, NARRATOR: Chuck turned around and drove home, but the next day... but the next day... and for months afterward... and for months afterward... every car trip set off the same terrifying response.

every car trip set off the same terrifying response.

every car trip set off the same terrifying response.

every car trip set off the same terrifying response.

- Many a days, I'd go to work crying.

- Many a days, I'd go to work crying.

- Many a days, I'd go to work crying.

I'd leave the house here; I had tears in my eyes.

I'd leave the house here; I had tears in my eyes.

I'd leave the house here; I had tears in my eyes.

I'd leave the house here; I had tears in my eyes.

NARRATOR: Like 40 million Americans today, NARRATOR: Like 40 million Americans today, NARRATOR: Like 40 million Americans today, Chuck has an anxiety disorder... Chuck has an anxiety disorder... Chuck has an anxiety disorder... and panic attacks are part of that.

and panic attacks are part of that.

and panic attacks are part of that.

The attacks got so bad The attacks got so bad that he couldn't leave his home... that he couldn't leave his home... so he couldn't hold a job.

so he couldn't hold a job.

He started his own business as a construction estimator He started his own business as a construction estimator He started his own business as a construction estimator and worked out of his basement.

and worked out of his basement.

Business is good, but Chuck said Business is good, but Chuck said that's the only silver lining to come out of a cloud that's the only silver lining to come out of a cloud that's the only silver lining to come out of a cloud that's hung over his head for the past 40 years.

that's hung over his head for the past 40 years.

that's hung over his head for the past 40 years.

- A panic attack will actually make you so tired - A panic attack will actually make you so tired - A panic attack will actually make you so tired you'll go to sleep; it's like doing a day's work.

you'll go to sleep; it's like doing a day's work.

you'll go to sleep; it's like doing a day's work.

If you know that you're having them If you know that you're having them and you want to learn to live with them, and you want to learn to live with them, you've got to seek medical help, you've got to.

you've got to seek medical help, you've got to.

NARRATOR: For decades, Chuck saw doctors NARRATOR: For decades, Chuck saw doctors and tried anti-depressant pills... and tried anti-depressant pills... and tried anti-depressant pills...

But it wasn't until 2014 But it wasn't until 2014 that he started seeing psychiatrist Alicia Kaplan.

that he started seeing psychiatrist Alicia Kaplan.

that he started seeing psychiatrist Alicia Kaplan.

that he started seeing psychiatrist Alicia Kaplan.

She specializes in anxiety disorders.

She specializes in anxiety disorders.

She specializes in anxiety disorders.

- Anxiety is necessary in our lives - Anxiety is necessary in our lives - Anxiety is necessary in our lives so that we can respond to an actual threat or danger so that we can respond to an actual threat or danger so that we can respond to an actual threat or danger so that we can respond to an actual threat or danger so that we can respond to an actual threat or danger or keep us on our toes and focus.

or keep us on our toes and focus.

or keep us on our toes and focus.

NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, worrying spirals out of control.

worrying spirals out of control.

worrying spirals out of control.

And every situation seems like it's life or death.

And every situation seems like it's life or death.

And every situation seems like it's life or death.

And every situation seems like it's life or death.

It's called thought distortion.

It's called thought distortion.

It's called thought distortion.

ALICIA: What can be helpful ALICIA: What can be helpful is starting to look at our thoughts, is starting to look at our thoughts, is starting to look at our thoughts, is starting to look at our thoughts, like a scientist, and examine their evidence.

like a scientist, and examine their evidence.

like a scientist, and examine their evidence.

This takes practice; this isn't something that happens overnight.

this isn't something that happens overnight.

We can't change our thinking that's been ingrained with us all these years.

that's been ingrained with us all these years.

that's been ingrained with us all these years.

But our first step is identifying them.

But our first step is identifying them.

But our first step is identifying them.

And it makes you feel that this is a catastrophe.

And it makes you feel that this is a catastrophe.

And it makes you feel that this is a catastrophe.

- Right, right.

I'm not going to get to either appointment I'm not going to get to either appointment and I'm going to wind up in the hospital.

and I'm going to wind up in the hospital.

- It usually starts with a what-if, right?

- It usually starts with a what-if, right?

- It usually starts with a what-if, right?

- My whole life is like what if... - My whole life is like what if... - Your nervous system is over-activated... - Your nervous system is over-activated... - Your nervous system is over-activated... NARRATOR: This type of treatment is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy."

is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy."

is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy."

Talking through the worry helps an anxious person Talking through the worry helps an anxious person Talking through the worry helps an anxious person recognize an irrational fear.

recognize an irrational fear.

recognize an irrational fear.

Therapy helped Chuck replace those irrational fears Therapy helped Chuck replace those irrational fears Therapy helped Chuck replace those irrational fears with a more reasonable thought.

with a more reasonable thought.

with a more reasonable thought.

- The most probable thing is, you call up the guy and say, - The most probable thing is, you call up the guy and say, - The most probable thing is, you call up the guy and say, - The most probable thing is, you call up the guy and say, hey, I'm on my way, I've had a little bit of a problem, hey, I'm on my way, I've had a little bit of a problem, hey, I'm on my way, I've had a little bit of a problem, and most people are compassionate.

and most people are compassionate.

- That's true.

- That's true.

NARRATOR: Multiple studies show cognitive behavioral therapy NARRATOR: Multiple studies show cognitive behavioral therapy NARRATOR: Multiple studies show cognitive behavioral therapy has the highest success rate for treating anxiety, has the highest success rate for treating anxiety, has the highest success rate for treating anxiety, and that's crucial because there's more at stake and that's crucial because there's more at stake and that's crucial because there's more at stake than gaining peace of mind.

than gaining peace of mind.

than gaining peace of mind.

Mental anguish can cause physical symptoms.

Mental anguish can cause physical symptoms.

Mental anguish can cause physical symptoms.

Mental anguish can cause physical symptoms.

- What happens is, our brain and our body - What happens is, our brain and our body - What happens is, our brain and our body don't know the difference.

don't know the difference.

