Shaley Speaks
Bio
Wife. Mom. Creator.
Politics. Life. Motherhood. Fiction. Music.
I love it all. I hope you do, too.
Stories (47)
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Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss, difficulties maintaining a healthy weight, and oftentimes, a distorted body image, and it actually isn’t about food at all. In reality, this disorder is an unhealthy and possibly life-threatening way to cope with emotional issues surrounding a negative body image and poor self worth. At any given moment, 0.4% of young women and 0.1% of young men will suffer from anorexia nervosa.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Society's Impact on Body Image
How often do you scroll through Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or any other social media platform, and see beautiful women, gorgeous men, and individuals that appear absolutely perfect? For me, it’s daily. As a freelancer and lover of social media, I use my platforms often, and I’ve grown tired of the unrealistic standards society has created. This image that everyone has a perfect life, a rocking body, and a mountain of money is a lie. No one is perfect, not even that Instagram influencer model with the perfect tan, beautiful house, and travel history one dreams of -- she has struggles, worries, and dreams she wishes to achieve just like you and me.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Social Distancing is Screwing with My Mental Health
I had every intention of writing something more meaningful, more powerful. Something that may help others or make an impact. But as I sat on my couch evaluating each option and the content it would include, I found myself thinking about everything else... then eventually thinking about nothing.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Longevity
It's Okay, Me Too
There’s so much fear and shame surrounding sexual assault or abuse. Many victims would prefer keeping quiet to avoid being judged or dealing with the backlash from others. Today’s society has turned its back on those who have experienced sexual abuse, simply choosing to blame the victim rather than taking a good look at the monsters that commit the crime. Being a victim of sexual abuse often leads to other mental health illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and possibly suicide. Speaking out on a public platform about my experience isn’t easy, but I think it’s about time it happens.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Viva
An Open Letter to My Husband
Before you, I thought it was normal to feel inadequate in a relationship. Before you, I was so used to being spoken to in a condescending tone. Before you, I thought “real love” included putting up with emotional abuse. Before you, I had no idea what “real love” was.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Humans
Ashley's Anxieties
Okay, people. I’m about to get so real with you. More so than I ever have. I’m going to share my doubts, worries, and anxieties. I’m going to be an open book for those who can’t. Not everyone is comfortable talking about what goes on inside of their mind, some can’t. We are afraid of judgement. We are afraid of lost relationships. We are afraid of rejection. But, most of all, I think we feel ashamed. Ashamed that we can’t control our minds, ashamed that we can’t control our anxieties. And guess what? It’s okay. We are human. Our brains may be wired just a little differently than the person next to us, and that’s okay! So, buckle up ladies and gents, as I dive deep into my own mind and share all you need to know about my struggle with anxiety.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Pandemic Anxieties
It’s no secret that those of us suffering from anxiety have noticed some changes in our mental health throughout this global pandemic. Some may be improving, feeling less anxious about things like social gatherings, public appearances, or just being able to enjoy staying home. Others may feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders as they struggle with feelings of isolation and fear, worrying about their loved ones or how they will make ends meet. Maybe those who had never experienced anxiety before are feeling lost in unfamiliar thoughts and feelings. Whatever it may be, we are all going through changes. I’ve talked with a few individuals and asked them to share how this global pandemic has altered their mental health, specifically anxiety.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Let's Get Real
We’ve all heard the word “depression.” We’ve all known someone with “depression.” But for those that don’t suffer, it may be hard to understand. What IS “depression?” How does it work? Why does it turn our loved ones into people we don’t recognize? Why does it push people to take their own lives? Unfortunately, doctors and scientists don’t have answers for every single aspect of depression, but there is a lot of research that explains the ins and outs of it. I’m here to share some of the research I’ve compiled to help those without depression understand those with depression. The stigma around individuals who struggle with it, or any mental health illness, has created a barrier - I want to break that barrier. I also want to make it clear that I am NOT a mental health clinician, only an individual that has suffered with multiple mental health illnesses and witnessed firsthand how this stigma has affected others.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Life with Depression
The surface of the earth is about 197 million square miles and home to 7.6 billion people. In roughly two years, 260 million more babies will be born. Now imagine those 260 million babies as individuals of all different ages, ethnicities, and genders. Add another five million individuals to that and you have 265 million people, all over the world. That’s how many people suffer from depression. I’m one of them. My name is Ashley and I’m 27 years old. I was diagnosed with depression almost 14 years ago, but I’ve struggled with it most of my life. In my early twenties, my diagnosis shifted from “depression” to “major depressive disorder.” It has never gone away and I’ve never been “cured.” I have good and bad days. Others generally see me as a cheerful person, because I don’t want them to experience my pain or show pity. Life with depression isn’t always bad and it doesn’t always entail sleeping too much or not at all, crying every day, feeling hopeless, or having thoughts of suicide. I’m here to share my story and raise awareness of what living with depression can look like to someone on the outside.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Psyche
Becoming a Heart Mom
Earlier this year, my family experienced one of the scariest moments of our lives. The series of events that occurred were things we never thought we’d have to go through, but that happen to hundreds of families across the globe. Before this experience, I was just a mom. My son was just a regular 7-year-old kid. Although I am still a mom and he is still my son, a few things have changed, and I’d be lying if I said it isn’t scary.
By Shaley Speaks6 years ago in Families
