Proud to be from Pittsburgh: Listen, Lucy

A Pittsburgh woman's struggle with mental health has motivated her to start what she has called the acceptance movement, so people know they are not alone.

"Every muscle in my body gets so tense and my chest feels like it's caving in. I can't breathe," said Jordan Corcoran, of the North Hills.

Doctors diagnosed her with debilitating anxiety and panic disorder when she was a freshman in college.

"It was a really difficult struggle, but it was a very lonely struggle," Corcoran said.

Corcoran discovered writing about her problems helped her cope. She wanted other people to find healing by writing about their issues, so she started a website to give them a forum.

"Listen, Lucy is an anonymous outlet where people can write without having to put their name next to their struggle," she said.

A new story is posted each week. The writers and readers come from around the world. No commenting is allowed.

has been so successful, Corcoran has expanded her mission and published her first book of stories. She is doing speaking engagements and recently spoke to the Washington Redskins cheerleaders. The audience participates by filling boards with feelings and positive messages.

"Our mission at Listen, Lucy is to create a less judgmental and more accepting world," Corcoran said.

Cox Media Group