For decades Dana Diaz lived in the grips of an abusive relationship. Like many others in similar situations, Dana stayed for two reasons. 

First, she worried about what would happen to her son if she left. Second, she stayed because she didn’t feel like she deserved better. But when she found herself in a doctor's office because she only weighed 90 pounds and her organs were shutting down, Dana knew something had to change.

In this podcast episode, we dive deeply into the world of fear, violence, and abuse. With unflinching honesty, Dana shares her journey through an abusive childhood, an abusive marriage, and the life of resilience and recovery she’s finally created since her divorce.

Dana chronicles how she finally broke free from the violence and abuse. (Spoiler alert: Just getting a divorce didn’t change that!) Her story of courage reminds us all about the power resilience and self-love have to change lives.

WARNING: This episode might be triggering for anyone who has experienced or is trying to heal from domestic violence, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or any type of intimate partner abuse. Listener discretion is advised.


National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233


About Dana
​Dana studied journalism and psychology at DePaul University. She has also had life-long experiences with narcissistic abuse. Thankfully her education gave her the ability to accurately express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims. 

Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or too ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to both understand their situation and heal from it.

Dana’s first book, Gasping For Air: The Stranglehold Of Narcissistic Abuse. chronicles her experiences in a 25-year-long abusive marriage, as well as the healing and empowerment she’s experienced since then.

Where to Connect with Dana
You can learn more about Dana and her story on her website Dana S Diaz.   Dana also has a quiz to help you determine if you are in a relationship involving narcissistic abuse.

You can follow Dana on Facebook at Dana S Diaz and on Instagram at Dana S Diaz.  You can get your copy of Dana's best-selling book, "Gasping for Air:  The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse"  on her website or wherever books are sold.

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.

You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.