It responds in the same way.

It responds in the same way.

So that when we're under stress, So that when we're under stress, we have our sympathetic nervous system, we have our sympathetic nervous system, we have our sympathetic nervous system, we have our sympathetic nervous system, or fight-or-flight response, go off.

or fight-or-flight response, go off.

or fight-or-flight response, go off.

NARRATOR: According to the American Academy NARRATOR: According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to two-thirds of Family Physicians, up to two-thirds of Family Physicians, up to two-thirds of all office visits to family doctors of all office visits to family doctors of all office visits to family doctors are for stress-related symptoms.

are for stress-related symptoms.

are for stress-related symptoms.

And healthcare costs top $22 billion each year And healthcare costs top $22 billion each year And healthcare costs top $22 billion each year And healthcare costs top $22 billion each year And healthcare costs top $22 billion each year as people seek medical treatment as people seek medical treatment for physical problems and pain for physical problems and pain that are really the result of anxiety.

that are really the result of anxiety.

that are really the result of anxiety.

- Some of the most common physical symptoms - Some of the most common physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety disorders that are associated with anxiety disorders can be palpitations, shortness of breath, can be palpitations, shortness of breath, can be palpitations, shortness of breath, can be palpitations, shortness of breath, associated conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, associated conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, associated conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, associated conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, associated conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, and also headaches and backaches, insomnia.

and also headaches and backaches, insomnia.

and also headaches and backaches, insomnia.

and also headaches and backaches, insomnia.

and also headaches and backaches, insomnia.

NARRATOR: To tame anxiety's physical symptoms, NARRATOR: To tame anxiety's physical symptoms, NARRATOR: To tame anxiety's physical symptoms, therapy can also include relaxation training.

therapy can also include relaxation training.

therapy can also include relaxation training.

therapy can also include relaxation training.

- What I try to do is, the thought that's bothering me, - What I try to do is, the thought that's bothering me, - What I try to do is, the thought that's bothering me, - What I try to do is, the thought that's bothering me, I imagine it at the top of my head, I imagine it at the top of my head, I imagine it at the top of my head, and it's right up here so when I start my breathing... and it's right up here so when I start my breathing... and it's right up here so when I start my breathing... and it's right up here so when I start my breathing... As I breathe one, two, three times, As I breathe one, two, three times, As I breathe one, two, three times, I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

I feel it going down this way and leaving my body.

Just like, leave everything out of my mind, Just like, leave everything out of my mind, Just like, leave everything out of my mind, Just like, leave everything out of my mind, I'll just shut my eyes and see if I can forget I'll just shut my eyes and see if I can forget I'll just shut my eyes and see if I can forget about what it is that has to be done about what it is that has to be done or what I'm worried about.

or what I'm worried about.

Since I got treatment, I feel better about myself.

Since I got treatment, I feel better about myself.

Since I got treatment, I feel better about myself.

Since I got treatment, I feel better about myself.

If I wouldn't have gone to a doctor, If I wouldn't have gone to a doctor, I'd probably today be sitting in the house on disability.

I'd probably today be sitting in the house on disability.

I'd probably today be sitting in the house on disability.

I don't think I could have got over it myself.

I don't think I could have got over it myself.

I don't think I could have got over it myself.

ALICIA: There's a lot of shame or embarrassment ALICIA: There's a lot of shame or embarrassment that happens in patients that suffer from anxiety disorders.

that happens in patients that suffer from anxiety disorders.

that happens in patients that suffer from anxiety disorders.

that happens in patients that suffer from anxiety disorders.

What's important to know is that a lot of people What's important to know is that a lot of people What's important to know is that a lot of people suffer from anxiety, it's very treatable, suffer from anxiety, it's very treatable, suffer from anxiety, it's very treatable, suffer from anxiety, it's very treatable, and there is help out there, people aren't alone.

and there is help out there, people aren't alone.

and there is help out there, people aren't alone.

and there is help out there, people aren't alone.

and there is help out there, people aren't alone.

* If you want to calm down Cuz there's doubt in my mind * * If you want to calm down Cuz there's doubt in my mind * * It's hurting my soul * It's hurting my soul * Too much stress in my heart * Too much stress in my heart * Life at school I think I'm fallin' apart * * Life at school I think I'm fallin' apart * * Life at school I think I'm fallin' apart * * It's crazy * It's crazy KAI: I'd say music was there for the ride.

KAI: I'd say music was there for the ride.

* Just looking for someone To save me * * Just looking for someone To save me * * Just lookin' for someone To lay in * * Just lookin' for someone To lay in * * Just lookin' for someone To lay in * I use this analogy a lot; I use this analogy a lot; it was like I opened up my mind it was like I opened up my mind and poured out everything that I was thinking about.

and poured out everything that I was thinking about.

and poured out everything that I was thinking about.

So once everything was out of my mind, So once everything was out of my mind, So once everything was out of my mind, I felt calm and that's why I kept coming back to music, I felt calm and that's why I kept coming back to music, I felt calm and that's why I kept coming back to music, because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

because to an anxious person, calm is like gold, you know.

* Man relief Is all I'm wantin' * * Man relief Is all I'm wantin' * * So I just hold on * So I just hold on * Hold on hold on Hold on hold on... * * Hold on hold on Hold on hold on... * * Hold on hold on Hold on hold on... * * Hold on hold on Hold on hold on... * NARRATOR: Kai Roberts is the kind of guy NARRATOR: Kai Roberts is the kind of guy you'd probably describe as "driven."

you'd probably describe as "driven."

you'd probably describe as "driven."

Driven to be the best with his music...

Driven to be the best with his music...

Driven to be the best with his grades.

Driven to be the best with his grades.

Driven to be the best with his grades.

And when he entered prestigious Carnegie Mellon University And when he entered prestigious Carnegie Mellon University And when he entered prestigious Carnegie Mellon University And when he entered prestigious Carnegie Mellon University as a mechanical engineering major, as a mechanical engineering major, driven to be the best of the best.

driven to be the best of the best.

driven to be the best of the best.

