In this episode I cover the tricky journey of healing and how it is far far from the straight line we often believe it is... I cover topics such as:

- Setbacks being part of the journey

- The difference between relapses and setbacks

- Share my own personal experiences with self harm and how my relapse was actually the wake up call I needed

- How healing is actually more cyclical in nature

- Boundaries are the key to true self care

- Managing your triggers and creating new pathways will set you free

I deep dive into a simple analogy which may change your way of approaching your own healing journey...

Key Time Points:

[0:00 - 5:40] Podcast bloopers, technical issues, and growing the audience.

[5:40 - 10:10] A powerful analogy on trauma: a cup of water tainted with piss, and why adding sweetness doesn’t fix the issue.

[10:10 - 17:30] How we mask trauma with external validations like relationships, jobs, and material things.

[17:30 - 25:00] The difference between stress and trauma, and how unresolved trauma shapes behavior with real-life examples.

[25:00 - 31:00] Normalizing unhealthy self-soothing methods, including alcohol, drugs, and self-harm.

[31:00 - 36:00] The inability to feel gratitude as a potential sign of trauma.

[36:00 - 41:00] How dissociation, especially in cases of sexual abuse, is a key sign of trauma.

[41:00 - 55:00] A personal story about childhood trauma, family dynamics, and how it shaped my sense of self-worth.

[55:00 - 1:02:00] The pressure to perform for love and acceptance, its impact on academic and professional life, and overcoming hyper-independence.

[1:02:00 - 1:10:00] Financial struggles and the urge to spend to feel better, navigating mental health support for a partner, and juggling parental relationships.

[1:10:00 - 1:20:00] Self-harm, high-functioning anxiety and depression, and my suicide attempt. How unresolved trauma can linger for years and impact future mental health.

[1:20:00 - end] The struggle of coming off antidepressants, achieving professional success, and the speaker's journey of masking pain until it reached a breaking point.

Tune in to explore how trauma affects us in subtle yet deep ways and why masking the pain with "sweetness" doesn’t heal the underlying hurt.

In this episode, I explore my journey with attachment styles, the cycle of self-sabotage, and the challenges of overcoming anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

I reflect on how trauma impacted my relationships and share personal stories about building trust, finding healthier connections, and battling self-harm tendencies.

I also discuss practical ways to deal with overwhelming emotions, including the power of distraction techniques, and the importance of recognizing even the smallest progress.

Key Time Points:

Episode Description:

In this episode, I dive deep into the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to foster personal growth and overcome self-sabotage. I share my own experiences of how confronting discomfort helped me rebuild my self-worth and expand my emotional capacity. I discuss how therapy, journaling, and self-reflection can be powerful tools in this journey. I also offer practical coping mechanisms like grounding techniques to manage stress and anxiety. Whether it's confronting past trauma or breaking down barriers in relationships, this episode is about embracing vulnerability and building a healthier comfort zone.

Key Time Points:

[01:20 - 05:30] The dangers of staying in your comfort zone and how it can lead to self-sabotage.

[10:45 - 13:30] Personal stories on overcoming low self-worth and breaking free from negative patterns.

[18:15 - 21:45] Coping mechanisms: Grounding techniques and the role of therapy in managing emotional challenges.

[26:00 - 29:00] The power of journaling and self-reflection to process difficult emotions.

[29:50 - 29:59] How vulnerability improves relationships and strengthens connections.

Tune in to learn how stepping into discomfort can transform your life.

In this episode, me and my guest Rachel dive deep into imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the struggles many face when it comes to self-worth, especially in competitive environments like sports and fitness.

Rachel shares personal stories about overcoming mental barriers, navigating self-doubt, and how negative self-talk can sabotage our success in both our professional and personal lives. We also explore how societal expectations affect women’s confidence in spaces like the gym and beyond.

Key Time Points:

Tune in for empowering conversations on how to overcome self-doubt and reclaim your confidence.

Rachel IG: __rs.fitness, _athena_athletics_

Important contact numbers:

NHS 111: 111

MIND: 0300 102 1234 (9-6 Weekdays)

Samaritans: 116 123 (Always Open)

CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-Midnight)

The Silent Fight: Understanding Both Sides Of Suicide, World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

With the goal of world suicide prevention day to be raising awareness of suicide, I took it one step further

I discussed how it felt and can feel for people to feel on the edge of that very cliff with some personal experiences.

However I know a lot of people may not ever be in this position, but may find themselves supporting someone. So I decided to share what I learnt as both a carer/supporter, and a near victim of suicide to help tackle this very difficult topic

For anyone who feels they are in crisis, please use the numbers below for immediate support:

MIND: 0300 102 1234 (9-6 weekdays)

Samaritans: 116 123 (always open)

CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)

The first episode of headband and heal and I answered 4 simple questions sent across from my Instagram page

I cover how my Willy doesn’t work as well as I wish it would

Why alcoholism is probably more acceptable than self harm

Why suicide is actually a good thing to talk about

And why a therapist isn’t the answer to all your problems