My Life & Journey

My name is Angie, and I was born to Wilmer and Joann Larsen on February 15, 1983. I grew up in a Christian, love-filled home with three siblings — two older (a brother and a sister) and one younger sister. My parents passed away 16 and almost 15 years ago, but the foundation they gave me still guides my life today.

I am a writer and the author of three published books, with a fourth on the way. Writing has become my daily passion and a part of my healing journey.

I now live in Petersburg, Virginia with my three furry children: Bella Grace Larsen, Ginger Shadow Larsen, and Butterscotch Granger Larsen. Bella is my grace — my firstborn — the cat I prayed for and planned to name long before she came into my life. I chose her name while living in a group home setting for people like me who were working through mental health struggles and rebuilding their lives. Today, all three of my cats are my comfort, my joy, and my little family.

My journey with mental health

 

For the last 20 years, I have lived with mental health challenges that began during a period of abuse from my children's father. At the time, I did not realize how deeply those experiences affected my mental health. It was not until almost three years ago that I was diagnosed with depression. As I worked through my depression, I also learned that I was living with two other mental health disorders.

My depression lasted for six years. It began after two of my friends passed away close together. At a time when I was already struggling with loss, I found myself facing another round of grief. Years earlier, I had lost my Mammaw, and then my dad passed away just three to four months later. Losing loved ones back to back was something my heart never fully recovered from.

After my friend died from cystic fibrosis, I was devastated. Then, only three months earlier, my friend Bourne died from an overdose. That was when I crashed emotionally. It felt as if my heart had fallen to the floor and shattered into a trillion pieces. I could not put myself back together again. I felt like Humpty Dumpty, broken and unable to be repaired.

When Bourne died, I learned that he had been struggling with depression and was using drugs to numb his pain. For years, I lived with guilt and constant "what if" questions. What if I had sent him a message before he died? What if I had reached out one more time? Maybe he would still be here. Those thoughts haunted me as I grieved the loss of my friend and my parents.

One day, I had the opportunity to meet Granger Smith, a country singer I greatly admire. I first learned about him nearly five years ago while listening to The Bobby Bones Show, where he was discussing his program, After MidNite with Granger Smith.

Before meeting him, I prayed and asked God for five more minutes with my parents and my friend Bourne. I asked God to give me peace and help me end the suffering that grief had caused in my life.

When I met Granger, I only had about five minutes with him, but those minutes changed my life. I told him about my depression, my grief, my parents, and Bourne. I shared how I blamed myself for Bourne's death and carried the weight of those "what if" thoughts.

Granger spoke the words my heart desperately needed to hear. He told me not to blame myself and reminded me that Bourne's death was not my fault. I then asked him to pray with me.

When Granger placed his hand on my shoulder and began praying, I felt a powerful connection to the Holy Spirit. In that moment, I experienced a sense of peace unlike anything I had ever known. I felt as though God had answered my prayer and given me the comfort I had been seeking.

In my heart, I saw my parents and Bourne. I heard the words I needed to hear: that Bourne's death was not my fault and that he was at peace. Bourne had a smile that could light up the world, and while I miss seeing that smile here on Earth, I believe that smile now lights up Heaven.

Today, I live with PTSD and anxiety disorder. I take medication as prescribed and continue to care for my mental health. Over the past year, my mental health has reached a place of stability and wellness. I have now been free from depression for approximately 2 years and 8 months.

Because of my journey, I have become an advocate for mental health awareness. I want others to know that healing is possible. For me, faith in Jesus, professional mental health treatment, and the support of a caring psychiatrist all played important roles in my recovery.

The night I experienced my mental health breakdown, I prayed and asked Jesus to save me. I remembered my parents' trust in St. Mary's Hospital and sought the help I needed. That decision became an important step in my recovery.

Today, I share my story because I want others to know there is hope. No matter how broken you feel, healing is possible. Reach out, accept support, and take the steps needed to care for your mental health. Recovery is real, and your story is not over.

 

Important facts about mental health

Mental health challenges are far more common than many realize. One in five adults experiences mental illness each year, ranging from depression and anxiety disorders to post-traumatic stress. Struggling with your emotional well-being is never a sign of weakness or personal failure; rather, it is a human experience shaped by trauma, biological factors, and life changes.