- During my sophomore year, I started feeling this sensation.

I started feeling this sensation.

It was like kind of a tightness in my chest.

It was like kind of a tightness in my chest.

It was like kind of a tightness in my chest.

It was like a tightness...

It was like a tightness...

I thought it was ambition.

I thought it was ambition.

I thought it was ambition.

NARRATOR: But it wasn't ambition.

NARRATOR: But it wasn't ambition.

It was anxiety...

It was anxiety... one of the most common mental health problems one of the most common mental health problems on college campuses today.

on college campuses today.

- Then during the summer, I started having panic attacks.

- Then during the summer, I started having panic attacks.

- Then during the summer, I started having panic attacks.

It almost feels like how you would think It almost feels like how you would think a heart attack would feel.

a heart attack would feel.

I basically cut myself off from people I basically cut myself off from people just 'cause I didn't want people to see me anxious, just 'cause I didn't want people to see me anxious, just 'cause I didn't want people to see me anxious, just 'cause I didn't want people to see me anxious, or see me like this, or think I'm crazy.

or see me like this, or think I'm crazy.

or see me like this, or think I'm crazy.

That was one of the foremost worries in my mind; That was one of the foremost worries in my mind; That was one of the foremost worries in my mind; That was one of the foremost worries in my mind; it was like I don't want people to think I'm crazy.

it was like I don't want people to think I'm crazy.

it was like I don't want people to think I'm crazy.

it was like I don't want people to think I'm crazy.

NARRATOR: By the beginning of Kai's junior year, NARRATOR: By the beginning of Kai's junior year, NARRATOR: By the beginning of Kai's junior year, his anxiety hit the tipping point.

his anxiety hit the tipping point.

his anxiety hit the tipping point.

- I would obsess with the word "suicide", - I would obsess with the word "suicide", like I would see the word "suicide" like, like I would see the word "suicide" like, like I would see the word "suicide" like, like I would see the word "suicide" like, as an image in my mind.

as an image in my mind.

as an image in my mind.

as an image in my mind.

I was afraid of knives, I was afraid of windows; I was afraid of knives, I was afraid of windows; I was afraid of knives, I was afraid of windows; I was afraid of knives, I was afraid of windows; I was afraid of the side of buildings, it was bad.

I was afraid of the side of buildings, it was bad.

I was afraid of the side of buildings, it was bad.

I was afraid of the side of buildings, it was bad.

- Some downtime.

- Some downtime.

NARRATOR: So he finally confided in his mother.

NARRATOR: So he finally confided in his mother.

NARRATOR: So he finally confided in his mother.

- She was alarmed and she basically said, - She was alarmed and she basically said, you're coming home for a leave of absence.

you're coming home for a leave of absence.

you're coming home for a leave of absence.

Like, I'm picking you up right now.

Like, I'm picking you up right now.

NARRATOR: He took a semester off from college... NARRATOR: He took a semester off from college... NARRATOR: He took a semester off from college... got help from mental health professionals... got help from mental health professionals... and in his spare time, Kai filled tablet after tablet, and in his spare time, Kai filled tablet after tablet, and in his spare time, Kai filled tablet after tablet, and in his spare time, Kai filled tablet after tablet, writing about his feelings.

writing about his feelings.

- I would write stories about what inspired my anxieties.

- I would write stories about what inspired my anxieties.

- I would write stories about what inspired my anxieties.

- I would write stories about what inspired my anxieties.

It did become the medicine.

It did become the medicine.

NARRATOR: Over the next few months, those stories turned into lyrics.

those stories turned into lyrics.

And the lyrics turned into songs... And the lyrics turned into songs... And the lyrics turned into songs... songs with titles like "About Those Grades" songs with titles like "About Those Grades" songs with titles like "About Those Grades" and "Stressed Out."

and "Stressed Out."

- * This anxiety It got me always on the edge * - * This anxiety It got me always on the edge * - * This anxiety It got me always on the edge * I feel like a lot of people feel like this I feel like a lot of people feel like this but just don't want to talk about it.

but just don't want to talk about it.

but just don't want to talk about it.

I took it as a mission, I took it as a mission, like, people need to hear what mental health is, like, people need to hear what mental health is, like, people need to hear what mental health is, like, people need to hear what mental health is, people need to hear how it feels, people need to hear how it feels, people need to hear how to overcome it.

people need to hear how to overcome it.

NARRATOR: Kai decided to turn the songs into an album, NARRATOR: Kai decided to turn the songs into an album, NARRATOR: Kai decided to turn the songs into an album, and he called it "Carnegie Cafe."

and he called it "Carnegie Cafe."

and he called it "Carnegie Cafe."

- And I was giving them out for free, you know, - And I was giving them out for free, you know, in my mind, I really just wanted to slide them in my mind, I really just wanted to slide them in my mind, I really just wanted to slide them in my mind, I really just wanted to slide them under every student's door, you know.

under every student's door, you know.

under every student's door, you know.

NARRATOR: He returned to school the following semester.

NARRATOR: He returned to school the following semester.

And now that he's graduated from CMU, And now that he's graduated from CMU, And now that he's graduated from CMU, Kai returns to the campus to give concerts... Kai returns to the campus to give concerts... Kai returns to the campus to give concerts... Kai returns to the campus to give concerts... all the while, spreading the message all the while, spreading the message to open up about mental illness.

to open up about mental illness.

to open up about mental illness.

- When it came time to release "Carnegie Cafe" , - When it came time to release "Carnegie Cafe" , - When it came time to release "Carnegie Cafe" , I wasn't afraid because I'd been to the place I wasn't afraid because I'd been to the place I wasn't afraid because I'd been to the place where I was afraid all the time.

where I was afraid all the time.

where I was afraid all the time.

After being in such a low place, I felt like elevating others, After being in such a low place, I felt like elevating others, After being in such a low place, I felt like elevating others, and I felt like elevating myself.

and I felt like elevating myself.

