Amare Outreach

Depression has a variety of symptoms that present differently in everyone. Some people may suffer from insomnia (difficulty sleeping), while others struggle with hypersomnia (excessively sleeping). Some individuals may lose their appetite and struggle to eat throughout the day, while others self-soothe with food, often over-indulging.

Depression is certainly debilitating, which is why it is so important to show ourselves self-compassion and check in on loved ones who present concerning symptoms.

You are not alone- help is available. Visit our LinkTree for resources, and follow us to learn more coping skills and techniques!

Unfortunately, many of our stories are from survivors of sexual assault. Sexual violence is one of the most devastating, violating things that can happen to us. It is utterly heartbreaking how commonly it occurs, but we want to always, always remind survivors assault is NEVER your fault.

"I Don't Understand" is a story about a young woman who was violently attacked and assaulted at a cosplay convention. This is a very triggering topic, however, this story is not overly detailed, and is written more sensitively for readers.

We are sending so much love to our anonymous storyteller, and all of those who have endured similar experiences.

If you would like to read her story, it's linked in our bio. If you would like to share your story, submissions are open in our bio.

5-4-3-2-1 - GROUND!

'Grounding' is the ther**eutic term for centering oneself and connecting to the present moment. It's a helpful skill to self-soothe in stressful moments.

This technique is an excellent and simple tool that can be used anywhere. Whenever your mind starts to wander from the present moment, you begin to feel a heightened sense of anxiety and stress, or you simply want to be more in tune with the present moment, this is an excellent tool to reach for.

Screenshot this to practice for later!

"I don’t know how much longer my heart will beat like this, I wish somebody would hug me."

'I Need Support' is a story with mentions of traumatic instances, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts/attempts, sexual assault, and bullying.

Support is out there. Our mission at Amare Outreach is to educate the public about treatment options and provide support through story-telling.

Follow our page to learn more about clinically-studied ther**eutic tools, and check out our LinkTree for more support resources!

Advice for our not-so-fake-friend from our last story- show yourself some self-care!

Saying no, putting yourself first, taking a step back - these are all examples of boundaries, and all of these are important in interpersonal relationships. True friends and caring relationships will ALWAYS respect your boundaries, or learn to (all of us struggle with boundaries from time to time!)

Setting and affirming your personal boundaries makes space to ensure we respect and affirm others' boundaries as well. It also ensures we maintain healthy, kind, positive relationships in our lives.

Interpersonal relationships can be complicated, but there are tools to un-complicate them. We post skills that help individuals create and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. You are not alone in this struggle- and there are manageable, tangible solutions!

Check out our page for more skills- and follow us to learn more skills in the future!

"I'm always the one every time she's absent to convince the teachers to let her do her tests for her not to fail this term again. I'm always the one that keeps telling her to take notes or tells the teacher to explain to her what we've done when she was not there so that she doesn't fall behind but she still doesn't listen to me and says that I'm the fake friend. And sometimes I really think that I'm the fake friend... And I’m always worried about her that I'm falling behind myself. Please tell me what to do 'cause I don't anymore… Am I really a bad friend…"

"Am I A Fake Friend" is a story about a young girl struggling with a toxic friendship.

Interpersonal relationships can be difficult for many individuals, especially teenagers. You are not alone!

For the full story, check our link in the bio☝️☝️

"I am sharing this story in order to spread awareness, to come support people who are fighting with eczema or atopic skin diseases, I just wanna say don't give up. It is the worst feeling to have such a disease. As it drains you completely making you feel inferior and having to cover yourself always. You can be in depression as you feel alienated, alone in your own suffering that you only know how it feels. But I just wanna keep fighting, it will heal And you will find yourself. Don't Give Up." This is an excerpt from "I Was Just A Teen" a story about complex medical conditions, self acceptance, and healing. Click on the link to read the full story http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/category/complex-medical

With about 42 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in the US today we should understand the massive lifelong effects of abuse. Those with history of CSA are 1000% more likely to be re-victimized some time in their life, and are 13.7 times more likely to experience r**e or attempted r**e in their first year of college. CSA survivors often develop physical health complications in adulthood including chronic pain, digestive problems, sleep problems, adult-onset arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, pelvic pain, autoimmune disorders, and are 4-5 times more likely to develop substance abuse problems.

“I wish that young girls and boys didn’t need to know what sexual assault is at a young age, but these things are so common and should be taught to kids young. They should not wait until it’s too late to realize they were sexually assaulted.”

“I Was Young” is written by a survivor of intra-familial child sexual assualt. The author describes how as a child they felt uneasy about the sexual acts and hoped someone would come home to stop it, but no one did. They explain how their Chinese immigrant family was traditional, tight-knit, and valued success over feelings, and how these characteristics perpetuated the abuse. Because even though other family members knew about the repeated sexual assualts, no one did anything.

