“People with mental illness are your neighbors, your teachers, your doctors; you can be… successful and have a mental illness.” Leah DeMarest—owner of Flourishing Engagements—has experienced the topic of suicide in both a personal and professional context and understands the stigma associated with suicide and suicide loss. We are thankful that she was willing to spend a few minutes with us!
Leah DeMarest holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology from Walden University, along with holding CADC and T-MHC licenses. She arrived to record with us wearing a #StigmaFighter shirt and is truly an open book when it comes to her history with her own struggles with mental illness, depression, anxiety, and being a suicide attempt survivor, along with her ties to being a suicide loss survivor as well. Throughout our conversation, one piece of advice stands out for loss survivors: seek help.
Help can come in all shapes and sizes. It could take the form of professional guidance, conversations with close friends and family, or your trusted neighbor. It could be in the form of music or art therapy. It could be in a new hobby. It is best in a mixture of all of these things. Just continue talking, reaching out, and trying. We are best when we are one community of people working through our grief journey together.
- Facebook: leahdemarestpsych
- Twitter: leahdemarest21
- Instagram: flourishingengagements
- Phone: 641.521.2778
- Upcoming Speaking Engagements: MentalHealthCon in Estherville on September 27-29. The purpose of this Con is to work together to create a new message about why funding and resources for mental health are vital, pro-life and a moral imperative. Mental Health in the Workplace on October 23rd at The Meadows Event and Conference Center.
Leah is also opening a new location in the Des Moines metro! Flourishing Engagements will now be located in Ash Creek Suites at 2973 100th Street in Urbandale. We would like to send her our most sincere congratulations!
Always remember, you are loved, you are needed, you are appreciated, and you should never feel like you have to walk alone!
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