voiceability

Lawrence Altman photo by Annie Uyehara Lawrence Altman on Finding Hope By Annie Uyehara When we think of disabled people, we often think of physical challenges, but mental health disabilities are just as challenging and more common than society gives notice. Lawrence Altman, co-founder of Aspen Strong, which provides resources and financial help for mental health challenges, candidly says: “Mental illness is a disability.”   Altman considers himself disabled because he daily deals with depression and social anxiety disorder. But while he spiraled downward in 2019, he emerged healthier and hopes others thrive as he did. Altman, once a successful Wall Street oil trader, witnessed the second plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Many of his trader friends died on the 92nd floor of the South Tower. “It was incredibly impactful,” says Altman. “But looking back, I always suffered from depression and anxiety. Growing up though, our idea of mental illness was state institutions where crazi