More public education More people who have mental illness sharing their stories More fair, accurate and sensitive coverage in the media

Mental illness plays out differently in each individual. There is no one path toward recovery, and the care and support that mental health professionals and family members offer must be as creative and diverse as the people they're trying to help. Explore the many different experiences of those who have been touched by mental illness and their stories of both struggle and hope.

Read first-person stories of a variety of mental health stakeholders, from a longtime consumer advocate to a patient of a locked facility, from a veteran outreach worker to a mother who is reaching out after losing her son.

Watch Web exclusive video excerpts from Hope on the Street. Featured characters address the stigma of mental illness, homelessness, recovery and family support.

Ray: Ray and his family hope to buy their first home within the year. Ray continues to share his story; to date he has spoken at more than 30 conferences across the United States.

Sandra: On February 7th, 2005, Sandra Washington passed away at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco, where she had been receiving treatment. On October 29, 2004, Sandra and her son, Torris, were reunited at the hospital. Torris flew from Mississippi to visit Sandra. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that he had seen his mother.

J.J.: Byron and J.J. continue to work at the flower stand and are still the best of friends. J.J. recently took a trip to Los Cabos, Mexico.

Richard: Richard still lives in the Board and Care and spends his days walking the neighborhood. His niece visits him regularly.

The Hope and the Street Web site and discussion forums are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. As such, they are not meant to provide professional medical advice, counseling or services. Only a qualified medical professional who is familiar with your particular circumstances can provide specific guidance regarding your health questions and we encourage you to ask your doctor or health care provider any questions you may have relating to the information contained on this Web site. KQED does not preview, endorse, review, censor or control the content of pages linked to this site and therefore cannot be held responsible for errors or consequences arising from use of this information.