Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

  Curated by: Caralyn Dreyer Written by: Seanna Chiara September 2025 Edition Finding Healing After Rock Bottom, Bipolar, Chronic Pain, and the Spiritual Turn That Changed Everything Editor’s Note  In honor of  Suicide Prevention Awareness Month , I am sharing this Mental Health Spotlight as part of my ongoing series highlighting powerful lived experiences in recovery.  What follows is written in Seanna Chiara’s own words, raw, honest, and unfiltered. Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of choosing life even in the darkest moments. Content Warning:  This post contains mentions of suicidal thoughts, abuse, and other sensitive material that may be triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself as you read. What Led Me to My Personal Healing Journey It’s hard to say this out loud, but the truth is, I want to die. I had given up on life. When you hit rock bottom, oftentimes, that’s the point of surrender. And surrender changes e...

Disclaimer: This post discusses suicide and may be distressing for some readers. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S.  What People Really Want To Know About Suicide: Honest Answers, Warning Signs, And How To Help Summary Suicide is a subject people often avoid because of fear, stigma, or uncertainty. Yet when you or someone you love has been touched by suicide, silence can be heavier than words. This post explores the questions people truly want to ask, whether they’ve lived through it personally or are simply trying to understand. My Personal Connection I’ll be honest: suicide isn’t an abstract issue for me. Like many, I’ve had my own encounters with suicidal thoughts, and I’ve also known others who’ve struggled. The silence surrounding suicide was often worse than the pain itself. People tiptoe, afraid of saying the wrong thing, while those in the storm ofte...

From Crisis to Coping: How Recovery Skills Can Save Lives and Build Hope Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this post is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or advice. If you are struggling or thinking about suicide, please know you do not have to go through it alone; help is available. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to be connected to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away. If you are outside the U.S., please reach out to your local emergency number or a trusted crisis resource in your area. This topic is deeply important to me as someone who has lived through mental health challenges and now advocates for recovery. I share my experience and insights as a way to raise awareness, provide hope, and remind others that healing is possible. Key Insight Suicide prevention isn’t only about responding to crisis; it’s about building coping skills that guide us through life’s hardest moments and create long-term recovery. Why This Matters to Me I’...