Aug 26, 2026
A second episode, recorded live at Mountain Valley’s 2026 alumni reunion, brings together more former residents to reflect on treatment, friendship and personal growth. It starts as Zack encourages more alumni to share their stories. It begins as Amelia describes arriving at Mountain Valley withdrawn and afraid of being known, then discovering comfort through friendship, exposure work and the program’s animals. Ivy reflects on carrying Mountain Valley’s spirit into college, where friends now trust her with their struggles and she can offer the support she once needed. Ami, returning nearly ten years after treatment, emphasizes the lasting value of connections with peers and staff. Lucy discusses receiving new OCD and autism diagnoses, feeling truly understood for the first time and developing greater peace and a better relationship with her parents. Jacob shares how treatment taught him to stop hiding pain behind humor, admit when he is not okay and ask for support—a lesson that has also helped him begin coming out as transgender.
Michelle offers a parent’s perspective, explaining how Mountain Valley involved her family in Audrey’s treatment and taught them better ways to support her. Livy reflects on managing anxiety, depression and performance anxiety while pursuing music in college, stressing that life may not always become easier, but people can become stronger. Olivia reads from her college essay about overcoming social anxiety, finding her personality beneath it and learning to “sit with” discomfort. Willow returns to speak more vulnerably about ending years of denial and rediscovering her life through a community where she felt safe being imperfect. Shane talks about becoming more confident as a young adult, accepting support, listening to others and bringing pieces of Mountain Valley into new communities.
Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares an inspiring quote from the Reverend Billy Graham.
Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center