Meet Christine Sajona

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Sajona. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christine, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

My name is Christine and I am 51 years old. I am single, a mother of one (grown) son, an aspiring Holistic Wellness Practitioner and a suicide survivor. I have struggled with depression and anger my whole life, though I come from a loving family. Growing up military meant that we moved every few years, and my small family unit (comprised of my mom, dad, big brother, and me) was the only constant and secure thing Id known. I became obstinate, rebellious, and impetuous, and would find myself constantly in trouble, at home and at school. My dad worked as a Mental Health Technician on base, but my parents were at a loss as to how to protect me from civilian law. In 1989 I was placed in a mental institution and diagnosed with dysthymia (mild and/or cyclic depression), The following year, I lost my beloved brother in a car accident, and it tore my family apart; it wasn’t long until my parents divorced. By then, I had moved out and started my own family, but would divorce in 1996, at the start of my medical career. In 2007, I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease – a form of macular degeneration – which would end my medical career, and life as I knew it. By 2009, I could no longer work or drive due to my vision loss, and the strain took it’s toll on my relationship. In 2010, that love of my life committed suicide; on Dec. 4th of 2018, after a series of unfortunate events, I attempted the same. I woke up in ICU, and spent the weeks that followed (once again) in a mental facility. Upon being released, I was provided no counseling, therapy or resources; just a (required) monthly “check-in” with a court-appointed psychologist. How is it that I made it through to where I am now? Well, I’ll tell you…
In that facility, I had lots of time to reflect on what I’d done and how it affected those who loved me. I heard it in their voices, and saw it on their faces, and it broke my heart, so I made promises – I promised them I’d never put them through that again.
There’s a quote from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” that kept repeating in my mind, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” Out of love for my family, I made the decision to “get busy living”; I made the DECISION, to live, and live the best life, being the best person, I possibly can, and I FIGHT for it, – EVERY. DAY.
Of course, this is easier said than done – it takes constant effort and awareness to not slip into, and stay, in a depressive mind-set. But HOW, you ask? I’ve spent the last 5 years building my arsenal of defenses: firstly, I had to dispose of the “victim mentality”; “Wednesday’s child, full of woe”; the “damned if I do, damned if I don’t”, Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) mentality – again, not easy (especially with an adult on-set disability). Secondly, I found what inspires me and makes me happy, and I try to immerse myself in those things as much as possible! I find it in music, nature, healthy foods, beautiful scenery, educating myself, working towards a healthier lifestyle, and in spiritual growth – all very personal things that having nothing to do with other people. Thirdly, I allow those times of pain; to be frustrated, angry, or to cry, but instead of holding on to it, it is dealt with and RELEASED.
There are also physical remedial techniques; like taking a walk, exercising, taking a hot bath to relax, or a cold shower to invigorate; “spoiling yourself”, engaging the senses and indulging in self-care; whatever makes you feel good – WITHOUT guilt. I’m also learning various modalities of self-healing and holistic healthcare, from Holistic Nutrition to Reiki; from aromatherapy to tapping, and various other classes. I have toiled long and hard to get here, and will continue to strive to be the best version of myself that I possibly can be. It began out of love for my family; now it is out of love for myself, and respect for LIFE. We are not people with souls – we are life energy having a human experience…
Best wishes, to you and yours.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’ve always been an avid fan and appreciator of fine music, art, and food, but I never thought I had any talent personally; although I have low-vision, I now work in fluid art with acrylic paint, creating abstract pieces. I quickly became known in social circles as an artist, though I admittedly suffer some imposter syndrome. Now my art is starting to reflect aspects of my spiritual growth and I feel both are beginning to really blossom, leading to new possibilities. I’m also halfway through my program at The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, maintaining a 4.0 average, and working towards an Associates Degree in Mind/Body Transformational Psychology. Soon, I’ll be looking to begin my own Holistic Nutrition, Reiki, and Aromatherapy practice – despite having low vision! Perhaps with an adjacent art gallery…:)

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

A few qualities that I’ve acquired and/or developed along the way include: patience, critical thinking and problem-solving, tenacity, resilience, empathy and compassion, mindfulness, and humility – patience with myself, because things can be particularly frustrating when you have low-vision; patience with others – because they don’t understand it; critical thinking and problem solving, because I’ve had to learn how things can/will/ won’t work for me; the tenacity and resilience to stand up for, and fight for myself and my needs; empathy and compassion to try to understand ‘the perspectives of others; mindfulness and humility, to put the ego aside and realize it’s not “all about me”.
Words of advice? I can not stress enough – to find what makes you happy, and immerse yourself in it, as much and as often as you can! Most often, it really is the little things in life – good music, laughter, the love of family and friends, good food and drink, making happy memories…
In the darkest of times, may you find the light, within and around you.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I chose this question because I was feeling this just today, and I think it’s relevant to combating depression. When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll take a few deep breaths and narrow down just a few things to focus on, and in what order they should be done. I remind myself of “how you eat a whale- one bite at a time”. Sometimes it takes reviewing S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound); sometimes I can only think of the task at hand, and other times, you may just need to walk away and re-group. Regardless, I keep moving forward – even if I trip and fall – progress WILL be made, as long as I keep moving. Find what works best for YOU, and keep your goals in sight!

Contact Info:

• Other: Email: csajona711@gamil.com