Check Out Jana Hahn’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Hahn.

Jana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Akron, Ohio, and moved to various places growing up: Clarksville, TN, Louisville, KY., etc. I have the most loving family which includes my mom, dad, twin sister, and younger brother. My dad has been in the radio business ever since I was young, therefore Music City is no stranger to me. Now residing in Nashville, I have never been more at home. I grew up involved in the performing arts from choral music, musical theatre, worship, and dance. And when I was in the 5th grade, I was given the prompt “What do you want to do when you grow up?”.

This is a common question many young children receive, yet my answer still resonates with me today. I stated, “I want to do something big. I don’t know what that looks like, it could be being on T.V., being on stage, being a good friend, or playing a sport. I want to share what God has done in my life through what I do. It will be big.” And that is what I continue to do as I prepare to compete for the job of Miss Tennessee.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you think of something beautiful or outstanding, you assume it is without blemish/fault. But take a glow stick for example, it must be broken in order to glow. This principle is very hard to understand and sometimes you have to go through the said fire in order to be refined. I started experiencing Obsessive Compulsive Order diagnoses when I was 10 years old. I would wash my hands repeatedly at school, avoid going to certain restaurants/stores, sit on only one spot on the couch, etc.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a treatable neurobiological disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions/rituals) such as counting, checking, praying, and cleaning. These compulsions are performed in an effort to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions. OCD obsessions and compulsions can be extremely time-consuming, causing significant emotional distress and may greatly interfere with day-to-day functioning and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with OCD may go to great lengths to hide their obsessions and compulsions due to embarrassment and shame. It is estimated that one in every 40 adults, and one in every 100 children suffer from OCD. I was not treated with medication or counseling. The symptoms seemed to decrease as I entered middle school. Fast forward to my sophomore year of college and the symptoms came back stronger than ever.

I was at my lowest battling anxiety, depression, and OCD. I was scared to seek out treatment for fear that people would judge me or think I was “broken”. My parents decided to send me to a Partial Hospitalization Program in Miami, FL, through Rogers Behavioral Health. I learned skills to combat anxiety. Therefore propelling me into the Miss America Organization. When I got done with treatment, 2 months, I moved back home. I wanted to regain some “normalcy” and decided to compete in a Miss America local competition. And it was there, that I was able to find my voice to share my story and how God took what the enemy meant for evil and turned it into good (Gen. 50:20). I realized that my pain had a purpose, and that was to help others just like me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to hold the title of Miss Franklin County 2023 and compete at the Miss Tennessee Competition this summer in Memphis, TN (A preliminary to compete nationally at Miss America). We all know the phrase “There she is Miss America” but for me, it means, There she is:

Miss Mental Health Advocate.

Miss Full-time student.

Miss Marketing Coordinator.

Miss Performer.

Miss Compassionate.

Miss Determined.

Miss Friend to all and so much more.

My platform is called “Peace of Mind” eradicating the stigma associated with mental health. I have been able to partner with organizations in the Nashville area/state of Tennessee to promote receiving proper treatment for mental health disorders. My efforts in sharing my story and speaking out for others have allowed me to become a public figure for Tennesseans to turn to as a role model in our society. As the next Miss Tennessee, I will ensure no one feels alone and that mental health treatment is accessible to all.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in a loving Christian home where I was encouraged to reach my full potential and maximize my talents to glorify the Lord. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be on stage and reach audiences on a large scale.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @janahahn4 and @missfranklinco2023
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smilehahn/

Image Credits
James Williams Photography, Kristy Belcher, & Kimberly Stinchcomb Photography