Consider Yourself Hugged

By Tami West and Michelle KixmillerHealth & Fitness Mental Health

Consider Yourself Hugged episodes

November 27, 2024Hug 187 What's Been Your Favorite Thanksgiving?: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 3
Hug 187 What's Been Your Favorite Thanksgiving?: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 3 by Tami West
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
22 min
November 20, 2024Hug 186 Navigating Anxiety: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 2
Hi friends!This week, Michelle and I are back with Part II of our Holiday Mental Health Series, and we’re diving into anxiety. If the holidays bring you feelings of overwhelm, financial stress, or family drama, you’re not alone—and we’ve got you covered.What We Talk About Today:Anxiety and Holidays Can Go Hand in HandMichelle and I started by sharing some eye-opening stats on how common holiday anxiety is. Did you know:52% of people feel more anxious during the holidays.66% experience financial stress.24% of folks with mental health challenges say the holidays make it worse.63% even said the holidays are more stressful than tax season!It’s no wonder so many people struggle to feel holly jolly!We also talked about some reasons behind the stress:Increased Social Demands: Parties, gatherings, and the pressure to be “on” can feel overwhelming.Financial Strain: Buying gifts, hosting meals, and traveling can stretch anyone’s budget.Family Dynamics: Old tensions and unresolved conflicts often resurface.Loneliness: The holidays can amplify feelings of isolation, even when you’re in a crowded room.Unrealistic Expectations: Those Hallmark movie moments? Yeah, they don’t exist in real life.Our Quirky Holiday Anxiety QuizOkay, let’s talk about the quiz! It was such a fun way to gauge where we are on the holiday anxiety scale. Michelle scored an 11, which put her solidly in the Holiday Hero category (I mean, of course, right?!). Meanwhile, I got a 16—a Festive Fence-Sitter.Here’s the breakdown:Holiday Hero (10–15 points): You thrive during the holidays! You’re the life of the party and keep the festive spirit alive.Festive Fence-Sitter (16–24 points): You love the holidays, but they can feel like a lot. Boundaries and balance are your best friends.Tinsel-Tied (25–30 points): The holidays? More like holi-daze. It’s time to simplify, breathe, and take care of YOU.If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, check out the link below with all the activities we promised! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/navigating-anxiety-holiday-mental-health-guide-part-2. Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
1 hr
November 13, 2024Hug 185 Navigating Depression: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part I
Hey friends! Today, Michelle and I are diving into a topic that’s often swept under the holiday rug: depression. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also intensify feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about what holiday depression can look like, how to recognize it, and ways to navigate it. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to offer you some understanding, support, and maybe even a little laughter along the way.Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/depression-during-the-holidays-holiday-mental-health-guide.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
51 min
November 06, 2024Hug 184 Your Positive Psychology Toolkit: Recap
Hey everyone! Welcome to our final Positive Psychology episode/celebration! In this final episode of our Positive Psychology series, we look back at the journey we’ve taken, exploring the key insights and transformative lessons from each module. This episode brings together the core themes and strategies, offering a holistic view of how positive psychology can enhance our well-being, resilience, and joy. We’ll also share some personal reflections, including our top five tools that had the most impact, and the lessons we’ve taken to heart.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
41 min
October 23, 2024Hug 183 Communication, Gratitude & Relationships Positive Psychology Part 9
So glad you're still with us! In today’s episode, Michelle and I delve into two essential pillars of positive psychology: gratitude and communication. We’ll talk about how they’re not only key to your happiness but essential for building and maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships.Throughout this episode, we’ll share stories, practical tips, and give you a sneak peek into the exercises we’ve included in the accompanying activity sheet. This will help you apply what we discuss in real life. Get ready for an insightful conversation packed with actionable steps you can start implementing today! Get your activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/communication-gratitude-relationships-positive-psychology-part-9.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
1 hr 12 min
October 16, 2024Hug 182 Mindfulness: Positive Psychology Part 8
Welcome back! Today we dive into the topic of mindfulness and what it really means to live in the present moment. We discuss why it’s so hard to stay focused on the here and now and explore how becoming more mindful can transform the way we experience life. Have you ever found yourself caught up in the past or worrying about the future? Today, we’re going to break down how mindfulness can help free you from those distractions.Show notes with activity sheet at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/present-moment-mindfulness-positive-psychology-part-8.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/facebook/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
1 hr 3 min
October 09, 2024Hug 181 Intermission: Lessons So Far from Positive Psychology
In this special Intermission episode, I take a moment to reflect on the three most significant lessons I've learned during the first seven modules of our Positive Psychology course. These lessons have deeply impacted my personal growth and outlook, and I believe they can resonate with anyone striving for greater well-being.Lessons/Questions so Far1. Do You Want to Get Well?2. Do You Want to Engage?3. Do You Want to Practice Even When You Don't Feel Like It?Now go listen for more! :)Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/intermission-lessons-from-positive-psychology.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/facebook/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
