He always felt "different."

His entire life? A quest to get to the bottom of what fueled chronic anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.

Appearances are deceiving. A high performer who enjoyed top-tier professional success, David Wetherelt masked his inner pain. The constant "extra steps of mental gyrations" necessary to fit in proved exhausting, ending in hospitalization.

His story took a dramatic turn when at age 58 he received a life-changing diagnosis: autism. Finally, like Dorothy's world turning to technicolor when she arrived in Oz, David could understand the "why" behind a lifetime of overwhelming feelings leading to self-destructive behaviors.

Managing life in a new, healthy way, David is now a speaker and advocate to raise awareness of neurodiversity and remove the stigma from spectrum disorders.

The relief of finally being diagnosed has led to profound self-acceptance, and his heart to help others led to the formation of www.homosystemus.com.

What if you or someone you know struggles with addiction or self-hatred from not "fitting in"? What if the issue isn't laziness, stupidity, or lack of self-control? What if, like David, a proper diagnosis could be the truth that sets you free?

David's story proves that it is never too late to have your breakthrough.

For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help and call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

He just celebrated the 9th anniversary of his last suicide attempt. Growing up in the Bronx, Herbie Mack was conditioned to be tough. If you feel it, don't show it - and don't talk about it. Caught in the crosshairs of a shootout, he knew he had to get out. A friend encouraged him to move to Tampa, FL, and begin a new life. But he soon learned that no matter where you go, you take yourself with you. He embraced the party culture of college and achieved his dream - a degree that could open up a career in the recording industry. His parents barely acknowledged this accomplishment and didn't attend his graduation, leaving Herbie feeling rejected and questioning his value. To numb the pain he self-medicated with alcohol and when he could no longer cope with the pain, he tried to commit suicide. And he tried again. And again. Just before his fourth attempt, an old girlfriend knocked on his door and for the first time, Herbie opened up. In her, he found a safe space, which led to professional help. There's so much more to this inspirational interview, including warning signs to look for and how to help someone in need. Herbie Mack is now a Suicide Prevention Specialist who takes stages around the country with his life-saving message. Find out more at www.herbiemack.com Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15 - 19 year olds. If you recognize the signs in yourself or someone you love, please call or text 988. As Herbie Mack says, "There is more life for you." You are worth it.

Survivor's guilt tormented Sarah Smith. At age 22, a night out with friends turned into a nightmare. When her Lyft driver exited the car to assist her, he was hit by a drunk driver and killed. She woke up in a hospital bed with no memory of the impact, but would deal with the traumatic repercussions for years. "Why am I still here and he isn't?" she questioned. Isolation...a murder trial...coming face to face with the driver's family...all painful triggers of the night that changed her forever. But step by step, milestones of healing were achieved through counseling, Synchronicities of Divine intervention, and a renewed sense of faith rebuilt Sarah into the woman she is today. "I think the greatest compliment is when people say, 'You don't look like what you've been through.'" You will be inspired by the inner beauty that shines forth from Sarah's survivor story.

Meeting Lance Cibik, you'd think the world was his oyster. Well-spoken, charming, attractive, educated... ...you'd never guess that at age 8, Lance Cibik tried to kill himself. Born in poverty to a high school dropout, his mother committed suicide four days before his first birthday. Throughout his childhood, his mother's family tried to convince Lance that his father had murdered her; even trying to get him to confess as a witness. This mental torment was compounded by the stress of not fitting in with the new family his father had created. At age 17, he chose to live alone and provide for himself. Then he made a decision that changed his life forever. "I will be the change." He began focusing on academics and gravitated toward classmates who came from healthy, successful families. He modeled the positive behaviors he observed...and while there remained immense challenges, this interview will reveal the recipe for success that he shares on stages around the country. Learn more about Lance or work with him by visiting www.lancecibik.com. The Alchemy of Pain podcast considers it a privilege to share the stories of people who have survived - and thrived - after difficult times. We also acknowledge that darkness can feel overwhelming. If you have or are contemplating suicide, please reach out for help. 988 is the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text and get the help you need. Because your life is precious and you are worth it.

