Paul Churchill
Paul Churchill
RE 118: The Black Dog
RE 118: The Black Dog
RE 118: The Black Dog
Monday 22nd May 2017
Steph opens up about her six-month sobriety journey and battle with depression on Recovery Elevator. Tune in for raw, honest conversations.
Explicit
39 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
Healing
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Churchill
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
541 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Facing the Black Dog: Steph's Story of Sobriety and Depression
When you lose all joy in life, you can begin to question what the point of it is, and that's about halfway through the video that talks about how to relieve the depressive symptoms.
Ever felt like you're drowning in darkness, with no way out? In this episode of Recovery Elevator, hosts Paul Churchill and Kristopher Oyen sit down with Steph, who opens up about her six-month journey of sobriety and her battle with depression. Steph, a 46-year-old wife and mother of two, shares how she managed to step away from alcohol and prescription drugs despite the anxiety that often lured her back.
The conversation takes a deep dive into how addiction can worsen mental health issues and the importance of seeking help for multiple diagnoses. One poignant moment in the episode is when Paul discusses a video called 'The Black Dog', which personifies depression as a relentless, shadowy figure. This video resonated deeply with Paul during his own struggles with depression, highlighting how the symptoms can creep up and make life feel joyless.
Paul shares how he relied on his higher power to manage these feelings, offering listeners a glimmer of hope. The hosts also touch on the concept of personification in addiction, explaining how it can amplify negative emotions. Paul recounts his own path to sobriety, including the challenges he faced in trying to control his drinking and the eventual acceptance of his addiction. He emphasizes the importance of creating a personal 'treatment center' by surrounding oneself with supportive resources and people.
This episode isn't just about the hardships; it also celebrates the benefits of a sober lifestyle. From improved physical and mental health to better relationships and personal growth, Steph and Paul highlight the positives that come with sobriety. They also discuss the Recovery Elevator community, a supportive network for those on their sobriety journey. If you're looking for raw, honest conversations about addiction and mental health, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in to hear Steph's inspiring story and learn more about navigating the challenges of sobriety and depression.