In this episode of the More Than Your Age podcast, host Erica Pasvar interviews Heather Brooke, the reigning Miss West Tennessee for America. Heather opens up about her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder. She shares how these challenges have shaped her into the woman she is today, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-compassion.

Heather’s experiences in the world of pageantry, even after turning 40, offer inspiration for women of all ages. She highlights how competing in beauty pageants gave her the confidence to use her platform to advocate for mental health, personal growth, and community support. Heather’s journey is a testament to finding strength in adversity and using your past to fuel your future.

Join us as Heather Brooke shares her message of resilience, empowerment, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose to inspire others. Whether you're passionate about mental health, personal development, or simply looking for motivation to pursue your dreams regardless of age, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace your journey.

Takeaways

-Heather's journey highlights the impact of childhood trauma on mental health.

-Trichotillomania can be a subconscious response to stress and anxiety.

-Sharing her story publicly helped Heather find healing and support.

-Pageantry provided Heather with a platform to connect with her community.

-The importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

-Diet and lifestyle changes can significantly affect mental health.

-Heather's book aims to educate children about trichotillomania.

-Heather's nonprofit focuses on providing mental health services to those in need.

-Age should not limit one's ability to pursue dreams and goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Heather Brooke

04:08 Coming to Terms with the Past

09:35 Understanding Trichotillomania

12:55 The Journey to Diagnosis

15:25 Therapeutic Insights and Personal Growth

19:30 The Role of Pageantry in Heather's Life

22:27 Competing in Pageants: A Personal Journey

25:14 The Importance of Community and Volunteering

28:44 The Pageant Experience: What Judges Look For

30:36 Inspiration Behind 'Where's My Hair?' Book

33:21 Partnership with HairClub

37:51 Navigating Sponsorships in Pageantry

40:55 Competing at 43: Overcoming Age Barriers

44:55 Finding Purpose in Pain

48:44 Encouragement for Women Facing Limitations

Connect with Heather

www.heatherbrookelpc.com // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok

Hair Club: Code: Heatherm10 for discount

Where’s My Hair: A Trichotillomania Story- book

Connect with Erica

Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin

Sign up for The More Than Your Age Podcast E-mail list

***This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. ***

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Intro and Exit Music written and performed by Daniel Ging.