My story: From suicidal depression to free, joyful, and alive.
I’m a North Dakota based motivational speaker who uses my experiences of being a military spouse, ministry leader, and breaking out of suicidal depression to empower others to improve their mindset and discover a life of greater peace and joy.
Mindset and emotional wellness are tools we can use to find a more contentment and productivity at home, work, parenting, and marriage–even when faced with stress + hardship.
Hi, I’m Amy.
Around age six, I began experiencing cyclical anxiety, depression.
Although I came from a loving, Christian home—absent of any abuse or trauma, I still found myself struggling mentally and emotionally.
Eventually, the symptoms became controlled, sometimes going years between clinical episodes of depression or anxiety. I learned to cope with the symptoms, but was still living in a loop, knowing the pain of depression could pounce again unexpectedly.
Fix it or die.
At 27, things culminated in a mental health crisis.
One night, I came to an ultimatum: Fix this or die. Find a better way to live, or you’ll die of suicide.
Outwardly, I seemed okay—internally, pain was unbearable. Living hurt too much.
After wading through systems laden with stigma, I found help. The web of lies, confusion, and pain began to untangle.
Things that seemed irreparable became restored and redeemed.
I looked happy, but on the inside I was falling apart. When this photo was taken, I was fighting nightly panic attacks, ruminating thoughts and severe depression. Four weeks later, I came to an ultimatum: fix it, or die.
This photo was taken when recovery had truly started to set in. I knew things would be different, I knew this time there would be no relapses. The cycle had been broken and I believed in my ability to remain free.
Edge of suicide to audaciously alive
Now, my life does tell a story of triumph.
It’s been nearly a decade since I found my way out of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and panic. There have been no relapses. I have become a master of mindset, an expert at uprooting lies, and adept at discovering small actions that support big contentment and joy.
As my experience informs the way I approach marriage and parenting, I know the cycle has not only been broken for me–but for my children as well.
I’ll spend the rest of my life proclaiming the thrilling truth that a more peaceful, meaningful, and hopeful life can exist for us all.
We all have the ability to reshape our story.
We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can control how we respond to, and perceive them.
When we tell the right story, it is possible to marvel at the goodness of life, and maintain peace, even in hardship. A better narrative, gives mundane tasks monumental meaning, and can exhilarate everyday existence.
Changing the story, changes everything. Anyone can learn to inject more hope and positivity into their story. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
I’m here to help.
I never realized how noisy my mind was until it wasn’t any more. Now I live in genuine joy and peace in a way that I never thought possible.
Want to know more?
Read more about my experience at the intersection of mental health, military life, and Christian faith.
Let’s be friends.
Join me on your favorite platform. You’ll find tips, encouragement, and lots of Midwestern anecdotes.
I can’t change your circumstances,
but I will teach you small things that have a big impact on your perspective, so you can thrive.
HERE’S HOW I HELP.
Speaking
Inspire and empower your audience to take control of their story to cultivate freedom, joy, and purpose in every aspect of life.
Writing
Read actionable strategies, and uplifting stories of hope + positivity, filled with trademark humor, and Midwestern charm.
Social Media
Learn small things that make a big difference in everyday mindset. Join thousands of others taking steps toward a freer mind.
Free Resources
Access FREE resources for parenting, working, living in Minot, and studying Scripture with a mental health mindset.
