Digital Cover: Get to Know Author and Advocate Courtney Cierra Drumgold-Walker
Strong, determined, and caring are three words that describe 26-year old Courtney Cierra Drumgold -Walker. The wife, author of Pain With A Purpose, and advocate is on a mission to share her story to inspire and empower those suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and more.
Depression, anxiety, self-harm, antidepressants, low-self esteem, and suicidal ideation are things that Courtney has experienced in her life. She recalls cutting herself with hangers and knives at a young age and hiding the cuts like she would hide her pain. There was also a point when she became so depressed that she didn’t want to live anymore. Word got back to her parents, and they got her help-psychiatrist, a therapist, etc.
After experiencing the heaviness of trying to hide her pain, Courtney encourages others not to be afraid to ask for help. “There was a time where I thought that if I asked for help, no one would understand me,” she says. “But then I realized that saying I needed help was a start to my healing. When I admitted that I needed help, things started changing for me.” While asking for help and support may not be easy for some. Courtney says that anyone who wants to support a family or friend dealing with depression and anxiety can do so by praying, encouraging, motivating, and listening to those reaching out. “When dealing with depression, sometimes a person going through may just need you to listen and not say a word. Having a listening ear goes a long way,” she says.
Today, Courtney uses spiritual and practical steps to help her deal with the negative thoughts entering her mind. She shares that going to God and praying helps because she knows that God sees, hears, and knows what’s going on even when she doesn’t understand. Reading her bible, talking to her husband or best friend, and word searches also help when she starts having negative thoughts. One of the scriptures Courtney says gives her hope is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. “This scripture gives me hope because if you trust in the Lord, He will make your paths straight for you.”
In 2021, Courtney released her memoir, Pain With A Purpose, where she shares the pain she experienced and overcame. Just last month, I had the opportunity to speak with her about her memoir, where she shares that although she wrote it for anyone, she especially wants to empower women, letting them know that if she can get through her pain, they can too. “All it takes is having faith and trust in God,” she said during that interview.
Readers can get a copy of Pain With A Purpose on Amazon.
Courtney continues to share her story with those God has placed in front of her to share it with. She believes she is called to break the generational curses of depression and anxiety for her family and be an intercessor for others who can’t pray for themselves while dealing with depression and anxiety.
Social Media: Instagram @drumgoldwalker or TikTok @Courtney Drumgold-Walker