17 min
October 02, 2024Hug 180 Optimism & Motivation: Positive Psychology Part 7
We know that life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like things just aren’t going our way. That’s where optimism comes in, giving us the ability to see a brighter future. But it’s not just about having a positive mindset—it’s about staying motivated to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.As always, we’ve put together an activity sheet filled with exercises to help you apply the strategies we’ll discuss today. Don’t worry, we won’t go over all the exercises here—you’ll get those on the sheet—but we’ll give you a sense of what’s to come. Let’s dive in!What is Optimism? Optimism is often misunderstood as being overly positive or naïve, but in reality, it’s much deeper than that. Optimism is the mindset that allows you to view challenges as temporary and surmountable. It’s the belief that, even though things may be difficult right now, they will improve, and you have the power to influence the outcome.Michelle and I often talk about how optimism impacts not only our mental health but also our physical well-being. Research shows that people with an optimistic outlook tend to have better health outcomes, live longer, and generally enjoy a higher quality of life.Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the tough stuff—it’s about recognizing the difficulties but believing that you can get through them. On our activity sheet, you’ll find a great exercise to help you practice this skill by identifying areas in your life where you can reframe negative thinking into more optimistic perspectives. Trust me, this is a game-changer.Read more AND get the activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/optimism-motivation-positive-psychology-part-7.
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
44 min
September 25, 2024Hug 179 Self Esteem & Confidence: Positive Psychology Part 6
Welcome back to another episode in our positive psychology series! Today, we’re diving into the topic of self-esteem and self-confidence, two qualities that affect all of us, whether we realize it or not. Be sure to get the activity sheet in the show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/self-esteem-confidence-positive-psychology-part-6.Understanding Self-Esteem vs. Self-ConfidenceSelf-esteem is how we value ourselves—our sense of worth and whether we believe we deserve love and respect from ourselves and others. Self-confidence, on the other hand, is trusting in our abilities in specific situations. You might be confident in a particular skill at work but still struggle with overall self-esteem. They are related but distinct!Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Thanks for joining today! Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars [email protected]
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
49 min
September 18, 2024Hug 178 Positive Emotions: Positive Psychology Part 5
Positive psychology, as we’ve been discussing throughout this series, is all about focusing on the strengths and attributes that allow us to thrive, rather than just avoiding or treating problems. In this session, we’re focusing on something truly magical—our positive emotions.According to research from positive psychology, cultivating emotions like joy, gratitude, serenity, and love doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment—they actually help you build a healthier and more resilient mind and body over time. As we put it the other day, "Positive emotions are like sunshine for your brain." I love that visual!Head over to the show notes to see more AND get the activity sheet at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/positive-emotions-positive-psychology-part-5.Thanks for joining!**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Thanks for joining today! Connect with me:https://www.tamiwest.com/
Connect with us
Instagram: Consider Yourself Hugged (new account!)
TikTok: Short clips and stories
YouTube: Full episodes + video snippets
Women’s Group: A Place for Women—ongoing conversation
**The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources.
General Resources
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

About Tami & Michelle:
Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP
Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Tami West, PhD
Stress & Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses research & fun to help transform your life.
1 hr 7 min

About Consider Yourself Hugged

From the publisher's feed

Thanks for visiting with us at for Consider Yourself Hugged: Mental & emotional well-being.” Do you find yourself thinking, "Life can be so overwhelming! I feel so frustrated all the time! I…

worry about everything! I wish I could speak up more and not be a doormat!"

If you're looking for improved mental and emotional well-being, please join us every Wednesday as we talk about how to make positive choices in your life.

*Disclaimer:The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on my experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources mentioned in the show notes.

About us:

Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Her passion stems from a lifelong battle with an anxiety disorder which has uniquely equipped her to teach, encourage, and motivate others. Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity. Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including two books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. She is a mother of eight in a blended family and enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling with her husband Tim and family, and watching The Big Bang Theory.

Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), and running (slowly). Contact Michelle at [email protected].

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Consider Yourself Hugged

Consider Yourself Hugged episodes

About Consider Yourself Hugged