President of Kim Brady Business Coaching, Professional Speaker, Business and Athlete Transition Coach, Entrepreneur, Mental Fitness Specialist
Living with Depression and CPTSD
Kim Brady was diagnosed with depression and complex PTSD after surviving a break up, a cancer diagnosis, and a crushing blow to her business all at the same time. A friend offered to help her find a therapist, thus beginning her journey of getting the support she needed. Now, she supports others through her work as a Business and Athlete Transition Coach and Professional Speaker. Kim wants you to know that “Our differences are our ‘superpowers’ and our lived experiences are worthy of sharing.”
Kim’s Story
How has your condition impacted your life?
Several of my family members have been impacted with mental health conditions, and at an early age, I wanted to become a family therapist because of those experiences. Being a highly sensitive and empathetic person, I was drawn to helping others as a little girl. Over time, some of what I witnessed as a therapist became too much to handle in conjunction with difficulties in my personal life and I sought out my own therapy. Many times, I have felt isolated and incapacitated with the depth of the emotional pain I felt, and recognized I needed and wanted support in my own journey.
When were you first aware of your condition and what was your most difficult time?
I have always been a deeply feeling person and was unafraid of my emotions or how I managed them. I had always found ways, even at a young age, for sports and fitness to be a crucial part of my healthy functioning. However, in 2014, I experienced a break up, a cancer diagnosis, and a crushing blow to my business at the same time. A friend offered to help me find a therapist to help with my difficulties managing my emotions. It was then that the therapist was able to provide a diagnosis of complex PTSD and depression, and I began the journey of getting the support I needed.
What is your life like now? What does success and living well look like for you?
Success is not a destination, it’s a journey. It’s a balance of how I am showing up for the world and how I am showing up for myself. I am always wanting to walk my talk. Being able to work with clients and professionals and help them with transitions from sport and career with an improved mindset and techniques is a joy. As I share in my book and in my work, I want people to “Get Stuck In!™” and to “Live your life out loud!™”. There is no shame in working through difficulties the best way that you can. That is living well.
What help or specific strategies helped you to get well and move to stability?
It’s important to live your truth. As an open lesbian and LGBTQ advocate for over 30 years, I know firsthand how hard it is to shed feelings of guilt or shame that may be imposed on us. Finding friends and community with like-minded people as well as working with my therapists over the years has been fundamental to my success. Striving to stay connected with others and to stay true to my love of sport and athletics has kept me grounded even in the most trying of times.
What do you do to manage your condition and stay healthy on an ongoing basis?
Connecting with friends, asking for help, reading, writing, therapy, exercise.
Are there positives that have come from having a mental health condition?
I always believe there is hope, no matter how hard things are, there is hope. Knowing that I am a deeply feeling person in a world that sometimes tries to silence those feelings, I recognize I have a strength many others don’t have. Our differences are our “superpowers” and our lived experiences are worthy of sharing.
How has your condition impacted your work and your career?
At its worst, my conditions have me emotionally reactive where tears spill over often and I have a deep sadness that is hard to explain to others. I have always been able to work and have been highly successful throughout my career. I have learned to schedule more time for myself and to remind myself to put my oxygen mask on first before I help others. At their best, my conditions have allowed me to understand others on a level that some can’t, and I have developed life and communication skills that I now teach to others. I am aligned with several organizations that promote athlete mental health, mental health advocacy in general, and with LGBTQ people which brings my life full circle.
What words of encouragement would you give to someone struggling with a condition similar to yours?
You are allowed to rest and you don’t have to be perfect. You are good enough because you exist. You can learn the tools to improve your life experience and positively impact others and be highly successful—no matter what that looks like to you. You matter and you are loved deeply. It’s time you love yourself also.
What motivated you to join The Stability Network?
I first learned about The Stability Network through Kyle Elliott. I hired him as a Business Coach and I noticed he was a Stability Leader and wanted to learn more about the organization.
What resources (books, videos, websites) have helped and/or inspired you on your journey?
Attached by Amir Levine
Athlete Soul: volunteer organization for athletes
PFLAG: I speak for PFLAG as a volunteer to help LGBTQ advocacy
Advanced Sports Technology: I am a Mental Fitness Specialist and Group Facilitator for youth and young adults in sport
Is there anything else you want to say or share?
My book, Get Stuck In!, is about my journey as a business owner and I share how I have worked through depression over the past several years as well as help others become entrepreneurs and manage transitions in life and sport.