Stigma Silenced [Stories Spoken]: A Mental Health Podcast

Because I Needed to Survive - Jessica Austin Part II

In this episode, Jessica shares her journey of survival, resilience, and rediscovery. From growing up in an abusive home to being silenced, she speaks openly about what it means to “do what you have to do to survive.” Jessica reflects on the weight of stigma surrounding trauma, self-harm, and mental health, and how learning to share her story without shame has become an act of healing. - View transcript here. [https://hdi.uky.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jessica-Part-Two-Transcript.pdf] - The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are that of the guest speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or opinions of The University of Kentucky, The Human Development Institute, or any related entities.

Validation, and the Survivor it Created with Jessica

In this episode, Jessica opens up about growing up in an environment marked by abuse, her struggle to accept words like “victim” and “survivor,” and the years-long process of finding validation, community, and healing. Jessica shares how trauma shaped her mental health journey—from CPTSD, depression, and anxiety to the breakthrough moment of meeting a therapist who truly listened. Now, as she works to stop cycles of generational trauma, Jessica reflects on grief, guilt, mourning, and the power of community. - Transcript [https://hdi.uky.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Jessica-Part-One-Transcript.pdf] - The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are that of the guest speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or opinions of The University of Kentucky, The Human Development Institute, or any related entities.

The Myth of Worthy Suffering with Trenton

In this episode of Stigma Silenced, Trenton shares his journey of navigating his diagnoses of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder—and the stigma that comes with them. He opens up about the perfectionism and emotional spirals that shape his daily life, the misunderstandings he’s faced from both loved ones and professionals, and the damaging myth that mental illness only comes from trauma or hardship. Trenton reflects on friendship, work, and the ongoing work of self-acceptance, offering reassurance and empowerment to anyone living with highly stigmatized mental health conditions. - Transcript PDF [https://hdi.uky.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Trenton-Transcript.pdf] - The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are that of the guest speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or opinions of The University of Kentucky, The Human Development Institute, or any related entities.

Inside NAMI Northern Kentucky with Danei Edelen

This is a short spotlight featuring someone who’s been involved with NAMI Northern Kentucky, Danei Edelen. She speaks on her experience with its Peer-to-Peer program, what that experience meant to her, and how it shaped her passion for mental health and sleep education. This is not a full episode, just a personal reflection—but one that offers a meaningful look at how lived experience can lead to purpose. Enjoy! - View the transcript here. [https://hdi.uky.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Danei-Insight-Transcript.pdf] - The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or opinions of the University of Kentucky, the Human Development Institute, or any related entities.

How are you sleeping? Sleep Hygiene and Mental Health with Danei Edelen

This episode contains discussion of hospitalization, psychosis, hallucinations, and medication. Danei Edelen, Executive Director of NAMI Northern Kentucky, shares her experience with psychosis in her 40s with no prior symptoms. She discusses the critical role sleep hygiene plays in mental health and how lack of rest contributed to her crisis. View transcript here. [https://hdi.uky.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Danei-Edelen-Part-1.pdf] - The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or opinions of the University of Kentucky, the Human Development Institute, or any related entities.