I broke my neck in a car accident on June 26, 2010. My sister and I were driving home from a Keith Urban concert in Colorado when a woman texting at 65 mph rear-ended us. Everything went black. By God’s grace, everyone else was okay. I spent only one night in the hospital and walked out the next day. I was 23, about to start my first big girl job as a middle school choir teacher in Rifle, Colorado. Less than a month later, my family and I packed up and drove across the country to start a new life. We were excited to enjoy our life in new place everyone was excited.
The excitement of change wore off quickly. I’d struggled with anxiety and depression without realizing it, but the accident intensified it. I could barely sit in a car without panic. I still remember that how I get into that accident now I am super scared and got panic attack whenever I sit in the car front seat. I numbed myself with food, alcohol, and denial.
A couple of years later, my anger and depression worsened. I sought help from my doctor and was prescribed medication, but it only left me foggy and numb. I still couldn’t function at work, and the joy I once found teaching became unbearable. My wake-up call came when a student asked if I was okay I wasn’t. I needed a new approach.
Around that time, I met Jourdan, the love of my life. He was patient and steady, and though I tried to push him away, he never wavered. In 2013, I resigned from teaching, one of the hardest yet best decisions I’ve ever made. I started working at a gym, teaching Zumba and group fitness, which rekindled my love of helping others. A friend introduced me to essential oils, and though skeptical at first, I soon realized they helped with my anxiety and physical pain. This marked the start of my journey into holistic health.
By 2014, I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a certified Holistic Health Coach. I learned about bio-individuality, meditation, journaling, and the importance of faith. That October, Jourdan and I married in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Three weeks later, I was fired from the gym. I pivoted, starting a career helping others through holistic health and essential oils a decision that would shape my future.
In August 2016, we welcomed our first child, a daughter. Postpartum anxiety and rage hit me hard. I had nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and isolation. I called my midwife, and together we created a holistic care plan with exercise, supplements, oils, and sleep. Slowly, I found myself again. I became active, regained my strength, and began coaching others in healthy living.
Two years later, in October 2018, we were expecting our second child, a son. Our move back to Minnesota aligned perfectly with new job opportunities, the move opened door with excited opportunities and everything seemed to fall into place. On June 26, 2019 exactly nine years after my accident I gave birth to our son just ten minutes after arriving at the hospital. That day transformed a painful anniversary into a celebration of life and healing.
Life hasn’t been without challenges. Moving, postpartum anxiety, and COVID-19 tested us. I realized I had misophonia, a severe sensory disorder triggered by everyday brought me different challenges sounds like chewing or fragrances. Simple noises overwhelmed me and explained years of unmanageable anger and stress. Therapy became a game-changer, helping me develop tools to manage depression, anxiety, and misophonia while reclaiming my life.
I want to end the stigma around mental health. I share my story openly, even the vulnerable parts, to show others they are not alone. Darkness can be consuming, but the right tools meditation, prayer, supplements, movement, and rest can bring light.
4 My healing journey continues, and I now believe in myself as much as I believe in God’s guidance. To anyone reading this: you are not alone, you are worthy, and it is okay to ask for help. Light exists even in the darkest moments. Trust yourself, seek support, and keep moving forward. Your suffering will not be in vain.
