From Survivor to Thriver

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After years of battling an addiction to opiate pain killers following hip surgery, former 9news Denver reporter and anchor Dana Knowles decided to take control of her mental health issues in order to heal from the pain of a childhood trauma and live a full and happy life. By re-framing her own mental health experience, she was able to let go of the stress and anxiety related to her trauma so she could live in the present and have the energy to participate in life. Today, almost 5 years clean and sober, she is finding peace among the chaos through her daily transcendental meditation (Vedic) practice, recognizing the importance of self-care and measuring success based on the impact she has on other people. Contact Us: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Wife, mother and author of the powerful book Invisible Monster, shares her story of resiliency despite a childhood of sexual trauma and parental abandonment. In 2002, after the birth of her first son, she recognized that something really wasn’t right and that she was, indeed, a product of her trauma, culminating in her PTSD diagnosis in 2015. Her “aha!” moment came during a discussion with her counselor when she realized she was a strong person. Today, through the power of positive thinking and her motto “I am who I am because of where I’ve been, no regrets,” she has made it her #1 life goal for her two boys to never doubt her love.Contact Us: Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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After a tragic workplace fall 28 years ago left Jason confined to a wheelchair without the use of his legs, he identified as a survivor of his accident, focusing on physical recovery and turning to a combination of alcohol and drugs to cope. He was overwhelmed by self-blame and shame and too proud to say that he needed help as he believed he was helping those around him by shielding them from his true inner struggles. Today, as the founder of Proud2Bsafe, he speaks openly and honestly about his mental health crisis and no longer hides his feelings, preferring instead to spend his time living in the present and thriving.Contact Us: Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Liz Rotherham: It was like the Hoover Dam had broken its wallsFounder and CEO of the charitable organization Heads2minds shares how, in 2003 at the age of 32, her boss spotted the signs and symptoms of mania, resulting in her seeking help and getting a Bipolar I diagnosis. This ultimately saved her life, created an even deeper bond with her family and encouraged her to speak out about mental injury. She now dedicates herself to educating others, especially the younger generation, on understanding what psychosis and psychotic episodes are and how to identify the warning signs, as early detection and diagnosis are crucial to a better and happier life.Contact Us: Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Self-described as the emotionally unsettled, transgender love child of Marina Abromovich and David Lynch, this queer, kinky burlesque and performance artist from NYC was into her 30’s and presenting as male, until a psychotic breakdown led her to question her gender, change paths and finally seek professional help. By taking these steps, she became aware that a part of her still cared, the façade disintegrated and she finally became the person she wanted to be. Today, her life in burlesque with her chosen family and unconditional love from her parents, are constant reminders that there’s always room at the table. Contact Us:Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Jess Ismoilov: You have to breakdown to breakthroughA self-proclaimed "warrior of light and love," who, due to a history of trauma, chronic pain and OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder), wore an "everything is okay facade" for decades until she crashed and burned. After a life-altering trip to Costa Rica where she underwent her first hallucinogenic journey, she was finally able to quiet the obsessive and intrusive thoughts in her head while re-centering herself and finding her passion for living.Contact Us: Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Yoga, mindfulness and primary teacher, and now a published author, shares her journey as a self-described empath who "was born to help other people" and always put others first. After struggling with her self-esteem, confidence and grief into her mid-20's, she underwent a series of "life shifts" that included setting personal boundaries to find her true, authentic self. Today, by embracing mindfulness and self-love, she has become kinder to herself, found her voice and helps children in the classroom identify coping skills and understand their own mental health challenges.Contact Us: Email: [email protected]: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver

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Award-winning author, multi-published ghostwriter and inspirational mentor reveals how "turning pain into purpose" helps to erode the secrecy and shame associated with mental illness. After years of turning inward due to self-blaming and low self-esteem, the birth of her son during her late 20's became her "shining light" and external catalyst for change. Today, through a combination of writing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), she is able to challenge her thoughts and overcome her long-standing pain of being unheard.

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Freelance writer and blogger at Melanie Forstall: Stories of Love, Life and Mothering shares how her journey through three milestones taught her that we are never truly alone. Along the way, she discovered that the opportunity to communicate and connect is what helps break the shame spiral and relieve the burden. She also learned that one can flourish by setting boundaries and doing the work and that her life as a storyteller has allowed her to admit the unadmittable.

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Owner of the TLTurner Group and creator and host of the Business Talk Library discusses how recognizing he was not just experiencing a "rough patch" and setting boundaries helped him put himself first and discover what was truly important. After working to find greater clarity, he has gotten much better at being present in the moment and realized that spending time outdoors helps him achieve a focused state of mind.