In this episode, Anastasia Zadeik, an accomplished writer and editor, shares her personal journey dealing with depression and anxiety and how these struggles culminated in a mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The candid conversation offers a deep dive into the reality of mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Major takeaways from this episode include:

• The Dangers of Perfectionism: Anastasia's need for perfection, driven by societal pressures and high expectations, led to self-loathing and anxiety. This highlights the importance of self-acceptance over striving for unattainable perfection.
• The Impact of Mental Health on Daily Life: Anastasia's experiences remind us how mental health struggles can significantly affect day-to-day life. Everyday triggers can lead to intense emotional responses, underscoring the complexity of mental health issues.
• The Importance of Seeking Help: Anastasia's decision to reach out during her crisis illustrates the crucial role of seeking help. This episode serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles and help is always available.

Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and narrative nonfiction storyteller. Her debut novel, "Blurred Fates," won the 2023 Sarton Award for Contemporary Fiction and the 2023 National Indie Excellence Award in Contemporary Fiction. Anastasia serves as Director of Communications for the San Diego Writers Festival and as a mentor for the literary nonprofit So Say We All. Learn more at anastasiazadeik.com or follow her on Instagram or Facebook @anastasiazadeik.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to Ear Worthy - Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards

https://podnews.net/press-release/ear-worthy-awards-2024