Recovery and long-term stability are entirely possible with the right care. Combining professional medical guidance, counseling, open conversations, and a strong personal support system can transform a person's life. Breaking the silence and seeking help early is the most courageous step anyone can take toward lasting healing.

100 mental health facts you should know

1. Mental health affects how you think, feel, and act.
2. Mental health conditions are extremely common worldwide.
3. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders.
4. Anxiety disorders are the most diagnosed mental health condition in the U.S.
5. PTSD can develop after any traumatic event, not just combat.
6. Mental health conditions can be long-term or short-term.
7. Genetics can play a role in mental health.
8. Trauma can change how the brain processes stress.
9. Childhood experiences can shape adult mental health.
10. Mental health conditions can appear at any age.
11. Depression can cause physical symptoms like fatigue.
12. Anxiety can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath.
13. PTSD can cause flashbacks and nightmares.
14. Mental health symptoms can fluctuate day to day.
15. Irritability can be a sign of anxiety or depression.
16. Trouble concentrating is common in many disorders.
17. Sleep problems often accompany mental health conditions.
18. Appetite changes can be linked to mental health.
19. Feeling numb is a symptom of trauma.
20. Panic attacks can feel like heart attacks.
21. Therapy is one of the most effective treatments.
22. Medication can help regulate brain chemistry.
23. Recovery is possible even after long-term mental health struggles.
24. Many people need a combination of therapy and medication.
25. Support groups help people feel less alone.
26. Lifestyle changes can support mental health.
27. Healing is not linear — ups and downs are normal.
28. Early treatment improves long-term outcomes.
29. Mental health treatment is personalized.
30. Many people recover fully with the right support.
31. Mental health conditions involve real changes in the brain.
32. Stress hormones affect mood and memory.
33. Trauma can alter the amygdala and hippocampus.
34. Serotonin and dopamine influence mood.
35. The brain can heal through neuroplasticity.
36. Sleep restores emotional regulation.
37. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system.
38. Anxiety activates the fight-or-flight response.
39. Depression can slow cognitive processing.
40. PTSD can cause hypervigilance.
41. Grief can mimic depression.
42. Trauma can be emotional, physical, or psychological.
43. Losing loved ones can trigger long-term mental health struggles.
44. Childhood trauma can affect adult relationships.
45. Survivors often blame themselves — even when it’s not their fault.
46. Grief has no timeline.
47. Traumatic memories can feel “frozen in time.”
48. Healing from trauma often requires professional support.
49. People can heal even after severe trauma.
50. Grief can resurface years later.
51. Many people hide mental health struggles due to stigma.
52. Mental health conditions are not personal failures.
53. You can live a full life with mental health disorders.
54. Stigma prevents people from seeking help.
55. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
56. Many cultures misunderstand mental illness.
57. Mental health conditions are not “attention seeking.”
58. People with mental illness deserve compassion.
59. Talking about mental health reduces stigma.
60. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness.
61. Social support improves mental health outcomes.
62. Healthy routines help stabilize mood.
63. Journaling can reduce stress.
64. Mindfulness can calm anxiety.
65. Grounding techniques help with PTSD symptoms.
66. Creative expression supports healing.
67. Pets can reduce anxiety and loneliness.
68. Faith and spirituality can support mental wellness.
69. Music can regulate emotions.
70. Nature improves mental clarity.
71. 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness yearly.
72. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
73. PTSD affects millions of people globally.
74. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the U.S.
75. Many people live undiagnosed for years.
76. Women are more likely to experience depression.
77. Men are more likely to hide symptoms.
78. Trauma survivors often develop multiple disorders.
79. Mental illness can affect anyone — any age, any background.
80. Many people recover with proper treatment.
81. People can rebuild their lives after mental illness.
82. Healing can happen even after decades of struggle.
83. Medication can restore balance.
84. Therapy can transform thinking patterns.
85. You can learn to manage triggers.
86. You can live symptom-free for long periods.
87. Many people find purpose after healing.
88. Mental health conditions do not define you.
89. You can grow stronger through recovery.
90. You can help others once you heal.
91. Your story matters.
92. Your pain is real.
93. Your healing is possible.
94. You deserve support.
95. You deserve compassion.
96. You deserve stability.
97. You deserve peace.
98. You deserve joy.
99. You deserve to be heard.
100. You deserve a full, meaningful life.