Veronica- Psychology '21: Lived experience with depression, generalized anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Personal understanding of navigating diagnosis in Latinx communities, dealing with SEAS and CAPS and talk-therapy. I hope to be a compassionate and beneficial support for you in any capacity you feel comfortable. I love dogs, self care and people :) so feel free to reach out.

Nam - Computer Science and History '21, Lived Experience with: Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Thoughts and Actions, SSRI medication, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and a little bit of Autism! I have a love-hate relationship with formal supports (medication, psychiatrists, etc.), and I absolutely love fun activities such as hiking, reading or building stuff to take a short break once in a while.

Shivani Nishar - Cognitive Science '20: Shivani's focus and lived experience relates to social/generalized anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and the complex dynamics of being a mentally ill woman of color. Much of her support is grounded in empowering and uplifting POC communities and their mental wellbeing, as well as utilizing forms of care outside of a health professional setting. She hopes to be a compassionate and proactive advocate & friend for you in whatever capacity you need her to be.

Devin – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (’20) Lived experience with GAD and panic attacks, bipolar, suicidal thoughts, hospitalization, process of finding medications, and trying to find the counselor that fits best. Resources: Experience with ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and the accommodation process through SEAS. My favorite pastimes include soccer, reading, writing, and passing for neurotypical for as long as possible.

Andrea - I’m in the class of 2021 and am on the pre-med track, studying psychology and taking music classes on the side (which I am deeply passionate about)! I have lived experience with undiagnosed EDNOS from high school to college. I am open to listening to anyone's experiences whether different or similar to my own and am so excited to meet new people and offer support.

Madeline - queer (they/them). Focus: depression, anxiety, PTSD/C-PTSD, dissociative disorders, relationship abuse, emotional abuse, gaslighting, autism (ASD), and gender dysphoria. Concentrating in a STEM field with support from my lovely emotional support snake, Cinnamon :)

Hi! I’m Amy and I’m a junior (then class of 2019 but now class of 2020) concentrating in Applied Math- Economics and Psychology, maybe. I’m an International student from Beijing, China. I was diagnosed with bipolar psychosis and experienced intensive psychotic symptoms in 2 month period as well as mood fluctuations. During my free time, I enjoy singing, doing Taekwondo, watching tons of movies, learning about different cultures and languages (I speak English, Chinese and I’m working on my French), studying psychology and sometimes (depends on my mood) playing the piano.

Hi everyone! My name is Izzy, and I am a second year concentrating in CS (I think??). I have lived experience with OCD, anxiety, and depression. Talk to me about finding the right providers, being queer, seeking accommodations, building support networks, managing time, and so much more! <3

Nicole: English concentrator '22. Lived experience with orthorexia, EDNOS/OSFED, atypical anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, exercise addiction, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. I am happy to talk about eating disorder recovery (both finding support & recovering on your own), healing your relationship with food, self-compassion, diet culture, family and friend dynamics, perfectionism, and just navigating life as a mentally ill college student!

Melissa: I love dogs. The first and most important info. I have been dealing with depression since I was about 15 and anxiety since I was born (or at least since I can remember) and have been medicated since the beginning of 2018. I have experience of self harm, suicidal ideation, and bulimia (and much more). I am pretty 'chill' (whatever that means) and would love to meet you to talk about anything from being Latinx at brown to study abroad to queer issues to premed (lol wtf) to honestly just talking about dogs. dogs are great. I am very passionate about a lot of things and have quite a bit of knowledge about trans issues (although I am not trans) if that could be of benefit to you. Mostly I just care a lot so I will care about you so very much. You matter. You are important. And so many people including myself love you. :)

Nico, alum '17 (Africana Studies/Music). Experience with: eating disorders, depression, anxiety, short-term hospitalization, navigating healthcare while trans, academic accommodations. Areas of focus: gender and sexuality, ACT, CBT, nutrition, movement, sexual violence prevention, mindfulness, time management and stress reduction

Beatrice – English Literature ’18 – diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder – anxiety, eating disorders, toxic relationships, depression and hypomania, suicidal ideation, medication, mental illness in the family, international student experience, medical leave – coping mechanisms: writing, journaling, therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, empathy

Suzanne — Economics and Environmental Studies ’20; Primary focuses: anxiety and eating disorders. I’m always here to listen and offer advice when I can!

