More Than a Diagnosis: Kellye Smith on Chronic Illness, Identity, and Advocacy
Release Date: 06/03/2025
Inside Source
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What if wellness wasn’t something extra—but essential? In this heartfelt conversation, Carrie Smith, Director of Student Care and Outreach at the University of Georgia, shares her winding career journey from corporate PR in New York to founding a groundbreaking student support program in Athens. Carrie opens up about mental health, meaningful pivots, and the power of simply “taping ankles”—creating space for students to be heard, seen, and supported. From suicide prevention (QPR training) to why back-to-school photos can unexpectedly trigger deep reflection, this episode is an honest...
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What if the changes you're feeling aren't "just in your head"? In this dynamic follow-up episode of Inside Source, psychiatrist Dr. Avani Patel returns to unpack how hormones profoundly impact women’s mental health, especially high achievers navigating burnout, social media pressures, and unrealistic expectations. From decoding hormonal shifts to building boundaries, Dr. Patel offers expert insights, empowering stories, and practical tools for listening to your body, trusting your gut, and advocating for your wellbeing.
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In this episode of Inside Source, we sat down with psychiatrist Dr. Avani Patel for a timely conversation recorded during Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Patel opens up about her journey into psychiatry, the hidden cost of high achievement, and why women—especially those in leadership—need to rethink self-care, boundaries, and burnout. From the biological differences in how men and women process stress to debunking the biggest myths around therapy and medication, this episode is packed with practical insights and empowering encouragement. Whether you’re juggling boardrooms, bedtime,...
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What happens when life brings a diagnosis you never saw coming? In this deeply personal episode of Inside Source, Kellye Smith opens up about living with a chronic, invisible illness while raising three boys, leading in the workforce, and redefining what success looks like. From navigating seizures and wheelchairs to showing up with purpose and humor, Kellye shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, identity, and advocating for a more compassionate workplace. Her story is a reminder that anyone can become “the one”—and that with the right support, we all can thrive.
info_outlineWhat happens when life brings a diagnosis you never saw coming? In this deeply personal episode of Inside Source, Kellye Smith opens up about living with a chronic, invisible illness while raising three boys, leading in the workforce, and redefining what success looks like. From navigating seizures and wheelchairs to showing up with purpose and humor, Kellye shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, identity, and advocating for a more compassionate workplace. Her story is a reminder that anyone can become “the one”—and that with the right support, we all can thrive.