Meet Stephanie Strickland

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Strickland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. 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.

I am a survivor of domestic violence. The trauma I experienced during my marriage was damaging to my mental health. Being a victim of domestic violence increased my risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I had feelings of fear and isolation, which lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Victims and survivors of domestic violence responds differently to the trauma, experienced in abusive relationships. Once I left the relationship, I knew I needed therapy to help me understand the grief, regret, and the guilt. I was feeling. Through therapy I learned how to overcome feelings of self-blame and guilt and how to address my symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, in therapy I learned important emotion-focused and desensitization coping techniques like meditation, journaling. These techniques make it easier for me to navigate the trauma while remaining in control. I spend time outside going for walks, listening to music and spending time with family.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a Dallas, Texas native, an award-winning best-selling author, and a sought-after motivational speaker. I am a survivor of domestic violence who passionately spends my time advocating for victims and survivors of abuse. When I am not busy writing award winning books, and appearing on podcasts, I share my inspiring story with others at speaking events.
I believe that by openly sharing my life, removing my mask, and walking in my truth I am showing women you don’t have to live in the shame of your past. Through my encouraging words I am helping women to overcome their insecurities, their fears and seek the life God has promised them. I am currently working on my next project, which is a workbook that will be used in domestic violence classes helping victims and survivors go from a life of surviving to a life that is thriving.

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

Looking back, qualities that were most impactful to me were discipline, my ability to never stop learning, my faith and staying grateful and humble. Being a writer, I have to be discipline. Making sure to write and get in my word count each day. As a motivational speaker, I am constantly reading to stay relevant on all topics regarding domestic violence and the mental health of women survivors. Without my faith, staying grateful and humble I don’t know if I would be this far on my journey. I never take for granted the opportunities that I have received.
My advice to entrepreneurs who are just starting on their journey, you will need to develop discipline and perseverance. It’s important to never stop learning. By continuing to educate yourself, will ensure to that you stay aware of all information that will help you and your business succeed. Lastly never take for granted all the opportunities and the people you meet along the way.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Set Boundaries Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. This book is the boundary bible. It breaks down the what, why, and how of boundaries. It offers clarity and direction with grace and compassion on how to set healthy boundaries in relationships, both personal and professional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephaniedstrickland.com/
• Instagram: @iamsdstrickland
• Facebook: @StephanieDStrick