Michelle, Health & Human Biology '18--Areas of Focus: eating disorders, anxiety, depression, sexual violence, and cultural difference. Emphasis on positive coping mechanisms, sustainable healthy behaviors, and active stress management.

Felicia: Hello! My name is Felicia- Education '19. I have lived experience with depression, anxiety, and anxiety attacks, as well as managing chronic pain (migraine). I have experience with therapy, medication, and coping skills. I have training as an RPL at Brown and am therefore well versed in resources on campus (and have used most of them myself). Talk to me about being queer, low income, disabled, Jewish, transitioning to Brown, getting connected to resources, or anything else!

Dylan: I have lived experience with OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, illness anxiety disorder, tic disorder, sound anxiety. I am a Brown alumnus currently working at a neuroscience lab. I am of the mind that our institutions don't provide us with ample resources and/or opportunities to practice self care, and so I spend a lot of time thinking about how to carve out the time to focus on the self in this fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society. Talk to me about medication, acupuncture, therapy, movement meditations, nutrition, exercise, your thoughts/feelings/experiences! I am happy to share my stories and also excited to listen, learn, and help in whatever ways I am able!

Marie Lachance - Freshman; BEO with a specific focus in social entrepreneurship. Primary focuses: eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), food anxiety, and over-exercising. Outside of being a PMHA, I make late night smoothies in the Ivy Room, teach swim lessons for preschoolers, serve on the marketing team for Stand Up! and TEDxBrownU, and I love to run around Providence, drink coffee, and watch Gilmore Girls.

Thu, ‘19 concentrating in Health and Human Biology. I have experience navigating mental health at Brown, especially when it comes to resources such as CAPS, SEAS, and finding any psychiatrist off-campus. My lived experiences include PMDD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and handling suicidal thoughts, and I have a focus on inter generational trauma and cultural differences. I’d especially love to share experiences about creating a good supportive social space when it comes to family, friends, and peers!

Grant is a sophomore at Brown who specializes in outside referrals. In his free time, he enjoys cycling as well as working on scientific research. • Focus: Depression, Outside Referrals, Cultural Differences • Resources Used: Exercise, breathing exercises, Stress management strategies

Brianna - Junior concentrating in IR. Lived experience with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Panic attacks, and the difficulties of coping with mental health issues as a woman of color. Would love nothing more than to uplift and support you! Focus: coping mechanisms, struggling with social media, and confidence.

Elyse -- Class of 2020 -- Public Health -- Depression, General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), disordered eating, body dysmorphia, panic attacks, and PTSD. I am on the premed track and am passionate about bringing more empathy and compassion to the medical field. I am also very interested in exploring how visual and performing arts help to manage and alleviate mental illness. Feel free to reach out whenever.

Janice - Recovery + Wellness; Dual-Degree. Diagnosed with depression about two years ago after living with it for much longer. Focus: coping skills, day-to-day logistics in relation to mood disorders, and finding a therapist. I've experienced CAPS at both Brown and RISD, before transitioning to an external provider. I still experience some challenges in daily life, but they now feel much more manageable.

JC: J.C. has experiences with recovering from suicidal depression, C-PTSD from child abuse, and living with social anxiety & Asperger's syndrome. Her strong belief is that we are strong enough to handle whatever the universe gives us and there is a reason we were chosen to be put on Earth. Although it may feel unfair that we are the ones chosen to experience emotional struggle, pain can eventually be transformed into purpose, meaning, depth, and beauty...all things people strive for. Those who experience depression, trauma, or other kinds of pain at an early age are also uniquely gifted to endeavor in creative passions, adventurous pursuits, as well as be a role model and leader and inspire people around them, should they take the rewarding opportunity to use their gifts to bring more light into the world.

