Angie's Story: the Good, the Bad, and the Badass // 2023 STL Veteran's Ball Speech

#veterans #psychiatricmedications #healing
Angela Peacock, MSW, CPC, was the guest speaker for the Second Annual St. Louis Veterans Ball in St. Louis, Missouri on November 10th, 2023.
Meet Angela Peacock, MSW, a dynamic force dedicated to reshaping the narrative around mental health. Angela's journey began in the U.S. Army, where she served as a communications specialist for seven years, including a deployment to Iraq in 2003. Unfortunately, her service was cut short due to a non-combat, life-threatening illness that led to her medical evacuation. After a series of traumas, she was prescribed over 40 medications for the treatment of her “disorders.”
Undeterred by the challenges, Angela embarked on a remarkable path of recovery, earning her bachelor's in psychology and master's in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Her achievements at WashU made history as she became the first veteran since World War II to be inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Angela was a driving force in the St. Louis Student Veterans of America community, playing a pivotal role in building and expanding three new chapters. Her dedication extended to organizing a consortium of chapters across the region, showcasing her leadership and commitment to fostering a supportive network. Angela's impactful contributions extended beyond the campus, with roles such as Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislative Fellow and Wounded Warrior Project Courage Award recipient. She was also a key member of the WWP National Campaign Team and a finalist for Student Veteran of the Year with Student Veterans of America.
Her story, featured in the documentary "Medicating Normal" (2020), sheds light on the challenges of overmedication after trauma. Today, Angela continues her mission to prompt critical thinking about the modern mental health industry, informed consent, and psychiatric drug use and withdrawal. She now works as a psychiatric drug consultant and healing coach. Her focus is on providing education and support to individuals, families, and organizations interested in harm reduction and deprescribing of psychiatric drugs. Angela stands beside those on their healing journey, offering guidance as they navigate the complex process of recovering from their medications.
As a mental health advocate, writer, and KZbin creator, she travels the United States in her campervan with her loyal service dog Raider, striving to improve the mental health care system for veterans and civilians alike. Follow Angela's inspiring journey and insightful perspectives on mental health online @BeingHumanRV.
You can schedule a session with Angie on her website: calendly.com/apeacockconsulting
To inquire about future speaking engagements, please reach out to [e-mail]

[@allencollins6031]

You're amazing friend. Wow. Never heard the whole story.

[@idesigncutethings2196]

Travis & I have been looking forward to you posting this video ! You are so beautiful in your gown, & you are just glowing! So happy for you that you have gotten to celebrate coming "full circle" . When I met you, I felt safely guided by your bright light in your soul that you are sharing with the world. You have helped me in so many ways. So thankful for you Angie ! ❤ Shelly & Travis Mayer

[@SleepyJoeOmniversal]

You are an amazing human Angie. You won and are Winning. You help the helpless and remain heroic. Thank you for spreading and speaking the truth. 🙏✨

[@sandrajohnson2491]

Amazing speech, Angie!! Please never stop this work. You are bringing healing to so many people including myself. Keep kicking butt!!

[@susanbell5835]

Love the 5 lessons from the road! Yes, we need to be okay with feeling ALL our feelings, and to process tough emotions in supportive, holistic ways, instead of turning to "magic" (neurotoxic, poisonous) pills. Thanks a million for all you do, Angie!

[@nataliemiles4430]

Amazing Angie! You look beautiful and your smile is fantastic!!!! I am so happy for you! Keep on speaking out!!

[@MsCarmel55]

Awesone testimony. Are you growing younger?! Benjamin button moment you are glowing here!❤

[@AngiePeacockMSW]

Funny you say that, I look 35 😉 but I’m 44.

[@elainewalters460]

You continue to save so many just with your light and your energy ❤

[@angel_2022M]

You have all the strength you need inside! this is so encouraging and true.

[@johnhotz2671]

well done Angie, what a champion!!!

[@DeniseHurd-qm7id]

Your videos are helping me get through my injury. Thank you. You are awesome!

[@Travie_Cares]

Angie your story is inspiring. Thanks for all you do in the community and hope you spread.

[@philosophicalfishing]

Hell yes, Angie! This is so inspirational to watch. ❤

[@karenrehm9423]

Blessings as you continue sharing your story and much needed truth.🙏❤️

[@kelogd6012]

You helped me get through the hardest time in my life thus far!! I just want you to know I so much appreciate you and what it is that you do! THANK YOU!!!

[@AngiePeacockMSW]

Glad I could help 💜

[@LevelheadedMind]

Thank you for your service and also for sharing your story and giving everyone who is struggling a glimmer of hope!

[@joeleisleben9222]

Shop ‘n save! Norco forever I’m so proud of you and thankful for you!❤

[@sunshineplacko8886]

So proud of you ❤

[@user-lm7hl8zr8q]

God work Angie 💜

[@Uma921]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@mitch5222]

How can i overcome 10 years of trauma and 6 years of withdrawing if i dont know who i am anymore. Not one single good day in 10 years. Every stress reminds me of so much trauma that start to shake for days.

[@AngiePeacockMSW]

You are where I was a few years ago. I was hopeless and terrified and had no support. You have to be brave and walk through it. ONE DAY AT A TIME. I am being literal. Follow those of us who have gone before you. I am here if you need me through my online presence and past videos, or if you need a tapering group or coaching session. Healing is possible for you too even when it feels impossible. I watch it happen every single day.

[@mitch5222]

I was also diagnose partial disabled. So i am in pain 24/7. I think my journey is too much for me. It is 10 years of horrow. I really dont know who i am. Tonight i had delusions and panic attacks. I know for sure i am very anxious person and cant handle life on my own. I am so terrified of living. We had one session online few months ago. My family want me to put me in psych hospital again. I wish i would die in sleep. I just dont trust myself anymore. I failed. I had therapy for a year with no progress. I am so scared of dying and more of living. My body is shaking all the time. I have not one good thought about life. Everything is dark in my head. Maybe i will join your group session. I watched and read so many things about anxiety and depression, but the thing is i am just scared of living. Even when i had better days i was afraid of being alone and nobody understand me. I think i will die or they put me in mental institution.

[@nuritlanyado4331]

Dear angi, i fell to meds again. I am in hell

[@AngiePeacockMSW]

I’m so sorry.