* We're going to celebrate * We're going to celebrate * We're going to celebrate * We're going to celebrate I know how to live with it now, I know how to live with it now, and I know how to move that energy and I know how to move that energy into more positive directions, into more positive directions, and I know how to let the anxiety work for me now.

and I know how to let the anxiety work for me now.

and I know how to let the anxiety work for me now.

and I know how to let the anxiety work for me now.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] - What it feels like in your head to have the anxiety, - What it feels like in your head to have the anxiety, - What it feels like in your head to have the anxiety, - What it feels like in your head to have the anxiety, - What it feels like in your head to have the anxiety, I like to think of like an auctioneer I like to think of like an auctioneer who's like rapid-fire speaking... who's like rapid-fire speaking... [AUCTIONEER SPEAKING RAPIDLY] [AUCTIONEER SPEAKING RAPIDLY] [AUCTIONEER SPEAKING RAPIDLY] But he's also not really making sense.

But he's also not really making sense.

But he's also not really making sense.

But he's also not really making sense.

But he's also not really making sense.

He's just talking really fast He's just talking really fast and that's what the thoughts can sometimes feel like.

and that's what the thoughts can sometimes feel like.

and that's what the thoughts can sometimes feel like.

and that's what the thoughts can sometimes feel like.

If you kind of think about what it's like If you kind of think about what it's like if you're running late for something really important if you're running late for something really important if you're running late for something really important and you know what that physical sensation feels like, and you know what that physical sensation feels like, and you know what that physical sensation feels like, to have to rush around, and yet, to have to rush around, and yet, imagine being in that state all the time.

imagine being in that state all the time.

imagine being in that state all the time.

And it's something you can't really control, And it's something you can't really control, And it's something you can't really control, And it's something you can't really control, and that's the hard thing is and that's the hard thing is you can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

you can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

you can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

you can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

you can't just "snap out of it," you can't just stop.

I think it is hard for people who don't have these illnesses I think it is hard for people who don't have these illnesses I think it is hard for people who don't have these illnesses to really relate to what they feel like to really relate to what they feel like because externally you can look at me because externally you can look at me and think I look fine and think I look fine and think I look fine and think I look fine and that there's nothing wrong with me.

and that there's nothing wrong with me.

NARRATOR: Racing thoughts and excessive worry NARRATOR: Racing thoughts and excessive worry NARRATOR: Racing thoughts and excessive worry were not always a part of Jennifer Sikora's life.

were not always a part of Jennifer Sikora's life.

were not always a part of Jennifer Sikora's life.

- My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, - My anxiety started when I was around the age of 26, and it started like a bang.

and it started like a bang.

and it started like a bang.

and it started like a bang.

At the time, I felt like At the time, I felt like there was something wrong with me personally.

there was something wrong with me personally.

there was something wrong with me personally.

It took awhile to get there, It took awhile to get there, to realize that this was a health problem.

to realize that this was a health problem.

Just like any other chronic illness, Just like any other chronic illness, you have to take care of it.

you have to take care of it.

you have to take care of it.

NARRATOR: Jennifer got help NARRATOR: Jennifer got help from mental health professionals, from mental health professionals, who diagnosed her with panic attacks who diagnosed her with panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder.

and generalized anxiety disorder.

and generalized anxiety disorder.

Seventeen years later, she thinks of her treatment Seventeen years later, she thinks of her treatment as a "three-legged stool."

as a "three-legged stool."

as a "three-legged stool."

The first two legs are psychotherapy, The first two legs are psychotherapy, The first two legs are psychotherapy, and medication.

and medication.

- And the third has been various forms of physical being, - And the third has been various forms of physical being, - And the third has been various forms of physical being, - And the third has been various forms of physical being, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, and practicing Mindfulness.

and practicing Mindfulness.

and practicing Mindfulness.

NARRATOR: The official term is "Integrated Medicine".

NARRATOR: The official term is "Integrated Medicine".

NARRATOR: The official term is "Integrated Medicine".

It combines traditional medical treatments It combines traditional medical treatments It combines traditional medical treatments with alternative approaches that are backed up by science.

with alternative approaches that are backed up by science.

with alternative approaches that are backed up by science.

with alternative approaches that are backed up by science.

One of them is "Mindfulness."

One of them is "Mindfulness."

It's a type of meditation meant to develop It's a type of meditation meant to develop It's a type of meditation meant to develop an increased awareness of the present moment... an increased awareness of the present moment... an increased awareness of the present moment... and it's been clinically proven and it's been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

- It's been probably the single most thing for me - It's been probably the single most thing for me - It's been probably the single most thing for me that has helped.

that has helped.

Mindfulness is about getting rid of all that external noise.

Mindfulness is about getting rid of all that external noise.

Mindfulness is about getting rid of all that external noise.

Mindfulness is about getting rid of all that external noise.

Mindfulness is about getting rid of all that external noise.

For example, I'll take a hot cup of really good herbal tea For example, I'll take a hot cup of really good herbal tea For example, I'll take a hot cup of really good herbal tea For example, I'll take a hot cup of really good herbal tea For example, I'll take a hot cup of really good herbal tea out into my sun porch, out into my sun porch, and I'll just focus on the warmth of the cup... and I'll just focus on the warmth of the cup... and I'll just focus on the warmth of the cup... and I'll just focus on the warmth of the cup... the smell of the tea... the smell of the tea... the warmth of the liquid as it goes into my mouth, the warmth of the liquid as it goes into my mouth, the warmth of the liquid as it goes into my mouth, and just really pay attention to that whole experience.

and just really pay attention to that whole experience.

and just really pay attention to that whole experience.

and just really pay attention to that whole experience.

The really nice thing about Mindfulness practice The really nice thing about Mindfulness practice is it doesn't take a huge time investment.

is it doesn't take a huge time investment.

is it doesn't take a huge time investment.

For example, when I'm drinking my tea, For example, when I'm drinking my tea, I might just take five to ten minutes I might just take five to ten minutes to really enjoy that, and that might be all I need to really enjoy that, and that might be all I need to really enjoy that, and that might be all I need to put me on a good path for the day.

to put me on a good path for the day.

to put me on a good path for the day.

