About Me

 


Hi, I’m Caralyn, a mental health recovery advocate, writer, and survivor dedicated to helping people live well with mental illness. With a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology and two years of doctoral coursework, I combine academic expertise with lived experience managing chronic conditions like depression and anxiety.

On this blog, Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well with Mental Illness, I share honest, research-backed insights and personal reflections about mental health recovery, trauma healing, and emotional resilience. My goal is to break stigma, raise awareness, and provide practical tools that empower you to sustain your best mental health every day.

Whether you’re seeking evidence-informed strategies, compassionate support, or relatable stories of recovery, this space offers trustworthy guidance grounded in psychology and real life. You’re not alone, and recovery is possible, even when it feels messy or overwhelming.

Thank you for being here. Together, we’ll grow through pain, rewrite our stories, and find strength in vulnerability.

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Mental Health Fact of The Week: 🌞 Morning Sunlight: Your 1-Minute Mental Health Boost

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Weekly Mental Health Tips for Living Well: Grow Your Joyspan: How to Build Lasting Joy in Daily Life

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Monthly Mental Health Spotlight: Yoga Nidra, Ego Death, and Mental Health Recovery: Aaron Smith’s Journey

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Monthly Mental Health Spotlight August/September 2025 Edition Written By: Aaron Smith Curated By: Caralyn Dreyer Finding Home: Aaron’s Story Every so often, I come across a story that reminds me why I do what I do. Aaron Smith’s journey is one of those stories. His path through questioning faith, exploring altered states, falling into addiction, and finding peace through yoga nidra is not just compelling; it’s a reminder that mental health recovery can take many forms. I’m honored to share his story here. Summary Aaron Smith’s mental health recovery journey began with a teenage mystical experience, took a detour into addiction, and ultimately found grounding in yoga nidra. His story is raw, inspiring, and full of insights for anyone seeking healing. Key Insights Aaron Smith overcame anxiety, depression, and addiction through yoga nidra, a meditative practice he describes as both instantly rewarding and deeply transformative. It became the key to his mental, emotional, and spiritual hea...
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