Inspirational Guests

I recently had the incredible honor of speaking at the Out of Darkness Walk, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It was a truly humbling experience to stand alongside hundreds of inspiring individuals, united in the mission to raise awareness and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.  As I addressed the crowd, I was moved by the shared passion and determination evident in the faces of those gathered to bring awareness & hope to all who struggle.

My name is Anita Hartog, and I am excited to share my personal journey with you. I was married to an addict for several years.  It was a challenging experience that had a profound impact on my mental health.  When I met my ex-husband, I fell in love with him and his charisma. However, as time went on, I started to notice that his behavior was getting more and more erratic and unpredictable.  Living with an addict was emotionally and mentally draining. I felt like I was walking on eggshells, constantly worrying about his well-being and trying to manage his addiction. It was a toxic cycle that took a toll on my mental health and left me feeling isolated and alone.  Eventually, I had to make the difficult decision to divorce. While it was the right choice for my own well-being, it was still a painful and challenging experience.  Through my personal journey, I realized the importance of seeking help and support for my mental health. Therapy and self-care practices have helped me heal and move forward from my past experiences.  Now, I am passionate about raising awareness around addiction and other issues that have an impact on our mental health. I want to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to share their stories and seek support.