NARRATOR: Jennifer also enjoys yoga.

NARRATOR: Jennifer also enjoys yoga.

- Yoga is just a great way to stretch - Yoga is just a great way to stretch - Yoga is just a great way to stretch and pay attention to the body and pay attention to the body and really kind of be in sync with your body and really kind of be in sync with your body and really kind of be in sync with your body and get focused on something different.

and get focused on something different.

and get focused on something different.

My thoughts aren't running loose, My thoughts aren't running loose, My thoughts aren't running loose, and running rampant.

and running rampant.

And I love my dog.

And I love my dog.

It's interesting; I live in a neighborhood It's interesting; I live in a neighborhood where everybody here has electric fences for their dogs.

where everybody here has electric fences for their dogs.

where everybody here has electric fences for their dogs.

We actually have deliberately not gotten one for ours We actually have deliberately not gotten one for ours We actually have deliberately not gotten one for ours so I'm forced to exercise him; I'm forced to go for a walk.

so I'm forced to exercise him; I'm forced to go for a walk.

so I'm forced to exercise him; I'm forced to go for a walk.

so I'm forced to exercise him; I'm forced to go for a walk.

NARRATOR: And Jennifer power-walks NARRATOR: And Jennifer power-walks around her neighborhood.

around her neighborhood.

- For me, the physical activity side of it - For me, the physical activity side of it helps to drain off some of that energy helps to drain off some of that energy helps to drain off some of that energy helps to drain off some of that energy that's produced by being in that generalized anxiety state.

that's produced by being in that generalized anxiety state.

that's produced by being in that generalized anxiety state.

that's produced by being in that generalized anxiety state.

that's produced by being in that generalized anxiety state.

My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious My husband will often notice when I'm feeling anxious It helps you kind of focus in on something else It helps you kind of focus in on something else It helps you kind of focus in on something else It helps you kind of focus in on something else other than what's keeping that anxiety engine humming.

other than what's keeping that anxiety engine humming.

other than what's keeping that anxiety engine humming.

other than what's keeping that anxiety engine humming.

other than what's keeping that anxiety engine humming.

With yoga, or exercise, or Mindfulness, With yoga, or exercise, or Mindfulness, With yoga, or exercise, or Mindfulness, what I feel afterwards is more focused.

what I feel afterwards is more focused.

what I feel afterwards is more focused.

what I feel afterwards is more focused.

So living well with this absolutely can be done.

So living well with this absolutely can be done.

So living well with this absolutely can be done.

Today I travel, I entertain, I do all kinds of things.

Today I travel, I entertain, I do all kinds of things.

Today I travel, I entertain, I do all kinds of things.

Today I travel, I entertain, I do all kinds of things.

In times when I was not feeling well, In times when I was not feeling well, In times when I was not feeling well, a lot of those things would have been off the table.

a lot of those things would have been off the table.

a lot of those things would have been off the table.

I think that the more that we talk about this as a culture, I think that the more that we talk about this as a culture, I think that the more that we talk about this as a culture, I think that the more that we talk about this as a culture, the more people will start to get treatment for it, the more people will start to get treatment for it, the more people will start to get treatment for it, get better.

get better.

The sense of hope comes from taking care of your illness The sense of hope comes from taking care of your illness The sense of hope comes from taking care of your illness The sense of hope comes from taking care of your illness and living well with it.

and living well with it.

and living well with it.

- I think it started back when I was 5 years old.

- I think it started back when I was 5 years old.

- I think it started back when I was 5 years old.

- I think it started back when I was 5 years old.

I was in a pageant...

I was in a pageant... and I was so overwhelmed... and I was so overwhelmed... and I was so overwhelmed... and I did not like the spotlight.

and I did not like the spotlight.

and I did not like the spotlight.

That's when I started feeling very, very anxious.

That's when I started feeling very, very anxious.

That's when I started feeling very, very anxious.

That's when I started feeling very, very anxious.

That's when I started feeling very, very anxious.

I think from then on, it manifested itself I think from then on, it manifested itself I think from then on, it manifested itself I think from then on, it manifested itself in different ways as I grew up.

in different ways as I grew up.

in different ways as I grew up.

in different ways as I grew up.

You know, when I was 11 years old, You know, when I was 11 years old, I discovered alcohol.

I discovered alcohol.

I felt invincible.

I felt invincible.

I felt invincible.

I finally felt like I was a normal man, I finally felt like I was a normal man, I finally felt like I was a normal man, I finally felt like I was a normal man, I finally felt like I was a normal man, if you can be a man at 11. if you can be a man at 11. if you can be a man at 11.

I realized that I had found my magic pill.

I realized that I had found my magic pill.

I realized that I had found my magic pill.

I realized that I had found my magic pill.

I realized that I had found my magic pill.

NARRATOR: Jeff Fitzwilliam wouldn't be diagnosed for decades, wouldn't be diagnosed for decades, wouldn't be diagnosed for decades, but he suffered from a social anxiety disorder.

but he suffered from a social anxiety disorder.

but he suffered from a social anxiety disorder.

It's an overwhelming fear of not fitting in, It's an overwhelming fear of not fitting in, It's an overwhelming fear of not fitting in, and worrying people will find you inferior and worrying people will find you inferior and worrying people will find you inferior in social interactions.

in social interactions.

Nearly 30 percent of people with social anxiety disorder Nearly 30 percent of people with social anxiety disorder Nearly 30 percent of people with social anxiety disorder Nearly 30 percent of people with social anxiety disorder also meet the criteria for drug and alcohol abuse.

also meet the criteria for drug and alcohol abuse.

also meet the criteria for drug and alcohol abuse.

also meet the criteria for drug and alcohol abuse.

also meet the criteria for drug and alcohol abuse.

They use it to ease the stress of social situations.

They use it to ease the stress of social situations.

They use it to ease the stress of social situations.

They use it to ease the stress of social situations.

Doctors call it "self-medicating."

Doctors call it "self-medicating."

