A Holistic Approach to Mental Health and Overcoming Depression with Danny-J

In this episode of Redefining Motherhood, I had the pleasure of interviewing Danny-J. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Danny has overcome significant struggles with depression, trauma, and more throughout her life and she vulnerably shares her story with us.

Danny's Journey with Mental Health

Danny openly shared her struggles with depression from a young age. She described being hospitalized at 15 years old for suicidal thoughts. Danny believes depression stems from a mix of genetics, environment and emotions. Through therapy, medications and holistic treatments over many years, she has worked to manage her depression and continue healing from past trauma.

Changing Negative Thought Patterns

We discussed the cognitive distortions that can perpetuate depression and how Danny realized negative thought patterns were fueling her problems. She now focuses on changing her thinking through mindfulness and positive self-talk. Danny has found that changing what she tells herself has been key to improving her mental well-being. Through books on cognitive behavioral therapy, she learned to identify the negative thought patterns she was engaging in and has learned to disrupt those patterns.

Placing Her Daughter for Adoption as a Teen

As a teenage mother, Danny made the difficult decision to place her daughter for adoption. Danny shares how she was carefully able to research and select, what she felt was the best possible family for her daughter. She wanted a family that would be open about the adoption from day one so her daughter would never experience the confusion and distress Danny felt growing up not knowing the truth about her origins.

Danny recalled feeling nervous during her first meeting with her daughter after reconnecting as adults. There was apprehension on both sides due to the years they spent apart. Through patience and small interactions over time, however, they've been able to develop such a close bond.

Helping Others through Shared Struggles

Inspired by overcoming hardships herself, Danny hopes openly discussing her vulnerabilities will help reduce stigma around mental health. I'm grateful she shared her story so candidly. Listen to the full episode and please share with anyone you think would benefit from listening to this story.