Healing from drug addiction and rebuilding your life

Adley H.

I started using drugs when I was 13—first cannabis and alcohol, then eventually harder substances like ecstasy, MDMA, and cocaine. For over a decade, drugs were how I coped with pain, trauma, and grief I didn’t know how to face. I thought I was escaping, but I was really burying myself under layers of hurt I didn’t yet have the tools to process. After years of spiraling and a drug-induced psychosis that shook me to my core, I made the decision to quit cold turkey in 2021. Recovery wasn’t a clean, linear path—it was painful, raw, and real. I had to relearn who I was without the numbing. I had to sit with everything I’d been running from. And I had to rebuild my nervous system, my sense of self, and my trust in life. I’ve supported my recovery with nearly two decades of therapy, mindfulness, and inner work. I’ve faced down the realities of complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness—all of which were entangled in my addiction story. But most importantly, I’ve learned that healing is possible. Not perfect. Not easy. But deeply, beautifully real. I’m here for anyone walking that terrifying, courageous path toward sobriety—whether you're just beginning or have been in recovery for years.

Cultivating a healthy marriage while living with mental illness

Adley H.

Being married while living with mental illness adds layers most people never see. It’s not just about love—it's about learning how to stay connected through depression, anxiety, trauma, and all the unpredictable shifts that come with them. It’s about trying to explain what’s going on inside when you don’t fully understand it yourself. It's about feeling guilt for how your illness impacts your partner, while also needing space and compassion to survive another day. In my marriage, I’ve had to learn how to communicate in ways that are honest but not harmful. I’ve had to set boundaries not just for myself, but for the relationship. I’ve struggled with moments of disconnection, resentment, and fear—but I’ve also learned how powerful it is to grow together when both people are committed to understanding each other deeply. Mental illness doesn't make you unlovable, and it doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. But it does require intentional work—on yourself, on communication, and on your shared vision of what love looks like when things are hard. If you’re trying to figure out how to stay grounded in your marriage while navigating your own inner battles, I’d love to talk. You’re not alone.

Your healing journey of learning how to embrace and prioritize self-care

Alexandra H.

Hi, I’m a highly sensitive wife, daughter, friend, and person. Therefore, I know what it’s like to be highly sensitive in the context of relationships. My triggers require me to spend a good chunk of private time with myself to encourage myself with positive self-talk, journaling reflection, and poetry. I have been on a healing journey from trauma for years and am on an active codependency recovery journey currently. I have lived experience with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Psychosis, and Bipolar Disorder. My mental health challenges have given me patience and empathy to care for those who are healing for the long haul. I have a heart to care for those who don’t feel like they have it all together and a desire to embrace others in their emotional state. I also have a heart for those who are resilient but are tired of being resilient on their own and simply just want to receive emotional and relational support. Come as you are to receive support. Your sensitivity is welcome here. This is your time to be accepted right here right now.

Recovering from cannabis addiction and understanding the effects of psychosis

Alice H.

Hi, I’m Alice. My struggle with addiction began in high school when I used alcohol and marijuana to cope with my mental health issues, including psychosis, depression, anxiety, and anorexia. As I continued to use substances, I didn’t realize how much they were worsening my mental health. My psychosis became more intense, and I spent most of my days high to escape from it. It wasn’t until I had a psychotic episode so severe that I was hospitalized that I realized how deeply my substance use was affecting me. I decided to quit cold turkey, and though it wasn’t easy, I found strength through therapy, support from my family, and a lot of inner work. As I moved through recovery, I realized that my psychosis was closely linked to my addiction. Once I stopped using substances, the psychosis began to subside, and I found myself healing in ways I hadn’t imagined possible. I’ve been sober from cannabis since 2022, and now I’m passionate about supporting others who are struggling with both addiction and mental health challenges. I know firsthand how powerful recovery can be, and I want to help others find their own path to healing.

Living with mental and/or physical health challenges at a "young" age

Ambika M.

