Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Diaz.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I became a mental health advocate in 2019, after I hit rock bottom at the end of 2018. For so long, I lived my life trying to be what I thought everyone needed me to be. I never stood up for myself, and I allowed unresolved past traumas to take over my mind. Until, one day I wanted to end it all.
After going through that experience and seeing how important it is for you to have a community; a support group of friends, family, and a therapist – it was then that I decided to be a voice for those who are too afraid to express or stick up for themselves when it comes to their mental health.
Currently, I am dealing with a new set of traumas – but had I not gone through what I did in 2018 and put the work in on myself, all while building my small but safe community – this current situation would have broken me. I cannot get into too much right now, but stay tuned for my podcast coming later this year.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh honey! So many struggles BUT that is growth. Those were opportunities for me to activate what I learned while in the behavioral facility for 5 days and the tools given to me by my therapist.
I lost my mom in 2021, and recently my fiancé took his own life. So, while I may be on the road to healing; life is still going to life and I have to keep praying, stay close to that community I built, and do what I can to bring a little joy to my own life. I enjoy photography and traveling. So, I love to combine the two things, which bring me so much joy and takes my mind off of the noise around me.
The struggles are always going to be there, but how you handle them is key. Self-talk is vital and leaning on that support group of friends and family will be imperative.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, my full-time job is an Escrow Officer for a national title company. However, on social media, I am most known for my positive words of encouragement and having the hard conversations surrounding generational trauma, grief, self-love, forgiveness, and so much more.
I think what sets me apart is that I allow myself to be open about my mental health journey and I invite others in to share their stories as well. I have been featured on various podcasts and will soon have my own so I can go deeper into topics that we need to talk about as a society.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Well recently, it would be the loss of my fiancé. I am literally in the middle of navigating that and when I’m ready, I will be sharing my story.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @justcrissyd
Image Credits
Joseph Massey
Shakira Nae Media
