Chelsea’s Story
Welcome to a new series of guest blogs, featured every Friday. These articles are a platform for guests to share their personal journeys, revealing how they embrace an unwasted life. Dive in to discover Chelsea’s unfiltered, sincere, and heartfelt story on her journey to sobriety.
As the daughter of an alcoholic, I never dreamed I’d need recovery myself.
After witnessing the destruction that this disease causes families, I wanted no part of it. Fast forward to my Junior year in High School. A friend offered a drink, and I took it. Immediately, a sense of peace and confidence came over me. This cycle repeated itself countless times over the next several years. With each year came less ability to control the amount I drank. My drinking began as pure fun. Gradually, it became fun mixed with problems. Within a relatively short time, it descended into nothing but problems.
After graduation, I joined the Indiana Army National Guard. Upon returning home from Basic Combat Training and AIT, I enrolled in college. My four years of service brought a sense of duty, purpose, achievement and pride in myself and my country. Wonderful memories and friends were made. Outwardly, things seemed great. However, my struggles with alcohol worsened. As time went on, opioids, anxiety, and major depression entered the scene. This resulted in not being able to deploy to Iraq with my unit. The shame, guilt and sense of failure I felt are hard to fully describe.
By my mid-20’s, I became unable to stop drinking or using. Nearly every day consisted of promises to myself or others that I’d stay sober, followed by failure to follow through. I went to therapy, took medication, and surrounded myself with wonderful people, all in an effort to alleviate the depression. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t understand my utter inability to either drink normally or stop completely. Thoughts of hopelessness and wanting to end my life plagued me.
Out of desperation, I wandered into the 12 step meetings I’d attended with my Dad growing up. I was met with many new and familiar faces. They explained the progressive, fatal nature of alcoholism and offered a real solution. A mentor led me through the process of finding faith in something greater than me, taking a personal inventory, and making amends for the harm I’d caused. He led by example in living authentically, with integrity. He showed me how to engage in prayer and meditation. This recovery process established a relationship with God that continues today.
Seven years later, I’m happily sober. Shame and low self esteem have been replaced with gratitude for the life I get to live. Recovery has given me a life I never dreamed possible. I’m able to be a fully present daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I’ve been blessed to mentor others on this path, and have watched many lives be saved and transformed. Instead of hiding in shame, I’m now sharing my story with service members and civilians alike. My past doesn’t have to define my future, nor does yours.
Many people assume recovered alcoholics have to “white knuckle” sobriety daily. Friends, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be so. At some point in my journey, my focus shifted from avoiding the substances to running toward my dreams. My identity and purpose are finally in view. I know my life was spared in order to help others find hope and recovery. Not one day of this second chance at life is to be taken for granted.
“Recovery has given me a life I never dreamed possible.” - Chelsea Anderson
Sadly, several people whom I love dearly have lost their lives to alcoholism and depression. One of them is my friend Jesse. Jesse was only a few years older than I, with a smile and sense of humor that lit up a room. He made every person around him feel valued. He provided guidance and support during several pivotal moments in my life. Unfortunately, Jesse stopped doing the work of recovery. I’ll never forget the day Jesse died by suicide. I still remember the feelings of shock, disbelief and grief. This experience created a new level of empathy within me. Jesse’s death sparked a fire inside me to help as many people as possible. I want to be for others what he was for me: a voice of hope and unconditional love. Thus, my mental health advocacy, blog, and podcast were born.
Recovered Life podcast was launched in August 2022, with the mission of making mental health, recovery and resilience cool. Each episode features individuals on the front lines of the mental health battlefield, whether for themselves, their loved ones, or professionally. My goal is to give a human face to the mental health issues people are afraid to talk about. Along with personal stories, listeners will hear about practical ways to help those who are struggling. I hope you’ll join the Recovered Life family.
If you’re trapped in addiction or any mental health battle, you’re not alone. Myself and many others would love to offer support however we can. Isolation kills people. Supportive communities save lives. Although I’m not a mental health professional, I’d love to help you find resources and safe places to seek help. As a former soldier, I’m committed to advocating for mental health resources for all service members, veterans and their families. I’m grateful for your service.
To every individual and family fighting these battles, please know your life matters. Remember, you are loved. We need you here. Please, stay.
If you’d like to know more about my work, please visit www.therecoveredlife.com and follow me @recoveredlife on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you! Recovered Life podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. For service members and veterans in the USA, call or text 988, then press 1.
Chelsea, we’re grateful for your openness in sharing your impactful narrative with such authenticity. Your vulnerability is truly valued, and there's no doubt that your words will bring comfort and motivation to those who read them. Thank you for sharing your story!
Interested in sharing your story? Send me a message.