Christina Stern has worked as a nurse for over ten years in diverse settings, including a psychiatric hospital, emergency department, and nursing home. She has witnessed first hand the physical toll taken by stress, exhaustion, and the lack of self-care. Her desire to help others learn to balance the demands of living and staying healthy led her to write a book. Listen in as the Tell Your Story (TYS) team chats with her about it.
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Christina Stern, and I am from Long Island, NY.
What do you do for a living?
I am a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and the owner of a private practice.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, organizing, and spending time outdoors.
What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?
I really love to organize. If I were not a nurse, I would be want to be a professional organizer. I have always loved to organize and started reading books about the topic in my early twenties. I have enjoyed doing household projects that I can learn to do myself. I tiled a kitchen and bathroom, sealed a driveway, and have done lots of painting projects in my home.
Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?
I have been working with the mentally ill since I was about 20 years old. I think everyone deserves the opportunity to get help when they need it. There are people out there that do not get help when they are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, or other issues for several reasons. I really hope that one day all people have access to help and support when they need it.
What is your story as a person?
I was raised by a single mother and faced many hardships during childhood. Those hardships gave me a drive to work hard and persevere through the struggles. After facing challenges and finding my way through them I strive to help others when they are facing difficult times. I have worked hard to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner so that I can help those around me.
What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?
I want people to understand that life gets difficult for us all. Everyone faces their own challenges or struggles. There is a way to navigate through those challenges successfully. I have had patients thank me for never giving up on them and this book allows me to share with the world that no matter where you are in life, I don’t want you to give up. I have never lost hope that things can get better for someone that is struggling and I want to share that hope with everyone.
If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?
No matter how bad or hopeless things may seem they can get better. Great change is made through many small steps.
What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family.
Family to me is love, hope, and inspiration. My husband has been there for me through good times and bad times and continues to love and support me in a way that no man has ever done. My daughters inspire me to try to be the best version of myself that I can be every day. My family has provided me with a deep feeling of love and support, and I am blessed to have them.
Christina Stern is the author of Living in Balance available on Amazon.
