Peace with Pain

”Even tough guys get depressed.”

Dr. Donald "Skip" Mondragon is a physician and a twenty-six-year Army veteran. Skip spent thirty months in combat zones, and is a National Veterans Wrestling Champion. Towards the end of his army career Skip found himself in a fetal position under his desk overwhelmed with the depths of his depression. Skip eventually gained the courage to ask for help and through his recovery decided that he wanted to spread the message to his military community that “even tough guys get depressed.” Skip believes that his team of supports are what helped him get through this challenging stage of life and encourages all to not attack depression alone.  Skip continued to spread his message in his book  “Wrestling Depression is Not For Wimps!” You can find more about Skip on his website here: https://wrestlingisnotforwimps.com/
#depression #veteran  

”You can’t fail your purpose.”

Mike Iamele woke up one day puking blood and incredibly ill. When he believed that he may not live he surrendered to his emotions and was able to express his love for his roommate. Prior to this Mike and his roommate (his now husband) had never been in a same sex relationship. Today after exploring nutrition and alternative medicine practices Mike is healthy and helping others map their vulnerabilities and pursue their purpose. Mike Authored "Enough Already Create Success on Your Own Terms" where he challenges his readers to take charge of their life and pursue success and happiness.  Enjoy listening to Mike's journey of healing and helping others as well as his beautiful and extraordinary proposal story. 
Here is a link to his website: https://mikeiamele.com/

”Today’s another day let’s get through it!”

Kim was going about her days when suddenly at 52 she had her first of what would be many seizures. After many tests she was diagnosed with a non-epileptic psychogenic seizure disorder. In this episode Kim shares how the seizures have prompted her to begin to deal with some of her demons from the past. While Kim’s seizures have changed how Kim lives her life. She continues to find gratitude and joy in her growing family. Kim has embraced and accepted that she may deal with these seizures for some time and wants others to feel comfortable talking about this not well known challenge.

”Why didn’t you tell me how much it sucks?”

Trigger Warning: Postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts.
Heather gave birth to her son just under two years ago. Before Heather became a mom she had no idea the struggles that she would face with the drastic changes that come with parenting. Unfortunately, Heather developed severe postpartum depression and at one point became suicidal. In this episode Heather explains how deep her depression went and how she overcame it. Today she is the host of her own podcast "Overcoming Together" and she opens up with others about the struggles of post partum depression and shares helpful mental health tips.  You can find her show on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Stitcher and Google podcast! 
If you like the Peace with Pain Podcast please review us on Apple podcasts! Thanks so much :)

”I grieve you pasta.”

Trigger warning: Eating Disorders
Satina, grew up placing heavy standards on herself for her looks and weight. For Satina, being perfect meant that she was good enough. Satina developed an eating disorder very young and carried it through her adult life. Satina has found a way to begin her healing through the love that she feels from her husband and now for herself. Today Satina helps others as a therapist at her practice: Activate Counseling. If you are interested in Satina's counseling services please contact her at activatecounselingservices@gmail.com.

”You can just show up and that makes the biggest difference.”

Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Self harm/Suicide, Substance Use, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and Loss
Emma has faced domestic violence, multiple sexual assaults, the loss of her father and was even kidnapped at one point. This resilient and inspiring human once dealt with her low self esteem by using substances, self harm and a poor relationship with food and with others. Today Emma is in a doctoral program and is a trauma specialist. She has a healthy relationship with her significant other and is helping others move through their journey. Prepare to be blown away at how far she has come and her insightful words. Thank you Emma!

“The world will not end if I crap my pants on this plane.”

Sarah Segesdy, was constantly being told that she was anxious and that her Lyme Disease and Endometriosis symptoms were "all in her head." Hear Sarah's story of finally being heard by medical professionals and getting the help that she needed to heal her body. Unfortunately, Sarah's struggles contributed to the development of an eating disorder. Today she has found a healthier relationship with food and she shares her insights with others through her health and running coach business. You can contact her through her Instagram page @SarahSegesdy. #Endometriosis #lymedisease #eatingdisorderrecovery

”I wanna finish the race strong.”

Jodie never let her Cerebral Palsy stand in the way of her fulfilling the life she wanted to live. Early on Jodie began a pattern of not listening to the "naysayers" and instead turned to her faith. Jodie graduated college, worked full time helping others, lived independently and raised two children. 4 years ago Jodie unexpectedly lost her husband. While she is still managing some grief that comes with such a big loss she continues to strive to find joy and help others.

”You can be your own mom”

Kendra, grew up a little faster than most after losing her Dad at the age of 8. Kendra was also home schooled and began college at 16. In this episode Kendra honestly shares her struggles with boundaries family, grief and what it is like being a nurse during covid.

”Do I need socks in Florida?”

Meagan, lived an isolated life while she was actively addicted to alcohol and benzodiazepines. Meagan finally decided after 20 years that it was enough. Today she helps others who suffer from addiction and uses her experiences to help them succeed in their own recovery.