Sarah Pottieger: The Candid Connection Between Sobriety and Mental Health
I think those of us in this age are kind of on the cusp between Gen Z. They're talking about their feelings, smashing shame, and demystifying all of this. And then, Aunt Karen, sees it and she's like: oh my god, why would you say that?
Imagine planning your dream wedding without a single drop of alcohol. For Sarah Pottieger, this was a reality, and she shares her journey in this episode of 'Sober Stories' with host Beth Bowen. Sarah, the founder of @shestayssober, opens up about how her sobriety journey intertwined with her mental health struggles, especially during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. From following a hashtag to finding a supportive community on Sober Instagram, Sarah's story is one of vulnerability and connection.
Sarah and Beth dive into the changing narrative around mental health and substance use, highlighting the generational shifts in how these topics are discussed. Sarah humorously recounts the mixed reactions she’s received from family members, particularly the bewilderment from her Aunt Karen. The conversation also touches on the ripple effect of sharing one's story and how it can inspire others to seek help and find their own communities.
Listeners will find Sarah's honesty refreshing as she talks about the unexpected challenges and rewards of sobriety. She discusses the importance of creating accessible tools for those on their own sober journeys and shares her plans to continue advocating for mental health and sobriety. Whether you're navigating your own path to sobriety or supporting someone who is, Sarah's story offers valuable insights and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Tune in to hear more about Sarah's experiences, the power of social media in building supportive networks, and the importance of smashing shame and demystifying mental health struggles.