What are the most impactful mental health stories you've heard?

A young girl was feeling down. She decided to write down all her negative thoughts on pieces of paper and then crumple them up like little balls. Then she set up a 'negative thought basketball hoop' and started shooting the paper balls into it. She was laughing so hard by the end of it. This simple and funny activity helped her to let go of her negative emotions and improved her mental state. It shows that we can use creativity to turn bad feelings into something fun and therapeutic.

I was really moved by the story of Nick Vujicic. Born without limbs, he overcame extreme self - doubt and depression to become a motivational speaker. His story shows that no matter how difficult our situation is, we can find a purpose and a way to make a positive impact on others.

A patient in a mental asylum was convinced that he was a superhero. He would run around the asylum with a bedsheet as a cape, trying to 'fly' from one end of the corridor to the other. He even attempted to 'rescue' other patients from non - existent villains.

I know a guy with social anxiety disorder. He once accidentally walked into the wrong party. Instead of running away in panic as he usually would, he just froze and started making really awkward small talk with a potted plant. Everyone at the party noticed and found it hilarious. He was embarrassed at first but later could laugh about it too.

A really scary one is when a patient in a mental asylum said she could hear the voices of the dead who were once patients there. She would describe in detail how they died and where their bodies were buried in the asylum's old graveyard. It was so creepy that some of the staff refused to work the night shift near her cell.

A man who had bipolar disorder is an amazing success story. He adhered to his medication regime strictly and had regular check - ins with his doctor. He also educated himself about his condition. As a result, he's been stable for years and has started his own business, proving that mental illness doesn't have to stop one from achieving great things.

The story of a war veteran with PTSD is very inspiring. He was haunted by his past experiences and couldn't lead a normal life. However, on World Mental Health Day, he participated in a community - based art therapy program. Creating art allowed him to express his emotions in a non - verbal way. It gradually helped him come to terms with his trauma and start rebuilding his life. It shows the power of alternative therapies in mental health.

A very popular one is 'Prozac Nation'. It was one of the first books to really put the experience of living with depression in the spotlight in a very public way. It made a lot of people aware of the reality of mental illness. Also, 'Reasons to Stay Alive' has gained a large following. Its positive message in the face of depression is very appealing to many.

A prevalent theme is the feeling of helplessness. People with mental health issues often feel like they can't control what's happening to them. In the case of the young girl being bullied, she felt helpless against the constant taunts. Another theme is the impact on daily life. The man with anxiety couldn't function well at work or at home. And finally, the theme of being misunderstood is common. The college student with bipolar disorder was not understood by her friends, which made her situation even more difficult.

A woman thought she had a serious lung disease because she coughed a few times after walking in a dusty area. She panicked and made an emergency appointment with a pulmonologist. After a series of tests, the doctor told her it was just normal irritation from the dust and she needed to relax.