'Silent, Scary, and Very Lonely': Larimer County Resident Shares Her Mental Health Story

Mary Maldonado is a Colorado mental health awareness activist. In the video project "Derailed" she shares her experience with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and her path to understanding more about these mental illnesses.

"I speak about mental health issues to the community, and it's the best thing I've ever done. I tell my audience that mental illness is silent, scary, and very lonely," she says. "I tell them that it's an actual illness. I know this firsthand."

This video project, made in partnership with StoryCenter, also shines a light on the value of being open and honest about one's mental health struggles and seeking help.