A More Vulnerable Side of Annika

[@Ladco77]

Thank you for sharing. This is how you tear down stigmas. This isn't a sad video. It's a triumphant one. Take care!

[@penultimateh766]

Our Bionic Marine is tough, honest, and adorable!

[@shubinternet]

And has very cute freckles!

[@bigmac183]

Just celebrated 1yr of being alive!! After my amputation they lost me on the table for 2 mins. I'm thankful my God chose me to have another chance at life. While in the wheel chair waiting for my 1st leg I had to stay focused on mot the moment but where I needed to be with the amputation. Keep your head up and stay focused.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

Ahhhhh happy alive day! This is such great news and I'm so happy for you even if I don't know you personally. Be patient with yourself as you start the prosthetic leg journey - it will be frustrating at times, but with hard work and determination, it will be worth it. Keep on keeping on!

[@iberak55]

Thank you for sharing this. I had something similar. The cancer in my foot up spread up to the bone surface. After numerous attempts to remove the cancer, it was then determined that I would need to remove my foot. That whole process of surgeries took a toll on me. The icing on the cake , was when my wife decided to leave me. I can't even begin to tell you how hard it was. I'm glad I reached out for help with my therapist.

[@OnlyTheEd]

My discharge anniversary is tomorrow. 7-17-78 to 8-24-79 General discharge under honorable conditions. Right about the same time in my life I was diagnosed with COPD. I ignored that fact until about 12+ years ago, I quit smoking, drinking Pepsi and learned proper breathing...still trying to stop being a "mouth breather"....Late last year, real early this year ( while in the hospital with yet another respiratory distress attack), I decided to take early retirement. Been trying to get a walk in every day...for at least 1 mile....I pushed it last week and went 2 and 1/2 miles.....in the heat being 100+ with heat index, I haven't been going them longer distances....going just under 1 mile total. I bid you peace and God bless.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

Transitioning out of the military is a really hard thing that I think we also don't talk about so much. Be kind to your body but keep on staying positive and pushing the limit

[@dgm574]

Thanks for being you. I’m a bilateral amputee btw.

[@canadianicedragon2412]

A misdiagnosis sucks. And any issues also suck. I'm glad you shared your experience and I'm glad you found something that seem to be working for you. A "chemical imbalance" is a technical phrase but it means so much when you find the right "chemicals" (aka medicine) to balance it. I say that as a person who has been antidepressants for... um... it might be longer than you have been alive. I honestly can't remember when I started them. Also funny you mentioned Taylor T. since I'm catching her show in town... very soon.

[@WiteTigr]

Don't mess with the frecks yo... 😅 I have noticed there seems to be a major stigma when it comes to amputees, but it seems to be better with the right network (friends, family, acquaintances) you e helped me over the last three years, thank you for what you contribute ❤❤❤

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

I'm so grateful every time someone tells me that I helped them in any way, so thank you for that. Having a good support group really makes all the difference when going through hard times. Hope all is well!

[@sharonbrown9184]

Thank you for sharing your raw honest and true feelings and emotions. You truly are a warrior we all love ya annika xxxx

[@xSk4nkHunt42x]

I completely understand. Everything in my life is falling apart at once and I always think “if I wasn’t an amputee this would be so much easier” I lost my girlfriend of 6 years, my job, and moved into an air bnb, theb a month later my grandmother who raised me passed away. My savings is gone and I’ll be on the streets in 2 days. And my main though is always, I could handle this IF I wasn’t an amputee. I dunno, better days for everyone I hope

[@hot_wheelz]

Thanks for keeping it real Annika. I've been diagnosed Bipolar Disorder Type II for about 25 years and currently going through a really rough patch.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

I hope you are getting the help you need. It can seem really scary but being on the right mental health track makes all the difference. Hang in there!

[@TheRmoroni]

You are beautiful ,it makes me happy to see your smiling face!

[@brianbarnett100]

I am a licensed Psychologist and experienced all of these things and it was scary how much I had to treat myself after my BK. I am trying to still deal with a lot, but I really feel for you and understand more than you know. Also Air Force don't hate me

[@torejorgensen5344]

Thanks for explaining, and happy you've got medication that helps! You've been doing a lot of stuff, and on the work side you've told about being a teacher and a model (and of course being a Marine). If you are up for it, it would be nice hearing an update about that part of life as well (situation, plans, thoughts and dreams). KZbin is this crazy thing where you start to care about people you don't know 🙂. I know it's still quite a distance between Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but any hope to see you and Footless Jo doing videos together again? You seemed to get along well together, and your collabs was a joy to watch. Be well and stay strong! Greetings from Norway!

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

I think that's a great idea for a new video! Thanks for the suggestions! I'm sure me and Jo will see each other again. Our schedules have both been a little crazy but I think we have plans to meet up again soon!

[@alwinmcewen7456]

I hear ya Hun. I lost my leg btk due to vascular issues. Went a year and a half with partial foot amputation before my btk. It's been two years since then. But in 2017 I lost three fingers in a freak accident. Been through the ringer mentally.

[@ironmanepf1]

Lost my leg 14 years ago LBKA I appreciate you and receive all that info you shared by being vulnerable! You're super brave! I've dealt and continue to deal with my mental state and therapy has crossed my mind.

