Struggle Creates Strength

Brandon Bergado is not your average 22 year-old living in California. He has experienced unexpected struggles, but he is the first one to say that his struggles formed him into the man he is today. Brandon started his path of self-betterment two years ago when he was forced to isolate for 5 months due to severe concussions. No phone, no Netflix, no screens, but a dark room and an abundance of thoughts. Brandon is not like most, he knew that he could either look at the next 5 months as a blessing or a curse; he chose blessing. He devoted his days to reading books, light yoga, and studying himself. He built a routine and reprogrammed his brain and his life. After 5 long months of isolation he came out on top and continue to stress positive vibes and learning. Learning what works best for you, but also learning more about who YOU are. Brandon has implemented diversification in the way he connects with others and changed the “What’s up” talk to further thought provoking questions allowing himself to connect with others on a more personal level. He encourages everyone to change up their conversations and embrace digging deep and getting vulnerable with each other. EVERYONE HAS A STORY, so why not learn someone else’s rather than learning what they had for lunch! 

If you want to reach out to Brandon today and show him the love and support he deserves, you can reach him on Instagram at: brandonberg_

Also look out for Brandon’s new initiative “Small Talk” that will be released in the near future! 

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If you want to reach out to me or be on the podcast you can reach me me via: 

Instagram: Struggle Creates Strength

Facebook: Struggle Creates Strength

Website: www.StruggleCreatesStrength.com

Email: [email protected]

Thanks so much for listening and just remember, EVERYONE has a story!! 

Grace Graham is a 21 year-old with the mindset of a 40 year-old. Her wisdom and maturity came from a life filled with abuse, suicidal attempts and behaviours, absent parents,  and severe bullying. Despite encountering these negative aspects of life, she persevered and continues to grow. Grace is currently working two jobs and has taken time off school, but she embraces it and recently moved into her dream place. Grace is a smart, kind, strong girl who does not let her past define her future. She is hopeful that people will listen to her story and discover that they are not alone! Grace is an inspiration to not only myself, but every individual she comes across, so I highly suggest messaging her and having a conversation with her or just showing her the support she deserves! I hope everyone enjoys her story, learns from her experiences, and build enough courage to be confident in YOUR story. Just remember that EVERYONE HAS A STORY!

If you want to reach out to Grace and show her the love and support she deserves you can reach her via Instagram at: graacegraham 

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If you want to reach out to me or want to share your story then you can reach me on: 

Instagram: StruggleCreatesStrength

Facebook: Struggle Creates Strength

Website: www.StruggleCreatesStrength.com

Josiah Brears’ mental health struggles began at the age of 13 when his parents kept their divorce a secret from him and his siblings. Life never got easier, but in fact it got exceptionally worse. Josiah resorted to taking a shot or two before bed for a total of a year by the time he was 15 years-old. He also experienced depersonalization, out of body experiences, because of his severe anxiety and panic attacks. His near future plans were uprooted because of Covid-19, but he has not let any of his past struggles define him. Josiah Brears is a strong individual who is embracing his vulnerability in pursuit of helping others who are struggling just like he once did. I promise you, you will be moved by his story and be sure to show him the support he deserves!! I hope you enjoy and remember EVERYONE HAS A STORY!💚

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiah_brears/?hl=en

Phone: (250)801-7435

Reach out to Josiah if you ever feel like you need someone to talk to and show him the support he deserves! 

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You can also reach out to Struggle Creates Strength and share your story or utilize me as a safe person to talk to! 

Instagram: StruggleCreatesStrength

Facebook: Struggle Creates Strength

Website: www.StruggleCreatesStrength.com

Email: [email protected]

Tristen Nielsen is 20 years-old from Fort St. John, BC and currently playing hockey for the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League. Tristen talks about the mental stressors that come along with playing at such a high level of hockey. He uprooted his life and left the majority of his family behind in Fort St John to pursue his passion of making hockey his career. Tristen knows better than most about what it takes to make it to the next level and the sacrifices that need to be made in order to achieve his goals. Despite his continued success, he is the first one to admit that he has hit a few bumps in the road along the way. He is currently finishing a cycle of serotonin boosters and utilizes professional help to make sure he can perform at his best and leave his mental health struggles behind. Tristen is one of the most down to earth teammates I’ve ever had and he believes that everyone in hockey struggles with mental health to some extent, but he’s making a change and speaking up! Tristen is a prime example that EVERYONE HAS A STORY!! 💚 

Karlee Appel is a 21 year-old attending Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. She's wise, beautiful, kind, and ultimately seems to have live a life that most can only dream of. But, as Karlee explains in this episode, what you see on the outside is not always the same as what's on the inside. Karlee was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder when she was in her first year of university. She experienced episodes of extreme hypomanic episodes and also suffered from severe depression. She encountered several months of ups and downs and a stage of utter euphoria prior to being diagnosed with Bipolar 2. Karlee spent nights in the hospital, she lived months without recollection, and ultimately hit rock bottom. But, Karlee is not defined by her past and she lives to tell the tale of Bipolar 2 and how it has and continues to effect her. I hope you enjoy her story and remember; EVERYONE HAS A STORY.E