Hampton Roads hosts virtual talk on mental health struggles

Some laughed.

Some spoke about the realities of living with a disability.

One even talked about her heroin addiction.

These storytellers, just a few of about 25, auditioned earlier this year in Norfolk and Chesapeake to be part of Hampton Roads’ first “This is My Brave” show, talking openly and honestly about life with mental illness.

Originally slated to perform on April 19, those chosen to participate had to wait due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Now, their experiences will be told — virtually, at least.

The seven chosen locals will have their stories livestreamed from 4-5 p.m. Sunday, hosted by the national nonprofit “This is My Brave.”

The pre-recorded performances will air on the organization’s YouTube channel.

Storytellers will perform for up to five minutes, expressing themselves through spoken word essays, original poetry or music, comedy or other talents.

Lauren Hope, the area’s local producer for the program, said the auditions were “amazing.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five American adults face mental health issues. It’s not something many people want to speak out about, Hope said.

“A lot of people suffer in silence with mental illness because of the fear of judgment and stigma,” she said. “We had a really, really, really good turnout for that.”

That’s where organizations like “This is My Brave” come in.

Jennifer Marshall and Anne Marie Ames founded the organization in 2014. The pair met at a mutual friend’s party.

“We talked about how we both had faced mental health challenges, and that we needed to be able to talk about it openly and

really celebrate the fact that you can live successfully despite these things,” Marshall said in a phone interview Friday.

Ames died in 2017, but since the organization’s first show, more than 800 people have shared their stories with them.

Over the past month, they’ve livestreamed performances from Houston, St. Louis, New Hampshire and on Oct. 11, high school students in the D.C. area, focusing on topics like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia and PTSD.

For this weekend’s event, Hope worked with two mental health professionals to choose participants.

“(They) helped with selecting a cast just to make sure we felt like that person was in a safe pace to share and that their message was safe,” Hope said.

One of the chosen few is Tara Allison, who writes poetry about her heroin addiction and what it’s like to experience withdrawals.

“These are stories that we need to see because they help us understand,” said Hope, who has major depressive disorder, is a certified peer recovery specialist and runs a blog. “Sometimes it’s the understanding that really incites people to act and have compassion for other people.”

Although performers won’t be able to grace the stage as planned, Hope said it’s still important to get the message out virtually, especially during the pandemic.

“Experiencing a pandemic has really been hard on people’s mental health,” she said. “We know that mental health issues are increasing because of the pandemic, so we have to keep talking about it.”

Sharing, she said, is one of the best ways to combat these issues.

“I always say secrets keep you sick,” she said. “When things are in secret, they only get worse. We only do better when we’re in community with each other.”

Marshall, co-founder of the organization, said the event has reached quite a few people.

“I never realized that I had been struggling with depression and anxiety,” Marshall recalls one guest saying. “Hearing these stories really opened my eyes, and I’m going to reach out and start seeing a therapist.”

Another positive impact these events have is making people more compassionate, said Hope, who made it her mission to bring the event to Hampton Roads.

“I had no idea,” she said, recalling the most common feedback she gets from attendees. “Now, I understand what my loved one is going through.”

It’s important to stick together, Hope said.

“We only do better when we’re in community with each other.”

To get reminders about the show, as well as links to watch and chat live with the storytellers and hosts, register online.

To learn about the performers beforehand, check our their introductory videos at youtube.com/ user/thisismybrave.