46. Your Mental Health Matters; Making a Difference with Sami Christiansen
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"To make a difference in someone's life, you don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care." -Mandy Hale

On today's episode Abby and Margot welcome their next guest, Sami Christiansen. Sami Christiansen is a middle school English teacher from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She first found her passion for working with kids after joining in the efforts of the arts-in-education non-profit, NORMAL in Schools (now Mental Fitness, Inc.), to share with students and caregivers her story of recovery from an eating disorder. Sami was diagnosed with depression early in life and with anxiety right after spending time in an eating disorder recovery and treatment center. It was there when she began to feel less alone, and discover more about herself and her mental health. Sami shares the impact that depression, anxiety as well as being a recovering bulimic had on her physical and mental health. She openly discusses her struggles with suicidal ideation, attempts and experiencing dark thoughts, and how she ultimately overcame it and found not only the will but the drive to live. Sami offers the listeners her experience with a variety of coping tools and strategies, such as therapy, medication, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), as well as reaching out to her support system. Sami is a beacon of light and strength. Her commitment to her own recovery and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, therapy, suicide prevention and more serves as a lighthouse in the storm for others. Most especially her students. This conversation is filled with endless amounts of honesty, hope, and inspiration.  The Warriors have a blast in the lightning round as usual, and Sami shares a wonderful win of the week.

Content Warning: This episode contains the following themes: suicide, suicidal ideation, dark thoughts, and eating disorders.

This podcast is intended to share anxiety stories that are raw, honest and vulnerable in the hopes of connection, self curiosity and validation. It is NOT a substitute for therapy, speaking with mental health professionals and/or treatment. If you or someone you know is suicidal, contact the national suicide prevention hotline: 800-273-825.

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