Opening Up About My Mental Health, How a Wellness Retreat Helped Me Overcome Past Trauma
Last summer, I took a step that changed my life in ways I never imagined. I checked myself into a mental health retreat for 30 days—no phone, no distractions, just me and my journey to healing. It was, hands down, the best experience I’ve ever had.
Realizing I Needed Help
As nurses, we’re so used to giving everything we have to our patients, our families, and our communities that we often forget to leave something for ourselves. I was at that point. Burnout had crept in, and I felt like I was running on empty. I knew I needed to do something drastic, so I decided to take the plunge and dedicate a month to reconnecting with myself.
The retreat was at Beachway Therapy Center, and it provided a safe space to process my feelings and work through past trauma with the help of incredible therapists. The days were structured with therapy sessions, mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and time for self-reflection. At first, it was terrifying to disconnect from my phone and the outside world, but it turned out to be the most freeing experience. For the first time in years, I could hear my own thoughts without the noise of notifications and social media.
The Power of Community
What I didn’t expect was the sense of community I found. I met people from all walks of life who were there for their own reasons, but we all shared a common goal: to heal and grow. We laughed, cried, and supported each other through our journeys. These connections reminded me of the power of empathy and how we can lift each other up when we’re at our lowest.
Taking Care of Yourself Isn’t Selfish - It’s Essential
This experience taught me that taking care of myself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. I came back with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of who I am. I’ve carried those lessons into my work and my personal life, and I feel more balanced and present than ever.
Camp NurseCon - Helping Nurses To Reconnect
This transformative journey inspired me to create Camp NurseCon, the ultimate summer camp retreat for nurses to reconnect with ourselves. It’s a space where nurses can step away from the demands of their roles, embrace self-care, and build meaningful connections with others who truly understand the challenges we face. Camp NurseCon offers nurses a chance to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover their passion in a supportive and inspiring environment.
🏕Camp NurseCon is an all-inclusive experience—meals, activities, lodging, education, and unforgettable memories are covered! Just bring yourself and your adventurous spirit. Registration opens February 7th! Ready to join the waitlist? Text 50329 to join the waitlist or click here to sign up now.
Taking Time To Unwind and Recharge!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re losing touch with yourself, I encourage you to consider taking time for your mental health. Whether it’s a retreat, therapy, or simply setting aside a few minutes each day to breathe and reflect, you’re worth the investment.
This journey wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. As nurses, we always say you can’t pour from an empty cup. I’m here to tell you it’s okay to step back and refill yours. Your health, happiness, and well-being matter, too.