Sumera - Health & Human Biology, Music ‘21: Lived experience with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders, OCD, chronic pain, experiences with taking corresponding medications, and cultural differences. I know how hard it is to come to an entirely different environment and having to struggle with these things on top of everything so I just hope I can provide help and as much support as needed!

Clio: Development Studies '21; Lived experience with sexual assault, PTSD, seasonal affective disorder, depression, and panic attacks. I have experience navigating mental health care systems both on and off campus, as well as transitioning to and managing medication. I am happiest in the outdoors, playing with my doggies, dancing, and cracking jokes with my buddies. Feel free to reach out, I'm always happy to talk!

Julia (she/her): Psychology '19, lived experience with depression, anxiety, and disordered eating (EDNOS). Talk to me about CAPS, finding off-campus providers, and time and stress management.

Eliana--Junior STS concentrator w/ a focus on community wellbeing -- Lived experiences with depression, general anxiety and depersonalization and a learning disability. She has experiences navigating finding therapists, medication and accommodations. Eliana's favorite veggies are cucumbers and she strongly identifies as an ENFP

Vanessa, BEO ‘20.5 -- Lived experience with bipolar disorder I and schizophrenia. Areas of focus: mood disorders, schizoaffective disorder & schizophrenia, depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation/action, anxiety, perfectionism, navigating diagnoses in POC communities, finding and utilizing therapy, taking alternative paths in undergraduate career (leaves, reducing courseload), utilizing CBT & DBT, and cultivating self love and acceptance.

Reed: Biochemistry class of 2020. Primary focuses: depression, anxiety, and family loss. I would be more than happy to listen, talk, offer advice, and just be a friend that's there for you

Brooke – International Relations ’21. Lived experience with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, medication, therapy, positive coping skills, recovery and wellbeing, and mindfulness. I’m here to listen and chat so please feel free to reach out!

Katherine - cognitive science (’20). Lived experience with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and sexual assault. I have experience with medication, therapy, coping mechanisms, recovery, and mindfulness. Transitions are so hard (especially in college), and no one should have to go through them alone! I also love to sing and go hiking.

Juli - Recovery & wellness; lived experience with PTSD, sexual assault, recovering from trauma that occurred before arriving at college. Experience with healing through body-based approaches, writing, finding off-campus providers, and sexual violence prevention. Please feel free to reach out, I'm always here to listen!

Hi! My name is Victor Julian Padilla, and I am concentrating in Neurobiology. I have lived experience with ADD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder.

Kitty - Mood/Personality Disorders; Generalized and Social Anxiety; Panic Attacks Depression; ADHD; Class of 2019, MCM and VISA major interested in socio-political change and art. I have experience with professional psychotherapy and have taken a number of different medications throughout the years. These include Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Lithium, Xanax, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Klonopin, Adderall, and Lorazepam. I love to talk to others about their experiences and am happy to help wherever I can.

Cady - Chemical Biology ’19. Focus: anxiety and depression. Experience with CAPS, seeking off-campus therapy, and navigating health insurance barriers. Coping methods include writing, walking/hiking, and conversation.

Emily — Aspiring high school teacher, lived experience with eating disorder, anxiety, depression, treatment (residential, PHP, IOP), drama and expressive arts therapy, CBT, DBT, working with CAPS and SEAS, finding off-campus resources, taking time off, and transferring schools. Always excited to meet new people and provide support!

Kat – Diagnosis: GAD; Lived experience with: depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation/planning, panic attacks, being first-gen + low income @ Brown, CAPS + outside therapy.

Hi guys! My name is Jenny and I’m a sophomore concentrating in neuroscience and English! I’ve had lived experience with diagnosed depression and anxiety, eating disorders, body image issues, coping with loss of loved ones, and developing mechanisms to combat stress and panic attacks. Please feel comfortable and safe to contact me if you need to!

Paula - Depression/anxiety disorder. Focus: panic attacks, suicide prevention, seeking medical help, dealing with family & mental health, recovery, cultural barriers. I am also here to talk about other issues like cultural shock, being low income and/or a minority student at Brown, etc.

