In episode 47 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes back Santana Dawson for the third time for an honest conversation about change, healing, and what it really takes to grow. Together, they unpack the fear of change and how trauma shapes our present behaviors, relationships, and mindset. They dive deep into how our parents and childhood experiences impact who we become, how we respond to stress, and how we navigate mental health and addiction recovery. Laisha and Santana also speak vulnerably about surviving suicide attempts, reaching four years of recovery, and what it looks like to rebuild a life after rock bottom. This episode explores breaking generational cycles, overcoming trauma, facing the fear of growth, and the power of sharing your story to help the next person struggling. If you’re navigating healing, sobriety, mental health challenges, or learning how to embrace change without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that transformation is possible and your story has purpose.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Intro to F the Stigma01:01 Reuniting & Reflections on Past Milestones03:00 Personal Growth After Sobriety05:00 Owning Your Story vs. Society’s Labels08:30 Stigma, Labels, and Stereotypes12:00 Expectations from Others – Family, Guilt & Shame15:00 Childhood, Fear, and How We Learn to Cope18:00 Addiction Beyond Substances: Codependency & Loneliness22:00 Confronting Old Memories & Breaking Cycles26:00 Strangers vs. Family: Acceptance on the Recovery Journey29:00 Purpose, Fulfillment, and the Search for Meaning33:00 Radical Optimism & Embracing Life’s Duality36:30 Living in the Gray: Extremes, Emotions & Self-Balance41:00 Change, Control & Learning to Adapt45:00 Goals, Vision Boards & The Power of Writing Things Down51:00 Paper, Ink & Manifesting Your Growth53:00 Connection, Spontaneity & The Power of Small Acts55:00 Reflections, Goodbyes & What’s Next

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

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