Doctors call it "self-medicating."

Doctors call it "self-medicating."

- My formative years, - My formative years, - My formative years, pretty much the only thing I learned to do pretty much the only thing I learned to do pretty much the only thing I learned to do pretty much the only thing I learned to do pretty much the only thing I learned to do was to self-medicate.

was to self-medicate.

was to self-medicate.

NARRATOR: Fueled by alcohol, NARRATOR: Fueled by alcohol, Jeff found it easier to approach people... Jeff found it easier to approach people... Jeff found it easier to approach people... especially women.

especially women.

- If they had a fantasy about jet pilots, - If they had a fantasy about jet pilots, - If they had a fantasy about jet pilots, I would tell them I was in the Air Force I would tell them I was in the Air Force I would tell them I was in the Air Force and being trained to fly an SR71 Blackbird.

and being trained to fly an SR71 Blackbird.

and being trained to fly an SR71 Blackbird.

and being trained to fly an SR71 Blackbird.

If women liked their garbage man, If women liked their garbage man, If women liked their garbage man, I was a garbage man.

I was a garbage man.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

So I was basically a drug-addled and alcohol-induced chameleon.

I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I still held onto this feeling that without the alcohol, I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

I was still that inferior, scared little boy.

NARRATOR: Over the years, Jeff drifted from job to job... NARRATOR: Over the years, Jeff drifted from job to job... NARRATOR: Over the years, Jeff drifted from job to job... got married and divorced... got married and divorced... got married and divorced... and ended up with sole custody of his children, and ended up with sole custody of his children, and ended up with sole custody of his children, even though alcohol and drugs still ruled his life.

even though alcohol and drugs still ruled his life.

even though alcohol and drugs still ruled his life.

even though alcohol and drugs still ruled his life.

He was in his late 40's when he had a life-changing moment.

He was in his late 40's when he had a life-changing moment.

He was in his late 40's when he had a life-changing moment.

He was in his late 40's when he had a life-changing moment.

- Having anxiety, and having such low self-esteem, - Having anxiety, and having such low self-esteem, - Having anxiety, and having such low self-esteem, - Having anxiety, and having such low self-esteem, I never really looked myself in the eyes in the mirror.

I never really looked myself in the eyes in the mirror.

I never really looked myself in the eyes in the mirror.

I never really looked myself in the eyes in the mirror.

I was always watching where I was shaving, I was always watching where I was shaving, I was always watching where I was shaving, or watching my teeth as I was brushed them, or watching my teeth as I was brushed them, or watching my teeth as I was brushed them, but I never really saw it myself in the mirror, but I never really saw it myself in the mirror, but this day I did.

but this day I did.

I could look into my soul.

I could look into my soul.

I could look into my soul.

And I saw nothing.

And I saw nothing.

And I saw nothing.

There was nothing inside of me.

There was nothing inside of me.

I wasn't a father, I wasn't a son, I wasn't a father, I wasn't a son, I wasn't a worker, I wasn't a man.

I wasn't a worker, I wasn't a man.

I wasn't a worker, I wasn't a man.

Therwas nothing.

I was an empty shell.

Therwas nothing.

I was an empty shell.

Therwas nothing.

I was an empty shell.

Therwas nothing.

I was an empty shell.

And I got really scared.

And I got really scared.

And I got really scared.

NARRATOR: Scared enough that he actually entered rehab.

NARRATOR: Scared enough that he actually entered rehab.

NARRATOR: Scared enough that he actually entered rehab.

NARRATOR: Scared enough that he actually entered rehab.

And later, saw a psychiatrist, And later, saw a psychiatrist, who diagnosed his anxiety disorder and depression .

who diagnosed his anxiety disorder and depression .

who diagnosed his anxiety disorder and depression .

who diagnosed his anxiety disorder and depression .

- Mental health and addiction are, to me, - Mental health and addiction are, to me, - Mental health and addiction are, to me, - Mental health and addiction are, to me, lifetime diseases.

lifetime diseases.

lifetime diseases.

NARRATOR: Today, Jeff works as an alcohol and drug counselor.

NARRATOR: Today, Jeff works as an alcohol and drug counselor.

NARRATOR: Today, Jeff works as an alcohol and drug counselor.

In his spare time, he indulges in hobbies In his spare time, he indulges in hobbies In his spare time, he indulges in hobbies he never got the chance to enjoy as a child.

he never got the chance to enjoy as a child.

he never got the chance to enjoy as a child.

- When I was a little kid, I really wasn't there; - When I was a little kid, I really wasn't there; - When I was a little kid, I really wasn't there; I didn't have time to really enjoy I didn't have time to really enjoy I didn't have time to really enjoy because I was in fear so much.

because I was in fear so much.

because I was in fear so much.

NARRATOR: He's also repaired the relationship NARRATOR: He's also repaired the relationship NARRATOR: He's also repaired the relationship with his children.

with his children.

- I had a lot of shame when I first got sober - I had a lot of shame when I first got sober - I had a lot of shame when I first got sober - I had a lot of shame when I first got sober - I had a lot of shame when I first got sober about raising them as an alcoholic.

about raising them as an alcoholic.

about raising them as an alcoholic.

about raising them as an alcoholic.

Our relationship has morphed into a very, very close, Our relationship has morphed into a very, very close, Our relationship has morphed into a very, very close, Our relationship has morphed into a very, very close, very loving relationship.

very loving relationship.

very loving relationship.

NARRATOR: But the biggest anchor in Jeff's recovery NARRATOR: But the biggest anchor in Jeff's recovery is his spirituality.

is his spirituality.

He says he relies on it daily He says he relies on it daily to resist his addiction and manage his fears.

to resist his addiction and manage his fears.

to resist his addiction and manage his fears.

to resist his addiction and manage his fears.