[@TomTomLLong]

Beautiful! This video and sharing your story took courage, and yet it in itself is therapy as well. Being able to talk openly like you have is an indication of the progress you have made in identifying, addressing and coping with what you are dealing with. As humans we all have the capacity to "suck it up and deal with it", but the trauma, pain and unknown that you have experienced is much more than the standard capacity of most people. It seems you have turned the tides of the low lows and are making huge progress in reaching the stable "I really am ok" that you want and need to achieve. Yay for you! So good to see your progress! One of my many mottos pops up - Better Every day, and I believe that you will be. Thank you for this sharing!

[@kylecarmichael5890]

I'm so happy you got the help you need.

[@brianbarnett100]

you have been a great teacher and I appreciate all your help

[@undava7452]

Thanks for showing your vulnerable side! It's awesome being able to see another amputee express their issues. I got my left ankle amputated in December of 2021 due to ankle cancer and you're a huge inspiration.

[@tyreesetjjoyner1995]

Good video. Much love and support

[@williandalsoto806]

Thanks for opening up, it's pretty cool to see this side of you!

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

Congrats on getting your mental health in order. It's not something a lot of amputees talk about. The amount of change that an amputee goes through mentally is astronomical. One topic you may want to cover in the future is your everyday routine and how much it's changed from when you were "normal". I know for me it takes about 45 minutues to take a shower now compared to when I had two legs. Having to setup a shower chair and have all my stuff laid out before I even touch water. It would be interesting to hear other people's routines and what tips and tricks they do to make their everyday life easier.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

It really is such a big part of the amputation and you're right - a lot of people don't talk about it. It's so much easier to show everyone the good stuff, that I think we forget to share the more real and not so good stuff. I will definitely make a video like that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Leviathan0999]

Just remember this: Mental health issues ARE physical health issues. Your brain is an organ, just like your liver or your pancreas. It's just that when this organ goes wrong, it doesn't show up in blood sugar or bile, it shows up in thoughts and feelings. You're not hesitant to talk about your tumor, your amputation, or your transition after the surgery. So don't feel hesitant to talk about the issues that arise from the organ between your ears. It's still just a body part that's misbehaving.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

This is so well said and I have never thought about it this way! Thank you for this

[@Amy.Vvvvvv]

So true

[@StephaninasAmputeeAdventures]

I have a sibling with schizophrenia and one of my kids has some strong bipolar tendencies and other mental health issues. Meds have made a HUGE, life-changing difference. I always appreciate it when people are open, like you were, because it helps erode the stigma surrounding mental health. Glad to hear things are looking up. Hang in there!

[@onefootedphoenix]

My Doctor told me I probably am probably bipolar disorder too. I take medication for it too. No big deal for me now but it was hard to take at the time.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

Yeah it's a hard thing to accept certain diagnoses, but I'm so glad I am on the right medication for me. Hope you are doing well!

[@Hammer4744]

You are one tough woman!! Thx for keeping on inspiring me through my own amputee journey❤

[@companymen42]

Intrusive thoughts are the worst. I would not wish it on anyone. The feeling that can’t trust yourself with yourself, is just awful.

[@anttip7773]

Thanks for sharing this with us ❤

[@timallen6035]

Good video. Thank you for sharing some of this part of your life. In watching this video on my TV your skin does look pretty washed out. However, on my phone where I am typing this comment it's not as bad. We can always see your freckles. 😊 On a side note, you are so cute in how you made your video intro. The way you smile and everything is great.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

I am still learning about lighting and filming so I'll figure it out eventually! But thank you! I thought I needed a fun little intro :)

[@timallen6035]

@AnnikatheAmputee You're welcome. I think that you are doing great. I really enjoy your content. I am learning a lot from both you and Footless Jo.

[@fungirlwinx]

Not a sad video and informative too. I didn’t know there were different types of Bipolar and my cousin is. He is okay and been on meds for years. But can end up on the hospital if he stops taking them. He only lived close by a few years so don’t know what he was like before starting them. Someone being bipolar doesn’t phase me.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

A lot of people, including myself, aren't aware of the different types of bipolar disorder. But I'm glad your cousin is doing okay. Sometimes people have a negative reaction to hearing about my diagnosis, but I'm glad I am on the right medication to handle everything.

[@suehenthorn4762]

All good thanks for sharing

[@Johndeezy]

I was at WWBN east and you were at warrior care week in maryland at Lackland AFB with me in 2019. I’m out now but what you are doing is awesome !

[@JR-X1138]

Glad you are better.

[@petermarshall582]

Thank you

[@wheelzlawrence921]

Respect from north Dakota

[@onefootedphoenix]

❤ love from Utah!

[@vickimainard9566]

Thank you for sharing your story. Here is saying that might help you and your viewers that might read this comment. It is ok to not be ok. In other words it ok to have off days. It happens. It part of life as well as mental illness. After all that you have been through. Make time to be kind to yourself and even have selfcare days and periods of time. If you need to post less on here that ok. We'll be here waiting for you. We're not going anywhere.

[@AnnikatheAmputee]

Very well said. Thank you, from me and anyone else who may read this comment

[@EnglishRalph]

If you haven’t read “An Unquiet Mind” by Kay Redfield Jameson, I can recommend it. She’s a bi-polar (she prefers “manic/depressive) clinical psychologist and if I remember correctly, set up the 1st bi-polar clinic in the US.