How does mental health disorders and trauma impact a person from a young age and the consequences those issues have throughout every phase of life?  Ross Szabo talks about being born into a family with a history of mental health disorders/addiction, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 16 and attempting to take his own life in his senior year of high school.

Ross’s struggles continued into his 20’s and the damage experienced during that time is something he is still processing today. During his most difficult times, he tried to hide what he was feeling to convince everyone that everything was ok, but that can only last for so long. Ross’s story resonates with the millions of people who are putting on a happy face to hide their true emotions.

Mental health challenges are one of the largest problems facing our society. Twenty to twenty-five percent of people experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide is a leading cause of death. Outside of diagnosable disorders people are dealing with a lack of sleep, stress, and substance abuse.

During these difficult times, it is imperative for people to express what they are going through, know that they are not alone, and feel comfortable while seeking help. It is ok to not be ok.

Ross Szabo is NOW the CEO of the Human Power Project. He is an award-winning mental health speaker, writer, trainer and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Ross has spoken to more than 1 million students about the importance of mental health and provided a positive example to empower them to seek help. He received the 2010 Didi Hirsch Removing the Stigma Leadership Award, 2012 Changing Minds Award and had his advocacy work entered into the Congressional Record. He is the co-author of Behind Happy Faces; Taking Charge of Your Mental Health and a blogger for The Huffington Post.

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