Stories of Hope: An Interview with Krystianna Livernash
This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked advocate and student Krystianna Livernash about her mental health journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview:
DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment?
KL: I knew at a young age that I was sadder than the other kids. I felt alone, like I didn’t fit in. The first time I ever learned that there might be an explanation for my feelings was at 6th grade summer camp. I had a wonderful camp counselor who spent a lot of time with me, answering questions and listening to my stories.
When I get depressed I tend to push people away, which puts strain on those relationships. In high school my mental health was the worst it had ever been. I started to not care about my grades, activities, and aspirations, almost as if I didn’t see a future for myself at all. I was self harming, I had suicidal thoughts, and all of this was only exacerbated by the crises in my personal life.
DS: What was the turning point that led you to decide to seek help?
KL: I began to find medical help years later when I was waist deep in the hardest job I’ve ever done. My stress levels were physically intolerable, and I ended up admitting myself to the psychiatric unit at the hospital. Since that experience I’ve had multiple diagnoses, various treatments, and too many different pill bottles with names I’m never going to remember. At this time in my life I have an incredible doctor who I trust (a KEY element) and I’m on track with my meds. I know that I still have adjusting to do, but at least I’m taking steps in the right direction.
DS: What has your treatment consisted of, and what have you found that has worked well for you?
KL: My treatment has changed quite a bit as I’ve gotten older. Right now I’m seeing my doctor in regular intervals, taking my prescribed medications, and doing the best that I can with everything else. Some things I love for inspiring and recharging me are things like time alone in a coffee shop or going somewhere beautiful.
I also paint, draw, write, and talk to other people who are fighting daily battles just like me to help me cope. My creativity is a huge part of maintaining my mental health. It relaxes me, brings me joy and confidence, and hopefully soon it will allow me to support my family. Creativity is a key piece of who I am, so of course that’s what my treatment style is – creative!
DS: How are things going for you now? What challenges are you still facing? What have you learned that has helped you stay positive and healthy?
KL: Currently I’m doing pretty well! I have a baby so I stay at home while going to school online. I also run my mental health blog, make art, and design merchandise. It is quite a bit for me, I admit, but this work is nothing compared to the many toxic work environments I’ve survived. I have to fight to protect my peace, so I’m fighting as hard as I can to get in a position where I don’t have to go back to work in the service industry. Ever.
I have learned that my environment is an enormous factor in my mood, perception, and behavior. Though its importance is not lost on me, I still struggle with keeping boundaries. When something only affects me I don’t particularly care about repercussions. But when breaking boundaries starts to affect other people, I know I need to work harder at standing up for myself and my family.
DS: You’ve been active in mental health advocacy and social media. Tell us about your involvement in those activities.
KL: I participate in social media because I really enjoy connecting with people, providing support or encouragement when I can, and sharing my ideas and projects with the world! I’ve created some resources that you can find in different blog posts, and I have big ideas for the future.
DS: What would you like to say to encourage others who are still working on their journey of recovery?
KL: It’s hard to answer this question because I don’t like blanket statements. Every one of you are facing completely different monsters, and each one needs to be vanquished differently. But I firmly believe every problem can be solved, so start with the basics. Baby steps are good enough. Find a community and get support and connection. And do more stuff that brings you joy. Like actual joy. I need to do that more too.
About Krystianna
Krystianna is a wife and mother who has always had the writing bug. She began her blog – The Capable Communicator in November of 2017 as the first step of her journey as a mental health advocate. In fall 2018 she will receive her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and can’t wait to see what the future holds. You can connect with her via her website, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Thanks so much to Krystianna for her inspiring story of hope!
Would you like to share your story of hope? I plan to feature more personal accounts like this from time to time on my blog. If you are interested in sharing your story, please notify me via my contact page. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter), “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend. Thanks!