Serena Pergola speaks about her struggles with Anxiety alongside being a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence. Serena also suffers with chronic pain issues, such as migraines and back pains caused by being a completive gymnast. Serena has helped release a book which speaks upon the troubles of sexual assault in the world of competitive gymnastics.

[00:00 – 14:40] Opening Segment.

• Serena tells us her background and some of the struggles she is overcoming in her life.
• Serena opens up about her sexual abuse as well as her domestic abuse.
• She tells us about being a competitive gymnast and the positive and negatives that came along with that role.
• Serena tells us about her struggles with anxiety attacks and how she copes with them.
• Serena explains how adopting healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercising and going to the gym, helped her along with her journey.

[14:41 – 26:34] Safe Place.

• Serena tells us about her support system and how her Mum has always been a ‘safe place’ for her.
• Serena talks about how opening up to her Mum about her mental health struggles allowed her room to heal alongside someone she trusts and loves.
• She talks about how giving therapy a chance is greatly important and how she is glad that she kept trying as it has helped her along with her mental health journey.
• Serena talks about how important it is to find the right things that work for you.

[26:35 – 34:10] Advice.

• Serena gives advice, to anyone who may be listening, about opening up about your struggles.
• She tells us about how you should be patient to yourself and not feel pressured into always speaking about your issues, only when you feel comfortable.
• Serena tells us the importance of celebrating the small things in your life, even if it is only you getting yourself out of bed.
• Serena tells us the importance of disregarding people’s opinions who are not fighting your corner or have the best interests for you.

[34:11 – 37:15] Closing Segment.

• Serena tells us where we can find her on social media and how she would love to get connected with people.
• Serena tells us her valuable advice to her younger self.

Tweetable Quotes:

‘If you are living as your true self, you are already in your healing journey’. – Serena Pergola.

‘The people that are meant to love you, will love you anyway’. – Serena Pergola.

‘Lean in and live your truth, because you belong here’. Serena Pergola.

‘Be you, don’t be anyone else’. – Serena Pergola.

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***DISCLAIMER***: A fair warning, topics may include triggering content regarding mental health, such as talks about depression, self-harm, or even suicide.  We are not specialists or advisers, use content at your own risk because the information on Real People, Honest Talks are based on personal experiences and the ideas should not be considered professional advice. P.A.V.E  is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in these podcasts available for listening on this site. The primary purpose of these podcasts is to raise awareness, educate and inform. This podcast does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services.