Click the link for full story ->http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-was-young
TW: family inflicted r**e of a child

Amare Outreach We are a student founded, student lead nonprofit organization out of Austin, Texas. We provide an anonymous forum for survivors of abuse and mental illness to share their stories.

“I was already tipsy so I decided to lay down for a while.. I ended up falling asleep and woke up to him next to me pulling down my pants. I stayed still because I was still processing what was happening. It felt like time stopped moving. I was on my stomach, so he didn’t know I was awake. He got on top of me and left my underwear on, and he left his boxers on and started to pleasure himself, basically dry-humping me. I finally had some strength to move a little bit, and he automatically stopped and went to the restroom…”

Consent cannot be given by anyone who is underage, incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, or asleep or unconscious. If someone agrees under pressure of intimidation or threat, that is NOT consent because it was not given freely. Consent should happen every time for every type of activity. It does not matter if they are your friend, partner, or spouse, ANY sexual activity done without the other person’s consent, including unwanted kissing or touching, is assault.

If you have experienced sexual assault you are not alone. Our website holds many stories told by survivors of sexual assault who share about overcoming this trauma. If you are a survivor, find your voice and share your story on our website.

“I Was His Friend” is a story about being sexually assaulted by a friend.
click the link for the full story ->http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-was-his-friend

**eculture **esurvivor

“I was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years old and ADHD at 7. These 2 conditions have shaped my life since. When I was 11, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. When I was 12, entering into a new year at school, inappropriate rumors were spread about me, lowering all the confidence and self-worth I ever had. At that point, I had built walls all around me, preventing anyone from coming in to support me…I was referred to a mental health clinic, which shortly turned me down after saying ‘I wasn’t suicidal enough.’ Those words broke me, and my family. I eventually went into private care, where I slowly recovered from my trauma.”

If you have struggled to access mental healthcare you are not alone. Sadly, over ½ of people with mental illness in the US do not recieve treatment. If you can relate please tell us about your experience in the comments and show someone else they are not alone.

"I Hid My Illness" a story about living with neurodivergence, bullying, suicidality, and finding treatment.
Click the link for full story ->http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-hid-my-illness

***deprevention ***deawarness

"I Hid My Illness" I’d like to share my story. Not for fame, or recognition, or sympathy, or anything like that. Purely to tell other girls that they aren’t alone. I was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years old and...

“I Became Optimistic” is a story about family inflicted abuse and childhood trauma:

“I never understood why I grew up so shy, and why I closed myself off from the world at such a young age. Now I understand, I felt vulnerable and ashamed of what happened. I try to look back on my childhood, as one naturally would, but I don't want to. I don't want to remember the undeniable fact that there's a gaping hole where comfort and love should be…I do still view him as my brother, and I choose to forgive. I stayed mentally in that room for years, it imprisoned my thoughts, but it shouldn't have. I've learned that life is so much more than just your problems; I mean that in a good, optimistic way. I'm aware that your past is a huge factor in your present, but what I've learned is that it doesn't have to affect you as much as it's able to.”

To read the full story click the link -> http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-became-optimistic.

If you relate to this story remember you are not alone in your experiences. You can heal from your past and build the future you want.

Amare Outreach We are a student founded, student lead nonprofit organization out of Austin, Texas. We provide an anonymous forum for survivors of abuse and mental illness to share their stories.

Marie currently serves as an Advisory Board Member and holds the role of Treasurer at the Salvation Army, Santa Monica. Her dedication to community service was further underscored in July 2020 when she received a commissioner appointment from the Santa Monica City Council, where she contributes her expertise to the Social Services Commission. Holding an M.B.A. in Finance and Entrepreneurship from USC, Marie possesses a unique ability to approach challenges with a blend of analytical precision and creative ingenuity. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is the inventor of nine National and International Utility Patents, and a loving mother to a rescue Maltese.

"I started to slip into the worst depression of my life and one night I wrote everyone a cared about su***de notes... Now looking back a year later and almost 2 years clean of self harm, I still feel my depression and anxiety all the time but I am so unbelievably proud to say I am alive. I am living and there is so much to my story but at the end of the day something has kept me on this earth so whatever it is I’m taking it as my second chance."
an excerpt from the story "I Am Living" for the full story clink the link to our website -> http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-am-living
comment if you relate to this experience you are not alone

Meet our Board Member Dr. Bernice Campbell! Her passion is helping others realize their dreams by linking them to services and information to advance their learning and health and well-being.