Matt – Focus: Psychosis and hearing voices, Schizophrenia, Schizoid Personality Disorder, BPD, Bipolar Disorder and coping with mania, depression, social anxiety, panic disorders, perfectionism, self-harm, trust issues, loneliness, medication changes (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, SSRIs, blood pressure medication for anxiety) and living without an official diagnosis. No one should have to suffer in silence, don’t be afraid to reach out!

Natalie - PTSD; Focus: PTSD, recovering from trauma, depressive responses to trauma, anxiety, stress management Resources used: therapy, yoga, writing, changing living location, research online and through memoirs/fiction/nonfiction, modifying academic workload, other coping mechanisms

Sophie -- Biology/English. Lived experience with: Depression, Eating Disorders (EDNOS), Abusive Relationships, Body Dysmorphia, Medication, LGBTQ. Focus: Stress management, Coping mechanisms, Body positivity, Exercise & Nutrition, Chronic pain management, LGBTQ advocacy.

David: History ’20, Lived experience with Depression, Anxiety, SSRI Medication. I have experience hopping around medication a bit and navigating SEAS, CAPS, Deans, etc. Always happy to talk you through a hard time or just to hang. I am a transfer so I understand how hard it can be to adjust to Brown. even if you’ve been around for a bit. Drop me a line I’m always around.

Hello! I'm Karen and I'm a sophomore studying Computer Science. I have lived experience with social anxiety, general executive dysfunction, and stress management. Come talk to me about navigating mental health resources for the first time, finding community and support networks, or anything else!

Elena, Philosophy '22 - Lived experience with depression. I focus on community and self-care based management of mental health (not much experience with professional care and no lived experience with medication), but I'm always happy to talk about any options or strategies. Talk to me about self-care systems in a college schedule, being queer at Brown, or anything else!

Isabelle: Focus: early parental loss, grief, eating disorders. I have experience coping with illness and loss of loved ones, managing grief, and creating positive and healthy habits as a means of recovery. I love listening and talking to anyone who needs it, and I am always here to help and support you!

Evan - Behavioral Decision Sciences (maybe?) '22 - lived experiences with: depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, social isolation, general mental health issues, including cultural transitions, and therapy (primarily CBT). Talk to me about looking for treatment, finding friends, balancing classes with self-care, general stress, or literally anything else, ever. I hope to be supportive and helpful in whatever way I can!

Julia: Pre-Pharm, Chemistry ‘21. I have lived experience with generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, emetophobia, and depression. I have an off-campus therapist, and have taken the following medications: Prozac, Lexapro, Ativan, and Gabapentin. I also have a cat named Luna. Talk to me about SEAS accommodations, emotional support animals, seeking an off-campus provider, academic planning, or whatever’s on your mind. Always here to listen.

Mallissa - Psychology ‘19 - lived experience with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating. Talk to me about medication, intergenerational transfer of trauma, mindfulness, and being a first-gen Southeast Asian woman on campus!

Audrey Tran -- Health and Human Biology ‘20 (but not pre-med?). Hello! I have lived experiences with (get ready it’s long): disordered eating, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, self-harm, suicidal ideation, depersonalization, intergenerational trauma, and accompanying treatments. Talk to me about navigating support on and off campus, conversations with loved ones, and about how everything sucks but we’re going to keep our chin up! I love journaling, cat memes, aimlessly staring at the sky, and going to the gym.

Griffin - c/o ‘21 studying Computer Science and Public Policy. I’ve had lived experience with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and luckily I’ve had a pretty positive experience overall with professional resources (psychiatrists, CAPS, therapists, etc.). I spend most of my free time taking walks/biking, listening to music, and (not as often as I should) pianoing and practicing French.

Cailin - Neuroscience '20 - Lived experience: complex PTSD from domestic violence and sexual assault, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and finding treatment for all of the above... Talk to me about involuntary hospitalisation, navigating on and off campus resources, recovery from toxic/abusive relationships, emotional support animals, dealing with family issues, navigating triggers, and chronic illness. I'm always happy to help!

