Depression & Substance Abuse -Krissy Story

Summary of the Video (Krissy’s Story on Depression, Substance Abuse, and Recovery)

Krissy explains how a difficult childhood and multiple traumatic losses contributed to depression and substance use. Her father was intermittently involved in her life, and her home environment included addiction, involving her stepdad and his children.

She describes early exposure to drugs and dangerous situations, later turning to opioids after the death of her two-year-old daughter in London. She says drugs initially helped her feel numb and cope with unbearable grief, and that depression returned after her mother’s recent death—leading to relapse and current active use.

Krissy emphasizes the need for love, support, and understanding from family. She also shares that she plans to enter rehab to get her children back and rebuild her life.

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Key Wellness / Self-Care Strategies and Recovery Ideas Mentioned

• Seek support for grief and trauma

  • Krissy credits her mother’s presence and help coping with her daughter’s death and the impact it had on her family.
  • She stresses that isolation makes things harder and that she needs love and support, not judgment.

• Use rehab as a structured turning point

  • After earlier sobriety, she reports going to rehab and getting a job, which helped her stabilize and stay clean for a period.

• Recognize the role of numbness in substance use

  • She notes that drugs didn’t solve underlying problems, but they numbed her—a key insight into why relapse and depression become linked.

• Plan for re-entry and rebuilding goals

  • She connects recovery to future direction: returning to rehab, regaining custody of her children, and working toward longer-term goals (such as opening a store).

• Stay away from stigma/labels; aim for care instead

  • She says she dislikes being labeled “an addict” and frames her situation as “going through a rough time,” highlighting the need for compassionate communication.

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Productivity / Life-Rebuilding Actions Mentioned (During Earlier Sobriety)

• Get a job after rehab (she described working installing wigs).
• Create plans and goals for the future (store idea, getting children back).

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Presenters / Sources

• Krissy (speaker/storyteller)