In a world where mental health journeys are rarely straightforward, Nellie’s story stands as a testament to resilience, self-advocacy and hope. After facing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, the loss of family members and the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life, Nellie’s experience offers guidance for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and well-being in 2026. The following five steps were inspired by her journey.
1. Begin by Setting Goals
Progress begins with intention. For Nellie, setting goals became a way to reclaim agency over her life after trauma and loss. Her WellPower therapist, Dulcie Austin, LCSW, LAC, played a pivotal role by helping Nellie focus on achievable milestones.
Instead of aiming for perfection, Nellie identified areas for growth and celebrated incremental progress. For example, she and Dulcie would set a goal and then review her achievements together. Even small steps forward built momentum for bigger changes. Nellie’s journey showed that progress was possible when she broke challenges into manageable pieces and recognized each accomplishment along the way.
“One of the ways I knew Dulcie was different than the other therapists I’d worked with was how she had me set goals for myself each session, and then we’d talk about what progress I’d made at my next one,” said Nellie. “I appreciated that we didn’t just spend time going over the same topics or focusing only on my past; she helped me identify the future I wanted for myself, and then we worked on ways for me to achieve that.”
Having trouble figuring out what your goals are? You can start by asking yourself what you’d like to be different in your life, then think about how you’d like to see it change. Some questions Nellie recommends are:
- How are my relationships with my loved ones?
- What would I like to see more or less of in my life?
- What daily challenges do I face?
2. Practice Your Boundaries
Learning to say no was one of the hardest lessons Nellie faced, especially since her family depended on her for everything. She struggled with guilt when she tried to assert her own needs, fearing that her loved ones might resent her. The first time Nellie advocated for herself, it was painful—she admitted that it hurt her more than it hurt those she spoke to, as she lived with a persistent sense of guilt.
“I had to learn that boundaries were a form of self-preservation for me and for the people I love,” said Nellie. “When I learned how to say ‘no’ to requests as a way to protect my peace, then I was able to better show up for myself, my husband and my children. I felt more balanced and like I had more capacity, but it took me a long time to work through my guilt about it.”
Over time, Nellie realized that practicing boundaries was not about shutting people out, but about protecting her own well-being so she could show up authentically for herself and others.
An important thing that Nellie had to learn about boundaries was that they’re all about your own responses to given situations. Here are a few examples of what boundaries sound like:
- “I’m not comfortable with this conversation, so I’m going to remove myself from it right now.”
- “I can’t wait to visit soon! I’ll be staying at a hotel to ensure we all have our own space.”
- “I wish I could help, and I don’t have the capacity right now.”
Notice a pattern? Just like Nellie discovered, boundaries are statements that reflect your own behavior and responses to situations – you are the only one you can control.
3. Celebrate Your Wins Along the Way
Amid grief and hardship, Nellie made it a point to recognize her achievements, no matter how small. She took pride in milestones that once seemed impossible—getting married, earning her diploma and regaining her driver’s license after many years. Nellie set a goal to earn her diploma before her oldest child graduated high school and she accomplished it, celebrating both her own and her child’s success.
“I tried over and over again to get my high school diploma, and every time I’d find a reason not to go forward,” she said. “But being in therapy with Dulcie helped me to find the determination to achieve my goals, and then to celebrate them. I am so proud of myself for accomplishing these things, especially after dealing with some of the hardest years of my life so recently.”
These victories, whether big or small, built her confidence and reinforced her belief that progress was possible. Nellie’s pride in her accomplishments served as a powerful reminder to honor personal milestones, even when life felt overwhelming.
Rather than waiting until she’d achieved all of her goals to cheer for herself, Nellie found ways to celebrate through each win. These points of joy and happiness along her journey infused her with more motivation and determination to keep pushing forward, even through challenges.
4. Seek Help When You Need It
Asking for help was necessary for Nellie, as opposed to feeling like she had to do everything on her own. Her journey with therapy at WellPower began when she realized she could not navigate her struggles alone. She tried multiple therapists before finding Dulcie, who became a crucial support. Nellie never missed a session with Dulcie, especially during the difficult period after her brother’s death. Dulcie went above and beyond, and became an anchor for Nellie during her darkest moments.
Seeking help also meant advocating for herself—Nellie learned that if she did not speak up, no one else would do it for her. Her willingness to reach out for support and to persist in finding the right therapist was a key part of her recovery.
“I learned the hard way that, even when I was making progress, life would still throw challenges and pain my way,” said Nellie. “I lost so many people in 2023. I’d been doing great in my therapy, really sticking to my goals and then suddenly my brother was killed. Then four more of my loved ones died, one after another. I needed help clawing my way out of that darkness, and Dulcie was there for me in every way.”
There will always be challenges in life – some large, some small. Knowing when to seek help, especially for your mental health, can ensure that you don’t face the hardships of life alone. To get support with WellPower, call us at (303) 504-7900.
5. Don’t Give Up
Recovery was not a straight line for Nellie. Her story was filled with setbacks, but her persistence kept her moving forward. She believed that the dark places she found herself in were not permanent and that with time, she would be able to smile again and celebrate life’s moments.
“If you had asked me even a year ago whether I’d be at a point that I could smile, laugh or feel joy again, I don’t think I could have said yes,” said Nellie. “I was in such a dark place, but a little voice in me said not to give up. I listened to that voice. I wavered, I struggled and I wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t give up. WellPower and Dulcie, especially, were there with me, and with their support, I’ve found my way to joy and peace again. It feels amazing.”
For Nellie and many others working on their mental health, progress was not instantaneous—only by continuing to move forward could she make real change. Her journey through postpartum depression, grief and family challenges demonstrated that perseverance paid off. Even when the path was unclear, Nellie’s determination to keep going was the key to getting better.
“I want people to know that you have to keep trying,” she said. “Therapy and other mental health services aren’t a magic fix that work instantly. They take time and work, and it’s so worth the effort. When I look back on how far I’ve come, I still can’t believe it. It hasn’t been easy or straightforward, but I’ve done it. And I’m going to continue working towards the future I want for me and for the people I love.”
Want to Access Mental Health Services at WellPower? Here’s How:
If you need mental health support, WellPower is here to help. Click here to learn about accessing mental health services at WellPower or call (303) 504-7900. We gladly welcome Medicaid members, and we accept a range of Medicare and commercial insurance plans.
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