"Let me die or find me a reason for living." This was the prayer Caryl Westmore prayed after losing her home and her beloved dog in a fire...and, soon after, facing the end of her marriage with no resources to rebuild a broken life. This series of traumas showed Caryl her heart, once closed, had been cracked open. And her prayer was answered when she found a book, The Journey by Brandon Bays. So captivated by the teachings, Caryl worked to bring the author to her country to speak. Always inspired by alternative healing modalities, her knowledge grew as she began promoting events with thought leaders in the healing space. Modalities such as EFT/tapping and realizations that "feelings buried alive never die" caused her to devote her time to helping others experience the freedom she had realized. Her next step? Helping people write the book inside of them. This interview has a twist for the singles out there. Caryl's gifting includes "single to soulmate" coaching and she is a believer that not dealing with childhood trauma often prevents people from attracting and enjoying healthy partnerships. Her book on this topic can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Online-Dating-Success-Secrets-Women-ebook/dp/B00HHG2VZ . Caryl says she, "had to control the urge to feel like a victim" and she helps others to do the same. Learn more at www.carylwestmore.com - and here's a special treat for the audience - a free gift: Manifest your Perfect Ideal Day: https://carylwestmore.com/perfect-day

The minute you hear her voice you know you're experiencing an otherworldly gift.

She's worked with Academy Award-winning actors, taught at Yale, and rubbed shoulders with the New York elite.

But a psychotic break nearly ended her life.

A toxic mixture of acid and marijuana unleashed latent mental illness and insights, "I wasn't ready for."

Catching up to herself; refusing to give in to the darkness; and embracing her innate spiritual gifts have given Lynn Singer a unique platform.

She helps people find their authentic voices.

"Your voice broadcasts a blueprint of your spirit," she shares in this intriguing interview.

Learn more about Lynn's work at lsvoicworks.com.

The ideas and opinions shared by guests on The Alchemy of Pain are theirs alone and do not reflect the host/producer of this program.

She was celebrating the end of the school day and running toward her mother when a taxicab struck 11-year-old Michelle Kuei.

Catapulted 100 feet by the impact, she spent the next four years in and out of hospitals. Rehab was grueling, but the pre-teen years presented the greatest challenge.

"Do I even belong here?"

Shorter and walking with a limp, Michelle so desperately wanted to fit in she'd wear stockings and pants on stifling hot days, just to hide the scars that shamed her. Facing the rejection of her peers eventually triggered a rebellious, "I'll just be weird" persona that also didn't quite "fit."

After a series of failed relationships, Michelle's true "Aha!" happened in her 40's. "I finally decided to treasure myself."

That decision led to baby steps...first a Pilates ball...then a fitness coach...then...

She decided to climb Machu Picchu using her CRUTCHES. Each step was a push-up, but once accomplished, she would never be the same. "I knew there was more for me."

Learn about how Michelle reclaimed hope and built a life that inspires. If you've ever been bullied or felt like you didn't "fit in" in this world, you'll be encouraged by this episode.

Discover more about Michelle Kuei's work as a marketing coach, motivational speaker, and author at www.elevatelifecoaching.org.

"Cancer wraps itself around a person...and changes them."

Sarah Morgan knows.

Her grandmother, mother, best friend, former fiance...it seemed everywhere she turned, someone else she loved was diagnosed.

Back in the 80's when she discovered a lump on her breast, she thought it was a death sentence, because she walked with a cloud of fear over her life regarding the "c" word.

Fortunately, much has changed since the 80's. And so has Sarah's fear.

A professional photographer, she now donates her talents to capture the before and after moments of a person's breast cancer journey.

This completely free service includes lighting, makeup, hair, and of course, photography that reminds her subjects that they are beautiful in every stage of their journey.

"It takes energy to love yourself in difficult times."

When those who participate in her Survivorship Portrait Project see their photos, they see the beauty that remains, even as cancer has transformed them.

Find out more about this unique and wonderful project at www.sarahmorganphotography.com.