*Trigger Warning: Suicide and Suicidal Ideations*

How did you get to where you are today? What is your story, and how does mental health play a role in that? Everyone has one, especially those in active recovery. Today, on the inaugural episode of How We Got Here, Kristen and Kelly share their stories of surviving suicide and how they got to where they are today.

1:00 - Who are we? Why are we starting a podcast?

6:03 - Reading recommendations of the week!

16:34 - Vulnerability in storytelling; how do we do it?

20:18 - September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month!

22:41 - Kristen's story

29:53 - Kelly shares her story on social media for the first time ever!

51:54 - We're all trying to flee from our feelings

53:48 - Navigating the world as a sober lady (Kristen)

59:20 - We love a mindfulness activity

What we're reading:

✰ Kristen's Read: Agorafabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom by Sara Benincasa: https://www.amazon.com/Agorafabulous-Dispatches-Bedroom-Sara-Benincasa/dp/0062024426

✰ Kelly's Read: An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison: https://www.amazon.com/Unquiet-Mind-Memoir-Moods-Madness/dp/0679763309/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DKBSJ8U2SQTY&keywords=an+unquiet+mind+by+kay+jamison&qid=1695305684&s=books&sprefix=an+unqui%2Cstripbooks%2C102&sr=1-1

How We Got Here gives individuals with lived experiences with mental illness and addiction a platform to share their journey and expertise. Each episode explores what it is like to live with mental illness, trauma, addiction, recovery, and much more. We feature a wide range of individuals and hope to create a space to spotlight these unique experiences. As well as our own. Join us as we figure out How We Got Here.

✰ New Episodes are dropped on Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and wherever you listen to Podcasts!

You can watch this week's episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_B-kTMO3IA

✰ Follow us on IG @howwegothere_official ✰

Kristen @kristen.harootunian

Kelly @kellybernadetteeee

988 has been designated as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 📞 You don't have to be in crisis to reach out; you might just be having a bad day. You can talk to a mental health professional 24/7, 365 days a year.

And follow us here for the latest updates and episodes. If you're interested in being a guest on the show, email us at TheHowWeGotHerePod@gmail.com.