Megan -- Behavioral Decision Sciences '20. Lived experience with dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, disordered eating, negative side effects of medications, & adjustment to a new climate. Happy to discuss: how to form healthy habits to better cope with low energy, loneliness, & procrastination; shifting your perception of health/success; finding a social circle on campus when you don't party/drink.

Anna - Lived experience: OCD, anorexia, depression, social anxiety, mental illness in the family, finding an off-campus provider. Resources used: CBT, exposure therapy, yoga, humor. My door is always open, whether you’re seriously struggling or just want to chat.

Aaron - Health & Human Biology '20. Lived experience with depression, self-harm, GAD, OCD, and related medications. Especially interested in offering support to LGBTQ peers, peers of color, and men who struggle with seeking help due to prevailing notions of masculinity. Off campus, I volunteer with Families for Depression Awareness. Nobody should have to face their challenges alone; I am here to speak with anyone who needs me.

Amara - Sociology concentrator - Class of 2019 - Diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Chronic Depression - Lived experience with medication, psychotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, family trauma, CBT, and finding a counselor/therapist off-campus. I am here to lend my ear and offer support and advice!

Dani- Religious Studies Diagnosis- lived experience with anxiety depression, panic attacks, floating-duck syndrome- always happy to be of service.

Bailey - Neuroscience '20. Lived experience with eating disorders, OCD (with tics), depression, mood issues related to use of oral contraceptives, off-campus therapy, and CAPS. Favorite coping mechanisms include singing, running, yoga, and laughing.

Zoe; Sophomore; Public Health OCD, Depression, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety & Disordered Eating. Lived experience with sexual assault, self harm, medication, CBT, ACT, CAPS & finding off campus resources. I'm always here to listen.

Anna '19.5 Anthropology and Pre Med. I have lived experience with chronic illness and chronic pain as it intersects with general mental health and anxiety. I have experience taking leave, learning to balance my own physical and mental health with traditional and alternative treatments, and working to communicate with friends and family. I am here to listen, encourage and provide any help I can.

Dorothy - Suicidal thoughts, ideas, coping; Focus: suicide prevention, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), anxiety, disordered eating, stress management, intersectional oppression, emotional abuse

Teddy: Hello! I'm a pre-med, possibly history concentrator in the class of 2022. I have lived experience with anxiety and depressive symptoms. I'm also happy to discuss the freshman transition :p. I have experience with medication, mindfulness/meditation, and therapy. I used to be blonde.

Elise – Math or Physics concentrator ’19; Lived experience with: anxiety and depression, suicidal and self-harm ideations, SSRI medication, talk therapy, transition from CAPs to off-campus support, long distance relationships, mood issues related to oral contraceptives, being an athlete at Brown, transition-induced stress, feelings of isolation; Resources Used: CBT, talk therapy, SSRIs, exercise, journaling, being with people.

Paula: Biology and English Literature '18. Focus: eating disorders (anorexia, orthorexia, EDNOS, BED), anxiety, depression, & emotional/sexual/relationship abuse. Experience with seeking off-campus therapy and other professional resources. Coping methods include meditation, yoga, art/writing, & connecting with others.

Paxon Chang; Eating Disorders and Mood Disorders; Experience: EDNOS, depression, self-harm, abusive/manipulative relationships, stress management, navigating diagnoses in POC communities; Resources: mindfulness, therapy, academic workload adjustment, positive coping mechanisms, managing slip-ups

Sophie, Cognitive Neuroscience '19 Lived experience with anxiety, depression, ADHD and dealing with medication for all of the above- Also experienced with eating disorders, CBT, and cultivating well-being through positive psychology and mindfulness techniques.

Yema - proud mentally ill, first-gen., Asian-American woman. Medical Anthropology of Mental Health, '19. Lived experience with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, orthorexia and disordered eating, panic attacks, depressive episodes, supporting suicidal and depressed friends, neglectful and/or codependent/unhealthy relationships, and toxic pre-med/general academic culture. Resources: illustrating with watercolor and lettering, weightlifting, and talking to loved ones. Massive believer in the power of self-advocacy, radical acceptance, and the social model of disability/mental illness. Wherever you are in your life, I will meet you where you are, and we'll go from there. I got you.