Katherine Knapke: Overcoming Chronic Depression, Recovering from Anorexia and Breaking Free from the Barriers of a Passivism-Based Mennonite UpbringingKatherine Knapke: Overcoming Chronic Depression, Recovering from Anorexia and Breaking Free from the Barriers of a Passivism-Based Mennonite Upbringing
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
NOTE: This podcast was recorded toward the beginning of lockdown for COVID (important for the beginning of the podcast!) Katherine Knapke was raised in a small, Mennonite community in Columbus, Ohio. Taught to be peaceful, quiet and not ask for anything you want, Katherine’s upbringing stoked the fire for chronic depression, which ultimately led to a devastating struggle with multiple eating disorders, a panic disorder and crippling anxiety. After escaping an abusive relationship in college, she relapsed into her eating disorder. Her story of finding herself in the midst of her recovery and surrounding herself with healthy people who support her recovery is beautiful and inspiring, and reminds us that all things are possible. Katherine is now the Chief Operating Officer at the American Negotiation Institute. She also hosts the Ask with Confidence podcast, which is designed to empower women by helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to better navigate difficult conversations and achieve the highest level of success. Katherine’s background is in the medical profession as a Psychiatric Nurse trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and she is a Certified Mediator. She is dedicated to helping women overcome psychological, emotional, and societal barriers in the workplace.
1:13:49•18 Aug 2020
Katherine Knapke: Rising Above Depression and Anorexia to Lead and Inspire
“I lucked out that I did not damage my heart. I was furious, I was... incensed, absolutely incensed, and you're just. You attract what you think you deserve and as much as I hate to admit it, in that stage of my life I definitely attracted not the healthiest character and, like The First Year of our relationship was good, it definitely got me out of like that pit of despair.”
What happens when a quiet upbringing in a Mennonite community collides with the challenges of mental health struggles? Katherine Knapke knows all too well. In this episode of 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast', Katherine opens up about her journey from chronic depression and anorexia to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at the American Negotiation Institute.
Raised in a small, passivism-based Mennonite community in Columbus, Ohio, Katherine's early life was marked by a culture of silence and submission, which fueled her battles with multiple eating disorders and anxiety. Her story takes a dramatic turn when she escapes an abusive relationship during college, only to relapse into her eating disorder. Yet, this is not just a tale of hardship. Katherine's journey is one of resilience and transformation.
She shares how surrounding herself with supportive people and engaging in trauma therapy were pivotal in her recovery. Now, as a certified mediator and psychiatric nurse trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Katherine dedicates her life to empowering women. Through her podcast 'Ask with Confidence', she equips women with the skills they need to navigate difficult conversations and achieve success. This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the struggle, recovery and empowerment are possible.
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