Everyone said certain health challenges that started in graduate school would go away once I left the stressful environment. But they were here to stay. While peers spend their vacation leave and money on trips, I spend my sick leave and funds on doctor's appointments and interventions - all while managing conditions and treatments discreetly for co-occurring conditions. If you struggle with sleep, pain, anxiety, or GI issues - as well as as "gymtimidation," or having to choose sneakers over cute heels - I'm here for you.

Breaking toxic family cycles

Calvin N.

Growing up, I experienced emotional neglect and dysfunction that followed me into adulthood, showing up in my relationships, mental health, and self-worth. I had to make the hard choice to set boundaries and sometimes even distance myself from family to break generational cycles of pain. It was painful but necessary work to unlearn toxic patterns and create healthier dynamics in my own home. I know how hard it is to balance love, loyalty, and self-protection—and I’m here to support others who are ready to break those chains for good.

Finding hope through mental health challenges and sobriety

Celso Y.

In my early 20s, I was working long, stressful hours in retail and started drinking heavily on the weekends just to cope. It wasn’t long before I began experiencing hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Accepting that diagnosis was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. On top of that, alcohol had already been a big presence in my life—my mom is a recovering alcoholic, and many family relationships were strained because of drinking. After years of struggling, I made the decision to get sober in 2020 and committed to therapy and peer support groups. Every day, I work at maintaining my mental health and sobriety. I still deal with the effects of cerebral palsy and mental health challenges, but I've found that helping others, especially my family and peers in support groups, gives me purpose. I believe deeply that no matter how heavy life feels, there is always a way forward.

Overcoming misdiagnosis and finding the right support

Crystal M.

For years, I struggled with a mix of misdiagnosed conditions, medical mismanagement, and an undiagnosed spinal cord injury. I was prescribed medication from a young age—starting with depression and bipolar meds at just 11 years old—and forced to take them until I was 25. As a result, I began using substances like marijuana, cocaine, Xanax, and methamphetamine to cope with the side effects and numb the pain. I didn’t know it then, but I was self-medicating a much deeper issue. By the time I was 25, I had lost two fiancés and had been through the foster care system and multiple years in county jail. It was during this time of drug use that I began to trace the true cause of my struggles. When I looked into the effects of methamphetamine and marijuana on my body, I discovered a serious cervical subluxation that had been ignored by doctors for years. It turned out I wasn’t just battling addiction; I had very real physical and developmental issues. Once I was able to get the right diagnosis and medication, my life started to change. I’m now pursuing an education in neuropsychology, advocating for others, and sharing my journey to offer hope and understanding to those who need it most.

Obtaining support and encouragement through addiction recovery

Genny L.

I was introduced to drugs and alcohol at 14 or 15, seeking out the wrong group of friends, starting with weed and beer and eventually getting into harder substances. As a child of Russian immigrant parents, I struggled with an eating disorder and mental health issues that I tried to numb with substances. My journey was long and challenging—I went to my first rehab at 19, ran away after two days, and disappeared for four days before realizing I needed help. After years of denial, I met someone at 22 who saw I had a problem and encouraged me to get into rehab again. Despite relapsing the day I left treatment, my partner stayed with me for six years and was a big part of my recovery. Although we’re not together anymore, his support along the way helped me immensely. Today, I live in a recovery house, still very close with my parents, and with two years of sobriety under my belt, I want to help others who are in the struggle. It’s been a long, hard journey, but it’s one worth walking. No matter what you’re facing, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Navigating your mental health with compassion, strength, and support

Holley B.

