What is your name and where do you live?
Jamie M. Sorenson
San Diego, CA
What do you do?
I have been a nurse since 2004 and the privilege to care for numerous patients. I’m also a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 10 years of experience working in a variety of mental health settings. I have had the privilege to serve on active duty in the U.S. Navy for over 22 years now. Currently I am providing care for active duty service members as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I am also the author of "WHY YOU TRIED TO KILL YOURSELF". I wrote this book because I have taken care of a lot of people after they have tried to commit suicide and survived. When I work with them time and time again I find that if they were validated prior to the suicide attempt it would have never happened. I wrote this book with hopes it would reach somebody in a dark place and inspire them and let them know if they are the best version of themselves life can work out better than they ever imagined. I wrote it as a short easy to read fiction novel with very relatable yet compelling characters that they readers could connect with.
How has mental illness affected you, your life and the people around you?
As a Provider I take care of individuals struggling with mental illness daily. Many people will deal with some spectrum of mental illness in their life ... from adjustment disorders to new or major life changes, depression secondary to a primary illness or prolonged grief after the loss of a loved one to anxiety of the unknown or known (perhaps in an abusive situation). I have personally suffered a bit of anxiety and depression when I was in hostile work environments. Many of my family members have struggled with addiction, I had an aunt with severe schizophrenia and a cousin that committed suicide (he had had a couple of traumatic brain injuries prior to his suicide attempt).
When did you decide CARE about mental illness?
When I was 18 I started studying psychology to help me understand grief after the death of my Grandmother who was like a Mother to me. In 2004 I graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology in addition to nursing. After my first two years of working as a staff nurse I realized the importance of mental health nursing and in 2006 I started to exclusively work in mental health and behavioral health nursing.
What does “LOVE” mean to you?
Love means- For another person--empathy, compassion, selfishly caring about another person.
For my dogs-walking in the door and being immediately covered in kisses and cuddles.
Self love- loving yourself enough to never give up on yourself and loving yourself enough to take care of yourself and surround yourself with good, kind, loving and giving people while distancing yourself from people or things that are not good for you.
What are the 3 things people have said to you that have inspired you?
1. You are not only responsible for your own energy, but the energy you allow in your life.
2. You can do or be anything you want to be if you BELIEVE and WORK HARD.
3. What was meant for your harm will be used for your good.
Would you like to dedicate this interview to someone you CARE and LOVE?
To my Best Friend Johnny C. I truly have the best friend Ever!
Learn more about Jamie and her book at www.jamiemsorenson.com