At 62 years old, Mary has a lot to be grateful for: A beautiful family, supportive friends, a meaningful, 38 year career as a CNA and memories from a recent trip to North Carolina she will cherish forever. But Mary has also experienced her own set of challenges. For the past 25 years, Mary has lived with anxiety and depression that at times have left her feeling hopeless. Mary first recalls experiencing depression and anxiety in 2001 during one of the hardest years of her

Eli, 17, before and after TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy. At 17 years old, Eli is thinking about college tours, career plans and a future helping other young people facing mental health challenges. Not long ago, however, imagining the future was difficult for Eli. “Before TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) [Therapy], I wasn’t really thinking of a future whatsoever,” Eli said. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want one; it’s that I couldn’t picture one. I had been

In August 2021, Emma wanted to be anywhere but Melanie Buchaklian’s office. She had just spent a week in the hospital after attempting suicide, and had already gone through years of therapists and medications. She felt as if nothing worked. On that August day, she sat in Melanie’s office at Ascension All Saints and refused to speak. She yelled, asking when she could leave. The last thing she wanted to do was open up to another therapist. Fast forward to today, and Emma can’t

Amy was desperate for moments of clarity, peace and calmness. In 2023, her life was difficult as she tried to balance numerous tribulations. The mental health of her children was troubled. Her husband was facing serious health concerns that led to two long hospitalizations. She felt strong feelings of depression and anxiety. Amid these challenges, a familiar name came to mind. Amy heard that one of her fellow church members — Sue Schmidt — was a licensed clinical social work