Nancy Virden interviews with Dr. Twanna Young

In January of 2011, I tried to kill myself. Healing from that Major Depression episode has been long and complex, yet since that day I have had two books published sharing my story. In recovery, I have led a growing number of seminars and workshops honestly discussing mental illness and how to be an effective support. I confront stigma and misunderstanding head-on.

I am a woman with intensive and revealing insight into a massive, world-wide issue - depression, and its effects on significant others. Depression is the number one commonality of all human suffering yet generally people are ill-equipped to face it. Even the suicide of Robin Williams has brought public confusion to the spotlight.

I am an expert on what it is like in the mind of a majorly depressed and suicidal person and what is working for me to gain and maintain a mindset of hope. The ideas I share are practical and are part of what is statistically successful as treatment. I can also share applicable ideas on how to support struggling friends and family members without becoming overwhelmed.