From Survivor to Thriver
We speak with real people who are shattering mental health stigmas and finding their voices. We aim to normalize discussions around mental health topics and remind our audience: "it's perfectly ok to not always be ok."
From Survivor to Thriver
Standing Up And Speaking Out About The Mental Health Crisis In The Military with Jakia Lindley
In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Jakia Lindley to talk about her experience in the military and how the way she was treated and abused by the men she was surrounded with led to a major mental health crisis.
In her book, Jakia channeled her experiences into a resource she hopes will help people in similar situations; normalizing coming together as survivors to offer support and encouragement to each other as they come forward and share their stories.
From an early age, Jakia Lindley dreamed of being a judge, an attorney, or somehow being a part of something bigger than herself. She joined the military in 2010 and is currently a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Lindley studied criminal justice and psychology at the American Military University before switching her focus to business management.
In her newly released book War at Home, she relived several painful personal experiences in the hopes of breaking the silence, destroying the stigma, and ending the cycle that is too common for those in toxic, abusive relationships. Jakia believes that by working together, we can forge a stronger, more positive culture, one that makes the world safer for us as well as future generations.
Aside from writing, her passions in life are uplifting others, teaching as a Certified Master Resiliency Trainer and as a Certified Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate, fine food and wine, art, music, and last, but certainly not least, binge-watching her favorite shows.
In today’s episode we cover:
- The sexual harassment and abuse Jakia experienced in the military
- What motivated Jakia in her darkest hours
- Suicidal thoughts and what pulls you out of it
- Why she realized she had to stay in the military
- The mental health crisis that resulted from her experience
- The steps Jakia took toward mental health healing
- What led Jakia to write her book
We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Jakia. If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and check out her book here. You can also follow her on Instagram.
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Links:
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
“People come to me all the time and ask if I will be there for them. And I’m there. Without a doubt, without a question.” -Jakia
“Sometimes your strongest friends are the ones suffering the most.” -Jakia
“It’s important to find your own path. No one's path has the same steps in it towards better wellness.” -Marc