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.

What if the love you've been desperately seeking could actually kill you? Dana Diaz knows this reality firsthand. She spent nearly three decades in a marriage where the emotional abuse was so severe that her body began to shut down. What’s worse is that the seeds of her suffering were planted long before adulthood.

Raised by a distant, neglectful mother and an abusive stepfather, Dana grew up believing that love and pain were inseparable. That early conditioning left her vulnerable to repeating the same cycle in marriage, a cycle that would take her decades to escape.

When her marriage became abusive, she found herself accepting treatment she knew was wrong, because it was the only version of "love" she'd ever known. The consequences were devastating. Her body produced such astronomically high levels of stress hormones that her immune system turned against her, leaving her skeletal, oxygen-dependent, and facing organ failure in her early 40s.

Through careful planning, hidden savings, and ultimately having the courage to choose herself, Dana escaped a situation that escalated to threats, gunshots, and a legal system that initially failed to protect her. 

Today, Dana is healthy, remarried, and dedicated to helping others recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse and reclaiming their lives. Her book Gasping for Air: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse chronicles her journey from victim to survivor to advocate, offering hope to anyone wondering if they deserve better.

This episode, which was originally published in October, 2023, is being replayed here to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

NOTE: If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner abuse, please contact the domestic violence hotline as soon as possible.

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.

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 Instagram at Dana S Diaz.  You can get your copy of Dana's best-selling book, "Gasping for Air:  The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse

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.