Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Newton.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am the Managing Director of Neuvo Wellness, a Sleep Airway practice in Orem that screens and treats sleep apnea and other sleep-disordered breathing conditions.
I have been in the dental field for over ten years and have seen the industry’s extreme need for suicide prevention efforts.
In 2012 I became a suicide loss survivor when my dad died by suicide. Since then, I have been an advocate in the mental health arena for suicide prevention.
If I had known what I do now through education and normalizing mental health conversations, I believe my story would be different than it is today.
I began working as an Impact Entrepreneur to provide education and remove the stigma in my community. I created, Beautifully (un)Broken and speak nationally about prevention efforts. I wanted to create a unique event to help raise awareness in the community and launched “Head Above Water: Paddle to Prevent Suicide,” a fundraiser for suicide prevention launched in 2022. I am actively planning an event in Utah for 2023.
In 2021 I partnered with United Survivors to develop suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and well-being programs for the dental industry. Healthcare professionals of many different disciplines have higher rates of suicide than those employed in many other industries, and dentistry is no exception. Whether or not dentistry is higher than other occupations in medicine has been hotly debated, and suicide is underreported. Several studies have pointed to common contributors to suicide risk in dentistry.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. When I first lost my dad, I knew I wanted to turn my pain into purpose in a unique way; I didn’t know how. The grief was overwhelming, and I couldn’t find a clear direction.
I was a surgical first assistant in trauma surgery when my dad passed away. Shortly after, I left the hospital and began working in private practice with a dual-degreed (MD, DDS) oral maxillofacial surgeon, where my path in dentistry and becoming mental health advocate for the dental industry began.
I started working in the community, sharing prevention education and just being there and talking to those in need. Sharing stories, offering support, and hope.
It took me several years to get here, but the path chose me, and I followed it. I was unclear on how I could make the most significant impact in the suicide prevention arena. Having the support of the dental community, United Survivors, friends, and family, I have found my path. My goal is to begin hosting Head Above Water events all over the world, spreading prevention awareness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Working in the medical and dental field, I have always been passionate about helping others live their happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.
Through my efforts in suicide prevention, I have not only been able to help my community and industry, but it has helped me grieve and has offered a sense of healing through community.
I wanted to create a unique event for others who have lost a loved one to suicide and those struggling with mental health to show there is hope and help. You don’t have to suffer in silence. A judgment-free support system is available to help guide you through this time. We can stand together and win the fight against suicide.
How do you think about happiness?
I find happiness in many areas of my life; through time with friends and family or spending time with my animals. I love being active outdoors, camping, paddle boarding, riding horses, or any time spent on the water.
I love the time I spend with my patients, helping them overcome sleep-breathing disorders like sleep apnea to live a happier, healthier, longer life.
Anytime I get the opportunity to speak about suicide prevention awareness and have the chance to connect with others, it brings me joy to know that I am helping to break the stigma and stop suicides.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://headabovewater.life, https://beautifullyunbroken.life, https://www.neuvowellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headabovewater.life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headabovewater.life
Image Credits
Run Tri Bike Mag | Jason Bahamundi P: 214-945-4798 E: jason@runtrimag.com https://runtrimag.com
