Stories of Hope: An Interview with Krystian Leonard
This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked advocate, author and college student Krystian Leonard about her journey and her current activities. Here’s our interview:
DS: Tell us a little about your story and the physical and emotional challenges you faced when you were younger. How did these issues continue to affect you and those around you as you were growing up?
KL: I had my first experience with stitches, resulting in a scar, at age 4. It was above my lip and I wouldn’t smile for pictures and was embarrassed going to preschool. When I was 6, I had my first surgical procedure to remove a lipoma growth in my thigh, leaving me with a 9” scar. Later I chose a revision surgery which left a smaller scar but at the expense of reopening a wound that I was hoping to forget.
Emotionally I struggled with bullying and self-esteem. I didn’t feel comfortable sharing the taunts and name calling. Bullying wasn’t explained to me and I don’t ever remember understanding that isolation or being excluded was also a form of bullying.
DS: Was there a turning point that led you to decide to seek help and support and you can you tell us about it?
KL: It wasn’t until I was 14 that I finally opened up about the torment of my childhood. I wanted to help bring to light the negative stereotypes and stigmas I faced because of my scars. My mom didn’t understand why I wanted to talk about my scars openly and publicly. It was then that I had to confide in her and tell her about the bullying and name calling. She then wanted to first be sure that I was strong enough, and then she listened to my ideas.
DS: What kind of support or treatment has been helpful for you?
KL: Sharing my personal story has been the most beneficial. I have found that sharing my personal pain was a form of therapy. I found others with shared experiences and fears. Knowing that I wasn’t alone in my feelings or experiences was also very helpful.
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: Things are going great! I have faced additional surgeries, the last one was in May of 2018. What helps me most is finding positive outlets, like hiking and spending time with my pup Ludo. Working out and meditating are also helpful tools in keeping me focused on healing; those natural endorphins are important to my healing.
DS: You’ve been incredibly active in advocacy and/or social media. Tell us about your involvement in those activities.
KL: My successful outreach is all thanks to social media. Sharing on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have enabled my outreach to stretch around the globe. My children’s book has now reached children in over 23 countries. Sharing helps others to understand they are not alone and should never allow their scars or differences to define their beauty.
DS: What would you like to say to encourage others who are still struggling with physical or emotional challenges?
KL: No matter what the world tells you, remember that you are the only voice that matters. Don’t keep any bullying you experience a secret. Open up about any insecurities you may be experiencing. Embrace your difference, and know that you are beautiful inside and out.
About Krystian
Krystian Leonard was born New Mexico, but moved soon after to the mountains of wild and wonderful West Virginia. Growing up, she experienced firsthand the trials and self-esteem issues associated with visible scars. Healing with those scars left Krystian feeling damaged and ashamed. She found the strength she needed to overcome her self-image and entered her first beauty pageant at age 14. As part of her application for the Miss America Outstanding Teen program, Krystian chose a platform for which she would become an advocate, and “Shining S.C.A.R.S.” was born. Through this healing campaign, Krystian has used her personal experience and pain as a way to reach out to others, speaking at TEDx Boca Raton and other venues while still in high school. Krystian is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at West Virginia University. Her advocacy and work continue to break boundaries and shatter stereotypes. Her published book Shining Scars has now been donated to children worldwide. In her free time, Krystian enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting and ziplining. An avid animal lover, Krystian is the dog mom to her boxer Ludo, a compassion dog in training. You can connect with Krystian via X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram, Facebook or her website.
Thanks so much to Krystian 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) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend. Thanks!