- I'll sit and I'll read a chapter of the Bible, - I'll sit and I'll read a chapter of the Bible, - I'll sit and I'll read a chapter of the Bible, - I'll sit and I'll read a chapter of the Bible, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, I'll use this little hand cross that my daughter gave me, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and you just hold it like this while you're reading, and then I will pray for 10, 15, 20 minutes, and then I will pray for 10, 15, 20 minutes, and then I will pray for 10, 15, 20 minutes, and then I will pray for 10, 15, 20 minutes, and then I will pray for 10, 15, 20 minutes, whatever I have.

whatever I have.

It's mostly asking for blessings for others, It's mostly asking for blessings for others, It's mostly asking for blessings for others, I don't ask for blessings for myself because to me, I don't ask for blessings for myself because to me, I don't ask for blessings for myself because to me, I am the richest man in the world, I am blessed.

I am the richest man in the world, I am blessed.

I am the richest man in the world, I am blessed.

Most amazing is that I have a brain Most amazing is that I have a brain Most amazing is that I have a brain that can still put together a full sentence that can still put together a full sentence that can still put together a full sentence after all the destruction that I put myself through.

after all the destruction that I put myself through.

after all the destruction that I put myself through.

after all the destruction that I put myself through.

after all the destruction that I put myself through.

But I also believe that every step I took But I also believe that every step I took But I also believe that every step I took when I was younger led me to this point.

when I was younger led me to this point.

when I was younger led me to this point.

If my story helps just one person, If my story helps just one person, If my story helps just one person, then that's certainly, I'm humbled by that, then that's certainly, I'm humbled by that, and that is what I try to do today.

and that is what I try to do today.

and that is what I try to do today.

- Are you okay?

- Are you okay?

- I'm having a hard time breathing... - I'm having a hard time breathing... - I'm having a hard time breathing... - Has this ever happened to you before?

- Has this ever happened to you before?

- Has this ever happened to you before?

- I don't even know what's happening.

- I don't even know what's happening.

- I don't even know what's happening.

NARRATOR: This isn't a real anxiety attack.

NARRATOR: This isn't a real anxiety attack.

NARRATOR: This isn't a real anxiety attack.

It's a simulation...

It's a simulation... and it's part of a training session called and it's part of a training session called "Mental Health First Aid."

"Mental Health First Aid."

- ...so much more concerned right now... - ...so much more concerned right now... - ...so much more concerned right now... - ...so much more concerned right now... NARRATOR: We all get the concept of first aid NARRATOR: We all get the concept of first aid in a physical crisis: Take basic steps to help in a physical crisis: Take basic steps to help in a physical crisis: Take basic steps to help in a physical crisis: Take basic steps to help until a professional gets to the patient.

until a professional gets to the patient.

until a professional gets to the patient.

Mental health first aid is no different.

Mental health first aid is no different.

Mental health first aid is no different.

Mental health first aid is no different.

- All of a sudden, these things started to build - All of a sudden, these things started to build and build and build, and now my head's racing, and build and build, and now my head's racing, and build and build, and now my head's racing, and I'm having a hard time breathing, and I'm having a hard time breathing, and catching my breath.

and catching my breath.

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that really focuses on educating the general public, that really focuses on educating the general public, that really focuses on educating the general public, that really focuses on educating the general public, in helping them to better understand in helping them to better understand in helping them to better understand the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses.

An anxiety disorder is more severe, lasts longer, An anxiety disorder is more severe, lasts longer, An anxiety disorder is more severe, lasts longer, and it interferes with a person's work in relationships.

a person's work in relationships.

As a mental health first aider, As a mental health first aider, your role is not to diagnose or be a professional clinician.

your role is not to diagnose or be a professional clinician.

your role is not to diagnose or be a professional clinician.

Our role is to simply, if you feel comfortable, Our role is to simply, if you feel comfortable, Our role is to simply, if you feel comfortable, start a conversation with the person start a conversation with the person and ask them how they're doing, and then support them and ask them how they're doing, and then support them and ask them how they're doing, and then support them and try to direct them to professional supports.

and try to direct them to professional supports.

and try to direct them to professional supports.

and try to direct them to professional supports.

NARRATOR: Mental health first aid NARRATOR: Mental health first aid consists of an eight-hour, in-person training session.

consists of an eight-hour, in-person training session.

consists of an eight-hour, in-person training session.

consists of an eight-hour, in-person training session.

The program originated in Australia in 2001 The program originated in Australia in 2001 The program originated in Australia in 2001 The program originated in Australia in 2001 and it's been offered here in Western Pennsylvania and it's been offered here in Western Pennsylvania and it's been offered here in Western Pennsylvania since 2010. since 2010.

- And I'd say in the last three years, - And I'd say in the last three years, - And I'd say in the last three years, we've averaged about 100 trainings per year.

we've averaged about 100 trainings per year.

we've averaged about 100 trainings per year.

We have over 100 trainers We have over 100 trainers from different agencies in our area.

from different agencies in our area.

from different agencies in our area.

NARRATOR: The training is based on NARRATOR: The training is based on a five-step action plan.

a five-step action plan.

MATT: A-L-G-E-E. MATT: A-L-G-E-E.

Essentially what it involves is, first, Essentially what it involves is, first, assessing the situation and the person assessing the situation and the person assessing the situation and the person for risk of suicide or harm.

for risk of suicide or harm.

for risk of suicide or harm.

Listening non-judgmentally.

Listening non-judgmentally.

Engaging a person, you want to make a connection.

Engaging a person, you want to make a connection.

Engaging a person, you want to make a connection.

You want to "G," give reassurance and information, You want to "G," give reassurance and information, You want to "G," give reassurance and information, You want to "G," give reassurance and information, which just is reassuring the person which just is reassuring the person that they're going to be okay, that they're going to be okay, that what they're experiencing is a treatable illness.

that what they're experiencing is a treatable illness.

that what they're experiencing is a treatable illness.

And then, you want to encourage appropriate professional help And then, you want to encourage appropriate professional help And then, you want to encourage appropriate professional help and really encourage that they follow up.

and really encourage that they follow up.

and really encourage that they follow up.

And lastly you want to encourage self-help And lastly you want to encourage self-help and other support strategies.

and other support strategies.

