Allison Joy Sturm

Throughout my life, God has put many people in my path - beginning with my parents and siblings, then my husband and children and countless others who have shaped my life through their love, friendship, mentorship, and willingness to walk alongside me. My parents, in particular set the foundation by their example of faith that has provided strength and direction. My years in pastoral ministry, the individuals and families I have accompanied, and the experiences we've shared have profoundly influenced who I am. My mentor, Mary Glowaski, helped me to see that my worth is in "who I am" and not what I do. My lifelong friend Kelly Prindle, made it safe for me to share my deepest and darkest thoughts and to consider next steps - including starting this blog. Jacqueline, the young woman I encountered through my work with persons with disabilities trusted me with her story and spoke the words that touched my heart, rocked me to the core, and inspired me to be more open about my own mental health struggles. Her words also serve as the title for my blog, "My mental illness doesn't define me, but it is part of how God made me... so what does He want me to do with this? I also want to acknowledge the impact that Brené Brown has had on me. She doesn't know me yet she feels like a friend. Her Netflix special challenged how I considered vulnerability and courage. I love her masterful storytelling (probably why I have watched it 21 times) and her message helped me to feel safe to move.

Each moment in my life has helped to form the person I am today with a passion to serve with empathy, authenticity, and humility. Every struggle—including grief, mental illness, and personal loss—has deepened my compassion and strengthened my commitment to helping others feel seen, heard, and valued.

I wouldn't consider it advice, rather it is what I've witnessed in others that I respect and admire. It is the desire to be known for being kind, compassionate, authentic, transparent, and trustworthy. It's not worrying about having the answers. It's about being present and open to what someone is trying to teach me, to listen to what they tell me they need, and to do my best to accompany them. I advocate for others but only speak for myself. I use "I" statements as I have come to a place where I realize that "I am enough" and don't need to be part of a "we" to be heard and valued.

I love to invite people to tell their story. Not only do I learn what is important to them but it often teaches me something about myself. Sometimes the person articulates a thought or feeling that I have struggled to find the words to express. It helps me to feel seen and known. Sometimes the person shares something difficult - a trying time, perhaps a choice or mistake made and I feel a compassion for them. It reminds me to consider extending that same gentleness to myself when I struggle. It also helps me recognize how far I have come in my own journey. And sometimes what a person shares gives me hope of what is possible. 

I believe that God's love is revealed through the triumphs and tragedies of our lives. I think our stories matter and can make a difference for others.

As a mental health advocate, I am motivated to address the stigma that exists towards people, like myself, who live with mental illness. I believe this begins with those who have a lived experience to be intimately involved in the process to work towards solutions. I believe an effective way to do this is through personal storytelling as it relates to any one of the seven components widely accepted for overall mental wellness: therapy and professional support, community connection, physical care, intellectual engagement, environmental awareness, healthy boundaries, and intentional self-care.

People's stories can expand the conversation beyond statistics and practical data that highlights and illustrates the realities that individuals living with mental illness face. To this end, I created a blog where I talk about my ongoing depression, anxiety, OCD, an eating disorder from the past, and overcoming alcoholism most recently. Talking openly about my struggles has freed me from the shame I once carried. I have been inspired by others who shared their stories that has made it safe for me to tell mine. Perhaps something I say will resonate with someone else and help. I hope this is one small part of effort that can effect meaningful change for people struggling with mental illness.

My life and work are guided by faith, authenticity, compassion, empathy, kindness, humility, and service. I believe every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to be fully seen beyond their struggles. I value accompanying people rather than trying to fix them, listening without judgment, extending grace to myself and others, and trusting God's purpose even during life's most difficult seasons. Above all, I strive to live with honesty, love deeply, continue learning, and use my experiences to help others feel less alone.