Shift Happens: From Pain to Purpose

Ep. 15 - When Life Feels Like Too Much: A Conversation About Suicide, Mental Health, & Healing with Ashley Dirksen

Episode Summary

Have you ever felt like life was too much to carry? Do you or someone you love struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm? How do you keep going when the weight of grief or depression feels unbearable?

Episode Notes

Have you ever felt like life was too much to carry? Do you or someone you love struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm? How do you keep going when the weight of grief or depression feels unbearable?

In this powerful and raw conversation, I sit down with Ashley Dirksen - someone I have had the honor of pouring into and walking alongside through some stormy seasons. She opens up about her journey through self harm, suicidal ideation, and the loss of her brother to suicide. She answers the questions 'what signs should family/friends be looking for if a loved one is struggling with mental health?' and 'how can we effectively show up for them?'

 With vulnerability, she shares how her pain became a catalyst for purpose through her faith, therapy, and the support of a loving community. Ashley is now the founder off Too Much Apparel, a screen printing company that creates feel-good clothing designed to spark joy and conversation. We dive into the tools that have helped her stay grounded, and she offers advice for those supporting loved ones battling suicidal thoughts. This episode is a moving reminder that even in the darkest places, hope and healing are possible. 

RESOURCES

Are you looking for a coach that will help you process, uncover, and potentially USE your story? I'd love to help! Click HERE so i can get to know more about your personal and professional goals!

 FOLLOW

@ashleydirksen

@toomuchapparel 

@alexisnandra

@theshiftcreative

@shifthappensthepod