Behavioral Health Testimonials

The local community members in these stories are coming forward to break the stigma around behavioral health by shattering the silence and celebrating in the resilience of the human spirit. A chemical imbalance, unimaginable trauma or struggle with identity does not define a person. These are experiences, moments, chapters in people’s lives that help them become stronger, wiser and more compassionate. As the people in these stories write the next chapters of their lives, they share what they’ve learned on their journeys to mental health.

“What did you do with the life I gave you?” That single question stopped Coulter Somes in his tracks.

Somes grew up in the Vail Valley, but in college at the University of Kansas, he found himself drawn into the world of parties and binge drinking. It didn’t take long to notice his drinking was different: his tolerance was greater, his focus on alcohol was stronger. Drinking wasn’t a pastime; it was becoming a part of his identity.

It didn’t help that alcoholism was threaded into the fabric of his family. And like many who inherit this battle, he didn’t see the fight until he was already in it. “I have a disease,” he says now. “And I didn’t really have a choice in that.” 

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"That’s our son, Jim. Jim has a lot of addiction issues. We don’t actually know where he is right now.” Chris and Pete have nothing to hide. For 10 years, they have been battling with the reality that their son is completely at the mercy of his disease. Their story is heartbreaking by anyone’s standards, and yet they continue to share it in the hope of helping others who have loved ones struggling with addiction. “A lot of times, people don’t know how to react,” shares Chris. “They just don’t know what to say or what to do. It’s ok to talk about it."

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COVID-19 hit John Shipp from every angle. All at once, the local restauranteur was struggling amidst the stress of halted business, social isolation and surgery from a broken ankle. “Over the years, I’ve gone from being alone and never asking for help, to now including people so that they know I’m struggling,” says John. He understands the topics of mental health and addiction are uncomfortable for some, to which he says, “Well, it’s time to get uncomfortable.” He shares his story to show others a way towards hope.

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While the traumas in her life have broken Karlie into pieces, every triumph gilds her back to wholeness, revealing a more resilient, strong and wiser version of herself. “I don’t want the struggles that I’ve had to not have a purpose,” she explains. “I want every hard thing that I’ve been through to help somebody else, whether it’s letting them know they’re not alone, or helping them make different choices, or just giving them some inspiration to keep going.”

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Amanda Precourt describes herself as high-performing, driven and ambitious, so when she couldn’t find the motivation to ski, socialize or even get out of bed, she knew something wasn’t right. She was 37 years old when she tried to throw herself out of a moving car on I70. Diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, Amanda now knows how to manage her mental health and has become a champion for others facing similar challenges. 

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At just 13, Finn Mott was diagnosed with cancer in his brain and spine. As a teenager fighting for his life, Finn battled depression, likening it to a dense fog that clouded his mood. Not wanting to be known as “the kid with cancer,” Finn pursued therapy and after a summer at Roundup River Ranch, he decided he wouldn’t let his cancer define him. Rather, he would use the pain he experienced to build his character. 

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Sonia Mejía’s first suicide attempt was at age 9, but she says going to the medicine cabinet in her home was always an option. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Sonia has learned to manage her ups and downs with therapy, spiritualism, time with family and through supporting others. She is the founder of Hearts Reign, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of mental health and providing education, training and support to the Hispanic community. 

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Vickie Zacher lost her daughter, Olivia Ortega, to suicide when Olivia was only 13. In addition to the tremendous trauma and loss, Vickie was left with “what-ifs” and “whys,” leaving her feeling hopeless. She considered ending her own life and realized she would have only been passing her pain onto her other two children. So, Vickie sought therapy and through the support of counselors and friends, as well as her own incredible resilience, Vickie now strives to help others and fight the stigmas around behavioral health. 

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