We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Berry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, 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.
I believe that one of the most damaging aspects of dealing with mental health issues is the stigma that leads people to remain silent about what they’re going through. I watched this first-hand growing up with a father who struggled immensely with Bipolar Disorder, but refused to seek treatment for fear of the social and professional implications. He ultimately ended his own life at 50 years old, leaving many people behind who were shocked and confused because, on the surface, he seemed like an incredibly happy and successful person. When I started experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression in my late teens, I was very committed to being open about my struggles, and I honestly think that this approach saved my life.
There are so many ways to get support if you’re struggling, from therapy or community groups to meditation and lifestyle shifts, but tapping into those support systems requires us being honest, both with ourselves and with others, about needing help.
I know that many people fear that speaking openly about their mental health struggles will cause people to pull away and that they’ll end up isolated, but I’ve actually found the opposite to be true. Of course, there will be people who don’t have the capacity to be present in conversations about heavier matters, but more often than not, people appreciate authenticity and vulnerability, and it may even give them some much-needed permission to be open about things that they’re going through as well.
At the end of my life, if my openness around my own struggles has helped even a few people to feel seen or encouraged them to reach out for support, then I will feel happy with how I spent my time here.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an Intuitive Coach, I work with individuals who are seeking to cultivate a deeper connection with their mind and body, to bring more authenticity and alignment into their lives, and to create habits and patterns that support vibrant, whole-being wellness. The sessions I offer are client-led which means that I meet the client where they’re at, listen deeply to understand what they want to shift in their life as well as what has been blocking them from making those shifts, and offer reflections, guidance, and simple, approachable tools to support them on their journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that have been most impactful along my journey have been authenticity, resilience, and compassion. I think my openness about my struggles and my willingness to show the full spectrum of my humanity, not just the happy, shiny parts, has helped me call in both personal and professional connections with others who value depth, sincerity, and brave self-inquiry. I don’t know where I would be at all if it weren’t for my ability to pick up myself up after a fall, to pivot, and to start again as many time as is necessary. And, of course, being able to sit with people as they share aspects of themselves that they feel shame or fear around and to hold space for them without judgement is absolutely vital for the work that I do.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is anyone who wants to feel more empowered and directed in their own life, but isn’t exactly sure where to start. They might have the sense that something is missing, but can’t put their finger on what it is or feel disconnected from themselves or the world around them. They will definitely be ready to dig deep, to look closely at their own patterns, and to get curious about places where they can take intentional action to create a life that feels truly nourishing.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://helloashleyberry.com
- Instagram: @helloashleyberry
Image Credits
Olivia Klein