For years, my mental health was like a storm I was expected to weather alone. I lived with the weight of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma — often while trying to show up for others, keep a roof over my head, or pretend I was “fine.” On top of it all, I was navigating sobriety, chronic illness, and the emotional wreckage of abuse and loss. What I didn’t know back then was that struggling doesn’t mean I’m broken. It means I’ve been through things that require care — not shame. Over time, I learned how to advocate for my needs, recognize when I was in survival mode, and build mental health routines that actually supported me, not just masked symptoms. Mental health is a journey — not a checklist. And if you’re somewhere in the middle of that journey, I want you to know you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or overwhelmed, I’d be honored to talk with you about how to find your way forward.

Finding clarity and purpose after stimulants, marijuana and mental health struggles

Jagan D.

Growing up, my home was filled with emotional turmoil and alcohol abuse, and from a young age, I developed a sense of helplessness. When I went to college, I finally felt free from that environment, but without the right tools, I spiraled into habits that hurt my mental health. I experimented with marijuana, psychedelics, and alcohol, using them to fill a void and distract myself from the deeper work I needed to do. Although psychedelics gave me brief glimpses of healing, I wasn’t grounded enough in sobriety to fully benefit from them. Over time, I realized I needed real clarity, not just moments of it. Staying sober these past few years has completely changed my life — my mind feels sharper, my sense of purpose is strong, and I’m now working toward my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Mental health and recovery are huge passions of mine, and I’d love to connect with you if you're feeling lost or stuck, because I know how hard — and how worth it — the journey can be.

The changes facing you as shift to life after 50ish

JanMarie L.

Aging is a tricky thing. I have learned so much about life, myself, transition and reclaiming as I've journeyed through the last 15+ years. No one prepared me for the cycles and what would be happening. I have discovered that I was and am able to recenter myself and be authentic and whole. The journey is hard. I have lived experience with childhood trauma, disordered eating, substance abuse and early widowhood. I imagined that once I reached 50's it would be smooth sailing. I was wrong! Let's talk about your experiences and discover how you can be your best as you grow!

Navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis

Kelly S.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2022, everything changed—fast. I was in graduate nursing school, still teaching, and actively working as an RN during the tail-end of the pandemic. Suddenly, I had to step away from all of it. The diagnosis was overwhelming, and facing a left breast mastectomy was something I couldn’t have imagined just months earlier. The recovery was not just physical—it shook me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I leaned hard into therapy, dug deep into self-reflection, and began reconstructing my life from a place of compassion and clarity. Now, over two years cancer-free, I’m focused on building something new as a nurse entrepreneur and advocate. I don’t pretend it was easy—it wasn’t. But I learned how to show up for myself in a way I never had before. If you’re facing a diagnosis, in treatment, or just coming out the other side, I’d be honored to hold space for you. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Navigating mental health challenges stemming from family trauma

Kelsey B.

I grew up in a family where support and safety weren’t always guaranteed, and for a while, I was placed in foster care. Life has been a mix of unfortunate and fortunate events, and the people who helped me the most were the counselors and social workers who offered kindness when my own family couldn’t. I was diagnosed with severe mental health conditions, which forced me to step back from work and focus on getting the help I needed. Therapy gave me the tools to slowly rebuild, and eventually I moved to California and was able to support my family from a stronger, healthier place. I even had the chance to help my sister as she faced her own struggles with alcohol. What brings me the most happiness now is using my own story to help others — without judgment — especially during the times when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

Midlife as a woman

Louise H.

Midlife is not for the faint of heart!! I am a 45 year old woman, going through peri-menopause, living sober, with a husband of 20 years and two children, ages 20 and 16. So I get it ladies. Mental health challenges, physical challenges, life goals and values are different now than they were twenty plus years ago… but we are wiser now too!! With experience and wisdom, along with a few wrinkles, we have stamina and mental endurance that we need to harness and nurture. A year before I turned 40, I moved my family from the Northeast (where I had always lived) to the sunny shores of southeast Florida. I demanded that the next chapter of my life be on my terms, focusing on my own mental and emotional health and wellbeing. After years of being a caretaker, it was my turn to look inward and refocus my intentions creatively to build a life that reflects who I want to be and how I want to impact the community around me. We all deserve to live purposefully, one day at a time.

