Episode 14
cultivating strength through mental illness with sonja wasden
Sonya Wasden, a suicide survivor and mental health advocate, shares her journey of living with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. After keeping her mental health challenges a secret for over 20 years, she decided to speak out and share her story to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Sonya emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, acceptance, and self-compassion in overcoming mental health challenges. She also highlights the strengths that can be developed through mental illness, such as empathy, resilience, and courage. Sonya's experience with mental health has taught her the value of authenticity and living in alignment with her purpose.
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0:00:12 Introduction to the podcast and guest Sonya
0:02:03 Sonya shares her mental health diagnoses and journey
0:04:18 Sonya decides to no longer hide her mental health challenges
0:06:19 Sonya's experience of being rejected by a hospital
0:07:41 Sonya's journey of standing up and sharing her story
0:09:17 Sonya's daughter encourages her to be honest and share
0:10:52 Sonya emphasizes the importance of having support
0:11:35 Sonya encourages self-faith and courage for those without support
0:12:03 Sonya creates new evidence for herself and goes back to work
0:12:27 Introduction to Evoke EQ and the importance of emotional intelligence
0:13:38 Sonja shares her struggle with mental health and self-doubt
0:14:17 The power of new people seeing us for who we are becoming
0:15:31 Whitney's initial reaction to Sonja's mental health diagnosis
0:16:51 The importance of honest conversations about mental health
0:18:31 Awkwardness and discomfort in discussing mental health
0:19:54 The value of curiosity and understanding different perspectives
0:21:11 Being open and honest about not knowing how to respond
0:22:10 The power of authenticity and getting curious about each other
0:23:06 Acknowledging struggles and avoiding negativity
0:23:35 Radical acceptance and individual journeys
0:25:23 Strengths and weaknesses, courage to face challenges
0:26:33 Radically accepting ourselves and embracing personal growth
0:28:07 Strengths and weaknesses in Enneagram types
0:29:40 Fear and its manifestations
0:30:07 Mental illness as a teacher and source of strength
0:31:20 Mental health challenges as alarm bells for change
0:32:44 Surrendering and receiving help as a growth opportunity
0:34:15 Overcoming fears and reactions to vulnerability
0:35:06 Decreased fears and personal growth
0:35:39 Sonja's pact with God to not attempt suicide after her father's death
0:36:29 Overcoming fears and thriving with mental health challenges
0:37:45 Breaking through the fear of being seen and sharing her story
0:38:59 Oprah participating in Sonja's book club and the power of living in purpose
0:42:59 Sonja's message to those struggling: You are not alone, your voice matters, you are enough
0:44:32 Trusting in ourselves and the journey of life
0:45:30 Failing and picking ourselves up leads to growth and success
0:46:00 Closing remarks and invitation for audience participation
Key Takeaways:
Mental health challenges can be a catalyst for personal growth and the development of strengths such as empathy, resilience, and courage.
Radical acceptance of oneself and one's journey is essential for personal growth and healing.
Sharing one's story and being vulnerable can help break the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a space for understanding and compassion.
It is important to show oneself grace and patience on the journey to recovery and self-acceptance.
Authenticity and living in alignment with one's purpose can attract support and opportunities for growth.
About The Guest:
Sonya Wasden is a suicide survivor with over 30 years of lived experience with mental health challenges. She is an award-winning and bestselling author of the book "An Impossible Life" and is a dedicated mental health advocate.