Dr. Campbell resides in South Carolina with her two long-haired Chihuahuas, Harper and Harlowe. She is also on the Board of Directors for The Chisholm Legacy Project as Systems and Evaluation Director, and the Total Care Services Board of Directors in Lanham, Maryland.

She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Education degrees from North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University, respectively. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from North Carolina State University in Educational Research and Policy Analysis.

Ever feel panic or anxiety all of a sudden, or have an intense emotion feel like it's taking over? Try using a TIPP skill next time! These skills are proven to help us tolerate distress during intense emotions in a safe and effective way. Comment if you try these skills and let us know if they work for you.

I am thrilled to step into a new role as a board member for Amare Outreach! The mission of Amare Outreach profoundly resonates with me, as fueled by a passion for empowering survivors of abuse and mental illness.

As Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Airship,
a pioneer in helping brands master their mobile app experience, I have dedicated my career to fostering inclusive environments where every voice is heard. Through Amare's innovative online platform, I see a remarkable opportunity to provide a safe space for individuals to share their stories and find solidarity.

Beyond my professional journey, I'm an avid music lover and dancer, and you can often find me exploring new genres of music and new road trips with my family, capturing the beauty of nature. Joining Amare Outreach is a natural extension of my commitment to positive change and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Overcoming a toxic household is a journey of immense courage and resilience. While your childhood shapes your experiences, it doesn't dictate your future. Remember, you have the power to redefine yourself and your life. Embracing the importance of mental health in this process is crucial – seeking support, practicing self-care, and surrounding yourself with positivity can pave the way for healing and transformation. Your past doesn't define you; it's your determination to rise above it that truly matters.

“I Became Numb” is a story about overcoming a toxic childhood environment. Click the link in our bio to read the entire story.

“Start over. It’s okay to write a new story.” -Unknown 🌻

✨Meet the Amare Team✨

Tif Ho (she/they) joined Amare after helping someone close to her in their journey to healing from lifelong family abuse and depression.

Tif is also the Executive Director of GO Humanity, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves historically-underrepresented communities in accessing food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and disaster aid. She has a M.A. in Anthropology and is currently finishing a Ph.D. in Global Leadership. Her dissertation is on the exclusion of Asian American women from leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Tif is an avid gardener, and her home is a colorful jungle of diverse plants.

✨ Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Tif Ho (she/they) is the Executive Director of GO Humanity, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves historically-underrepresented communities in accessing food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and disaster aid. She has a M.A. in Anthropology and is currently finishing a Ph.D. in Global Leadership. Her dissertation is on the exclusion of Asian American women from leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Tif joined Amare after helping someone close to her in their journey to healing from lifelong family abuse and depression. Tif is an avid gardener, and her home is a colorful jungle of diverse plants.

Overcoming a traumatic situation and rebuilding your life is a courageous journey that highlights the strength of the human spirit. It's natural to feel apprehensive, but by embracing your fears and advocating for your own well-being, you pave the way for remarkable personal growth. This journey towards mental health involves confronting the past, seeking support, and nurturing self-compassion. With determination and resilience, you can transform adversity into an opportunity to not only heal but also thrive, illustrating the incredible power of the human capacity for change and resilience.

The story, “I Was Not Loved”, is a story about how a traumatic childhood made a big impact on an individuals life.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story.
Swipe to learn ways to cope with trauma and other mental health challenges.

"You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of the battle." — Julian Seifter

✨ Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Sara Davis is our Operations Coordinator. Sara works aside the President, Dana, and the Director of Development, Maddy. As a team, they collaborate on how to reach people via social media. Sara manages the stories posted on our website, edits them, and posts them on our social media channels. She also creates skills and resources for our readers.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Social Work. She has 2 years of clinical mental health experience. She is a strong mental health advocate.

Trauma can deeply impact one's mental health, causing emotional distress, anxiety, and even depression. However, it's important to recognize that you possess a remarkable strength within you. Your past experiences do not solely define your journey; they are a part of it, but not the entirety.

“I Ran Away” is a story about abusive trauma.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story.

Mental grounding techniques are a great way to cope with mental health crisis.

“Do not give your past the power to define your future.” -Unknown

Trauma can deeply impact one's mental health, causing emotional distress, anxiety, and even depression. However, it's important to recognize that you possess a remarkable strength within you. Your past experiences do not solely define your journey; they are a part of it, but not the entirety.

“I Ran Away” is a story about abusive trauma.

Click the link in our bio to read the full story.

Swipe to learn a great coping strategy for mental health crisis.

“Do not give your past the power to define your future.” -Unknown

Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Maddy Mycue is our Director of Development. Maddy works directly with our President/Co-Owner, Dana. She also works with teams to run the nonprofit and create grants for funding the company’s mission.

Maddy is currently a Masters student at Texas State University. She is working on her MA in Psychology. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University.