- And I'll stay with you until somebody comes.

- And I'll stay with you until somebody comes.

- And I'll stay with you until somebody comes.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

I don't even know you, but you're really helping me.

It's something that anyone can do...

It's something that anyone can do... And I think when they leave that room, And I think when they leave that room, they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

they are better prepared to have more compassion and empathy.

And at the end of the day, after a training, And at the end of the day, after a training, And at the end of the day, after a training, I feel great.

I feel great.

I thought everybody did a great job.

I thought everybody did a great job.

So let's give yourselves a round of applause!

So let's give yourselves a round of applause!

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] NARRATOR: Mental health first aid is just one of the community resources is just one of the community resources is just one of the community resources made available by the local chapter of "NAMI."

made available by the local chapter of "NAMI."

made available by the local chapter of "NAMI."

That stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

That stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

That stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

That stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Christine Michaels is the executive director.

Christine Michaels is the executive director.

Christine Michaels is the executive director.

- You know, we have a tendency as adults, - You know, we have a tendency as adults, that if somebody looks different or isn't quite normal, that if somebody looks different or isn't quite normal, that if somebody looks different or isn't quite normal, that if somebody looks different or isn't quite normal, we back away.

we back away.

One of the things that we work for at NAMI One of the things that we work for at NAMI One of the things that we work for at NAMI is to create a culture of compassion and understanding.

is to create a culture of compassion and understanding.

is to create a culture of compassion and understanding.

is to create a culture of compassion and understanding.

is to create a culture of compassion and understanding.

NARRATOR: NAMI serves more than 4,000 families NARRATOR: NAMI serves more than 4,000 families NARRATOR: NAMI serves more than 4,000 families and mental health professionals annually in our region-- and mental health professionals annually in our region-- and mental health professionals annually in our region-- and mental health professionals annually in our region-- connecting people to community resources.

connecting people to community resources.

connecting people to community resources.

They also work to break the stigma They also work to break the stigma attached to mental illness.

attached to mental illness.

- Nobody quite wants to say, - Nobody quite wants to say, oh, I think I have a mental illness.

oh, I think I have a mental illness.

oh, I think I have a mental illness.

They do basically suffer in silence for a long time They do basically suffer in silence for a long time They do basically suffer in silence for a long time They do basically suffer in silence for a long time because they're afraid to reach out.

because they're afraid to reach out.

because they're afraid to reach out.

NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, NARRATOR: But for people with anxiety disorders, it doesn't have to come to that.

it doesn't have to come to that.

it doesn't have to come to that.

Help is available.

Help is available.

- There are many, many people - There are many, many people who are living with a serious mental illness, who are living with a serious mental illness, who are living with a serious mental illness, who are living with a serious mental illness, living good lives, are married, living good lives, are married, have jobs, have houses, have the American dream.

have jobs, have houses, have the American dream.

have jobs, have houses, have the American dream.

have jobs, have houses, have the American dream.

NARRATOR: People like Jeff... And Jennifer... And Chuck... And Kai... who found ways to break the cycle of anxiety who found ways to break the cycle of anxiety who found ways to break the cycle of anxiety who found ways to break the cycle of anxiety and finally, find peace of mind.

and finally, find peace of mind.

and finally, find peace of mind.

and finally, find peace of mind.

- You don't have to be guarded all the time, - You don't have to be guarded all the time, you can feel free.

you can feel free.

And my whole thing right now is I want to feel free.

And my whole thing right now is I want to feel free.

And my whole thing right now is I want to feel free.

- It all came full circle for me that I had a mental illness, - It all came full circle for me that I had a mental illness, - It all came full circle for me that I had a mental illness, - It all came full circle for me that I had a mental illness, - It all came full circle for me that I had a mental illness, that I wasn't a bad person trying to be good.

that I wasn't a bad person trying to be good.

that I wasn't a bad person trying to be good.

that I wasn't a bad person trying to be good.

I was a sick person trying to get better.

I was a sick person trying to get better.

I was a sick person trying to get better.

- I felt it was something to be ashamed of, - I felt it was something to be ashamed of, - I felt it was something to be ashamed of, but come to find out that I could learn to live with it.

but come to find out that I could learn to live with it.

but come to find out that I could learn to live with it.

- It's easy to have peace of mind - It's easy to have peace of mind - It's easy to have peace of mind when it's smooth sailing and the waters are calm.

when it's smooth sailing and the waters are calm.

when it's smooth sailing and the waters are calm.

when it's smooth sailing and the waters are calm.

It's not so easy to have peace of mind It's not so easy to have peace of mind It's not so easy to have peace of mind when the anxiety is trying everything when the anxiety is trying everything when the anxiety is trying everything to not let you have that.

to not let you have that.

to not let you have that.

So peace of mind for me So peace of mind for me is when I sort of conquer the illness, is when I sort of conquer the illness, is when I sort of conquer the illness, and when I can say, I win, you lose, and when I can say, I win, you lose, and when I can say, I win, you lose, and when I can say, I win, you lose, and when I can say, I win, you lose, and I'm able to get through that.

and I'm able to get through that.

and I'm able to get through that.

and I'm able to get through that.

FEMALE ANNOUNCER: Learn more about the people and resources FEMALE ANNOUNCER: Learn more about the people and resources featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

featured in this program, at wqed.org/mentalillness.

"Bundle Of Nerves: Our Anxiety Epidemic" "Bundle Of Nerves: Our Anxiety Epidemic" "Bundle Of Nerves: Our Anxiety Epidemic" is made possible by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

is made possible by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

is made possible by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

is made possible by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

MALE ANNOUNCER: For more than 75 years, MALE ANNOUNCER: For more than 75 years, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been committed to creating Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been committed to creating Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been committed to creating Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been committed to creating stronger, healthier communities through corporate grants, stronger, healthier communities through corporate grants, stronger, healthier communities through corporate grants, stronger, healthier communities through corporate grants, sponsorships, and program support.

sponsorships, and program support.

sponsorships, and program support.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.

Learn more at highmark.com/community impact.