In today's show, Maria talks with John about what it’s like to use dating apps, social media's impact on people's expectations, and how double standards have challenged roles and authenticity. The conversation opens up questions about John's experiences of breaking family expectations when families had more influence or control over the dating process. John pursued relationships independently and took hold of his life working through unforeseen challenges that arose during the episode.

In today's show, Maria picks up from Episode 5 and provides a breakdown comparison discussion on the often overlooked aspects of borderline personality disorder, specifically in men and women, highlighting the differences in their experiences and the challenges they face. She also emphasizes the misdiagnosis issue, particularly how it can disproportionately affect men and lead to serious consequences such as incarceration. Furthermore, she delves into the crucial topic of children growing up in households affected by borderline personality traits and how these experiences can shape their lives well into adulthood.

These conversations are significant in raising awareness, offering insight, and encouraging discussions about the multifaceted impact of mental health conditions on individuals and their families.

If you’d like a topic or question explored, email [email protected].

A REMINDER: This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with BPD or any mental health condition, it's highly advisable to seek professional help promptly. Mental health professionals can provide the appropriate assessment, support, and treatment options to address these challenges and promote overall well-being.

Maria will be diving into the topic of toxic people and unhealthy toxic behaviors in the dynamics of relationships. In her exploration of the "toxic person," she will raise critical points about the complexities and potential pitfalls associated with labeling individuals in this way.

Furthermore, Maria will introduce the concept of borderline personality and engage listeners in exercises to recognize patterns in their lives; by encouraging self-reflection and awareness of recurring patterns, she aims to empower listeners to understand their own experiences better and potentially navigate challenging dynamics more effectively.

If you’d like a topic or question explored, email at info.mariashkreli.com.

A REMINDER: This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with BPD or any mental health condition, it's highly advisable to seek professional help promptly. Mental health professionals can provide the appropriate assessment, support, and treatment options to address these challenges and promote overall well-being.

In a heartfelt conversation, Diana and Lena delve into the intricate dynamics of traditional gender roles and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. As they reflect on their journeys, both women share the pivotal moments when they realized these roles didn't define them and that there was more to their identities than society had prescribed. They share their stories of grappling with expectations, the ongoing challenge of breaking free from unhealthy behaviors, and the quest to balance their authentic selves with the responsibilities of creating a nurturing and open environment for their children while confronting the expectations that still exist, both within and outside their families.

Diana and Lena talk about how past and present roles and expectations have played out in their lives. They also discuss the ability of individuals to evolve sooner rather than later, which was misunderstood because most people did not, and those who had this ability were often shunned. Something as innocent as having an opinion was deemed disrespectful and frowned upon. The women pondered over thoughts about the challenges of unhealthy behavior and whether it should be excused.

Maria speaks with Diana and Leana about what it was like growing up as 1st generation Albanian in America.

Maria opens the discussion with the women and invites them to go back in time and share their experiences of their family's challenges assimilating to the American culture and trying to adapt to a very different culture. 

The women also talk about their own challenges of the traditions their families maintained and expected of them while these women themselves were trying to assimilate into the American culture.

Welcome to the first episode of Breaking Up with Toxicity. Maria talks about the podcast goals and how we will learn about the layers and roles that make you who you are and, at times, learn to understand those around you. We will begin to explore how and what diagnoses are about to work through life changes and stop the continuation of an unhealthy self. Let's start and create a new you by creating a new healthy you. 

If you’d like a topic or question explored, email at info.mariashkreli.com.

A REMINDER: This podcast should not be used as a substitute for medical or mental health advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms associated with any mental health condition, it's highly advisable to seek professional help promptly. Mental health professionals can provide the appropriate assessment, support, and treatment options to address these challenges and promote overall well-being.

Hi everyone! My name is Maria Shkreli, and I am a licensed mental health therapist and author. I specialize in personality disorders and other various diagnoses.

I'm excited for you to join me each week as we break down who you are and challenge whatever you feel you may need to work on. Be sure to listen to Breaking Up With Toxicity when it premieres on October 17, and don't forget to subscribe so you can be ready to join us as we navigate this life.

This account is run by a licensed clinician and is used only for information and educational purposes. The uses of this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website are at the user's risk. Any summarized information relating to mental health is not intended to replace medical advice and should not be used to supplement mental health care. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. Both clinician and author disclaim any liability for any methods applied or suggested in this account. Always seek therapeutic services of any kind from a licensed clinician in your residing state.