Seen at Last: From Hiding in Closets to Speaking Your Truth with Donna Zerger

In this episode Donna shares a raw, relatable story of growing up hyper-alert, craving to be seen, and discovering alcohol as a temporary solution that later became a long-term problem. She traces how childhood responsibility and shame shaped her coping mechanisms from attention-seeking stunts to overworking in adulthood and describes the turning points that led her into recovery. Donna explains how journaling, therapy, AA and sober community gradually helped her peel back old stories, reclaim value, and build new tools for emotional regulation. This conversation centers on compassion, curiosity and one-step-at-a-time change.

Connect with Donna Here:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/donna.zerger

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-zerger/

Continue Your Journey

Thank you so much for listening to The Healing Odyssey.If this episode has helped you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it today.

FREE RESOURCE: MY COMFORT KIT

Create your own collection of comfort, connection and hope with this free interactive wellbeing guide, including your own personal Back-to-Me Box.

Download My Comfort Kit free here:

evolve-recovery-comfort-kit.subscribepage.io

Join Dopamine Without Danger

A calm, private community for recovery, ADHD, burnout and emotional wellbeing.

First month just £3 with code ONEMONTH3

https://dopamine-without-danger.mn.co/landing/

Read AA Is Not the Only Way

Real stories of recovery, ADHD, trauma and finding your own way forward.

https://emmagardner.uk

Support the Podcast

If you'd like to help keep these conversations free:

https://buymeacoffee.com/emmagardnerwrites

Be a Guest

Therapist, coach, researcher, author or someone with lived experience?I'd love to hear from you.

emma@evolve-recovery.co.uk

Until next time... be gentle with yourself, stay curious, and keep finding your own way forward