✨ Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Maddy Mycue is our Director of Development. Maddy works directly with our President/Co-Owner, Dana. She also works with teams to run the nonprofit and create grants for funding the company’s mission.

Maddy is currently a Masters student at Texas State University. She is working on her MA in Psychology. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University.

✨ Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Dana Pierce co-founded Amare Outreach in 2016 and is the current President. As a survivor of child abuse, she understands the painful effects of trauma on the mind, body, and soul. Growing up she rarely heard people talk about mental illness or trauma, so she thought something was wrong with her and often felt ashamed and alone in her experience. After suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD for years, Dana learned there were treatment options and was able to get help. During her healing journey, she realized the value of storytelling and how it helps destigmatize topics like mental health and trauma by helping other people feel less isolated and alone in their pain. That was the inspiration behind Amare Outreach. In 2022 Dana graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Management and Entrepreneruship from the McCombs School of Business. Currently, Dana runs Amare Outreach, works on other social enterprises, enjoys walking her pup Woodrow around Austin and caring for her 120+ houseplants.

✨ Meet The Team Behind Amare Outreach ✨

Dana Pierce co-founded Amare Outreach in 2016 and is the current President. As a survivor of child abuse, she understands the painful effects of trauma on the mind, body, and soul. Growing up she rarely heard people talk about mental illness or trauma, so she thought something was wrong with her and often felt ashamed and alone in her experience. After suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD for years, Dana learned there were treatment options and was able to get help. During her healing journey, she realized the value of storytelling and how it helps destigmatize topics like mental health and trauma by helping other people feel less isolated and alone in their pain. That was the inspiration behind Amare Outreach. In 2022 Dana graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Management and Entrepreneruship from the McCombs School of Business. Currently, Dana runs Amare Outreach, works on other social enterprises, enjoys walking her pup Woodrow around Austin and caring for her 120+ houseplants.

During times of mental health struggles, the need for someone's support becomes paramount, even though the haze of depression can make it challenging to determine the best course of action. You deserve the support and understanding that can guide you towards a brighter path, reminding you that seeking assistance is an essential step towards achieving the well-being you rightfully deserve.

“I Am Still Here” is a powerful story of depression and suicidal thoughts, but how it is possible to overcome.

Click the link below to read the full story! ⬇️⬇️

http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-am-still-here

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” -Vince Lombardi

Fighting against your mental health illness is crucial because it can significantly impact your overall well-being and quality of life. Seeking treatment and support empowers you to take control of your life, improve your mental state, and build resilience. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you on your journey to recovery and better mental health.

“I Loved and I Learned” is a story about sexual assault, alcohol/drug use, attempted su***de, depression, abuse, religion, neglect, and domestic violence.

Click the link below to read the full stories, plus share your own anonymously!

http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-loved-and-learned

“Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight.” -Japanese Proverbs

July 24th is International Self-Care Day!

Self-care is essential for mental health because it allows individuals to prioritize their well-being, reduce stress, and maintain emotional balance. Taking time to care for oneself can enhance resilience, improve coping skills, and promote overall mental wellness.

Have a midday cup of pep talk on us. ☕️

Mental health self-affirmations are powerful and beneficial because they can help individuals cultivate a positive mindset and build self-confidence. By repeating uplifting and supportive statements, individuals can counteract negative self-talk and challenge self-doubt. These affirmations promote a sense of worthiness and resilience, fostering a healthier relationship with oneself and improving overall mental well-being.

✨ Checkout our website (linked below) to see more stories like yours or to even share your story. You’re not alone, we all have a story. ✨

http://www.amareoutreach.org

During challenging times, our mental well-being can suffer, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, depleted, and questioning our worth. Seeking professional help allows us to gain valuable insight into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping us navigate through the darkness with guidance and support. Therapists and counselors can provide effective strategies to rebuild self-esteem, fostering self-compassion and resilience. They create a safe space for self-reflection, allowing us to confront our inner struggles and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and self-care, ultimately leading to a stronger foundation for mental well-being and a more positive sense of self.

“I Struggled In Silence” is a story about suicidal thoughts/attempts, eating disorder, body dysmorphia, sexual abuse, and r**e.

Click below to read the full story ⬇️
http://www.amareoutreach.org/stories1/i-struggled-in-silence

“When you stop living your life based on what others think of you, your real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self-acceptance opened.” ~Shannon L. Alder 🌹

Sharing personal stories can contribute to raising awareness about mental health issues and trauma. It can influence policy, encourage research, and drive societal change. By speaking out, individuals can become advocates for better mental health resources, support systems, and services.

Click the link below to share your story and support our mission! You can remain anonymous as well. ⬇️⬇️

http://www.amareoutreach.org/share-your-story.html