Redesigning your life to be more in alignment with your values

Meredith S.

I spent many years feeling lost, but through deep personal work, a range of healing modalities, and my continued education in a Master of Social Work program, I’ve gained valuable tools to support others on their journey. I bring both lived experience and professional training to help individuals better understand themselves, identify their needs, set healthy boundaries, and build lives that feel authentic and fulfilling. I've navigated a variety of physical and mental health diagnoses, the grief of letting go of relationships that no longer served me, and the ongoing process of rebuilding with intention and self-awareness. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible—and that no one has to do it alone.

Navigating the challenges of becoming a mom while supporting a partner’s health struggles

Naomi D.

Becoming a mom was nothing like I expected. My pregnancy was rough, both physically and emotionally. I was navigating the ups and downs of that while also supporting my husband, who was struggling with health issues. For two years, he was dealing with seizures, and it felt like I was shouldering everything—pregnancy, his health, and the anxiety of it all. When our daughter was born, it wasn’t the joyous occasion I had imagined. I struggled with postpartum depression and found myself feeling lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore, and I had this deep sense of being alone in everything. It was tough to adjust to motherhood while trying to be strong for my husband too. But eventually, with the support of family, therapy, and taking things one day at a time, I found my way back to myself. Now, I want to help others who feel overwhelmed or lost in this journey—especially when it feels like everything is on your shoulders.

Living your fullest life with breast cancer and beyond

Nikki M.

It hit my like a ton of bricks. When my doctor said the words "you have breast cancer", it was like someone hit the mute button. I heard nothing after. As a healthy woman, under 40, with no family history of breast cancer I never imagined this would be my reality. I was diagnosed just before Christmas 2023. The next few months were a whirlwind of navigating doctors, scans, surgeries, health insurance, but the heaviest to hold was other people's emotions. As a recovering people pleaser and perfectionist, I would lay awake at night thinking about the "right way to do this" instead of the best way for me. This was all while I was navigating being a new business owner, having just launched my consulting practice exactly one year before. Luckily, I had the support of my partner, my family, my close friends and a growing community of extended friends who were quick to send a meal, a loving card, and messages checking in. I am now cancer-free and ready to be a part of your support community.

Navigating a chronic illness diagnosis and career transitions

Patricia R.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and it felt like my life as I knew it was over. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I struggled with feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame, especially because MS is an invisible illness. At the time, I wished I had more peer support to help me process the emotional weight of it all. Having worked as a corporate recruiter for over a decade, I’m no stranger to change, but the personal transition into life with MS was a whole new ballgame. In my role, I’d already been guiding people through career transitions, helping them regain confidence after layoffs or setbacks. But MS introduced a new challenge: learning to set boundaries, both in my personal relationships and in my professional life. Over time, I learned to shift my perspective. Finding peer support through MS communities made all the difference. Connecting with others facing similar challenges helped me feel seen, understood, and empowered. Now, I’m passionate about offering that same support to others. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness diagnosis or navigating a career shift, I want to help you build resilience, regain your confidence, and find strength through shared experiences.

Overcoming loneliness and mental health struggles in the LGBTQ+ community

Priyana K.

As a young adult, I’ve faced the weight of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, compounded by the deep loneliness that came with feeling misunderstood—especially as I navigated my identity and came out in a South Asian family. These experiences deeply affected my relationships and made me feel disconnected from others, as I struggled to find support that was both safe and affirming. With therapy, family healing, and a lot of personal growth, I’ve worked hard to rebuild my life and my sense of self. Today, I’m six years strong in recovery, and as a Certified Peer Support Specialist trained through NAMI, I’m passionate about offering guidance and support to others who are navigating similar challenges. Whether you’re grappling with mental health issues, facing relationship difficulties, or working through the complexities of your identity as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m here to walk with you and remind you that you’re not alone. Together, we can find a way forward.