In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Jeni Simas-Layte, who has navigated depression, divorce, and the challenges of raising a special needs child. Jeni opens up about her struggles during 2021, a year marked by weighty depression and feelings of hopelessness.

Jenny recounts the overwhelming challenges she faced, including the isolation of pandemic lockdowns, the stress of single parenting, and the burden of past traumas. Despite these hardships, she found strength in the support of friends and the courage to seek help through therapy and inpatient care. Her candid discussion highlights the importance of recognizing suicidal ideation and the need for diverse therapeutic modalities.

Today, Jeni is a Sexual Health Alliance certified Sex Coach at The Intimacy Ally, LLC and the host of the podcast Story Time with the Intimacy Ally. She is an ex-military wife, an autism mom, an actor, a social justice warrior, studying to become a social worker, and living a life she once thought unattainable. Her story is a powerful reminder that change is possible, and even in the darkest times, there is always room for hope and transformation.

Chapters:

(00:00 ) Phoenix Wisdom podcast featuring Jeni Simas-Layte

(01:46 ) Jeni lost both parents and her surrogate parent

(08:34 ) Jeni tried to go work in school systems because she got kids in school

(14:33 ) Jeni drank and smoked cigarettes to balance out the depressant of the alcohol

(20:35 ) Jeni went inpatient at Shepherd Pratt

(27:03 ) Inpatient experience changed Jeni

(33:24 ) Having a partner who's not worried about you makes a huge difference

(39:19 ) No two medications are going to work the same on people

(45:52 ) The more we live our lives online, the less human contact we have

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In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.