Out of the Dark with Mandisa & Laura Williams

Trigger can be a confusing word. In this episode, we will discuss what triggers are, what they are not, and how to manage them the best you can.

Aren't we done yet? At year 2, most people are worn out and weary. Isolation has taken a toll on most of the population, especially our young ones. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high and suicide rates have skyrocketed. What are ways we can all help reduce some of these horrific outcomes?

Uncontrollable circumstances can sometimes be some of the most difficult trauma to work with. Examples of this include living in poverty, the death of a parent or sibling, a parent or sibling with a chronic illness, and even being a pastor's kid can create a feeling of "it is what it is" when it comes to dealing with life. Listen in for some thoughts on how this might have shaped the adult you have become.

If you have ever wondered why you struggle even though you had the "perfect childhood", then this episode is for you. Sometimes, what looks like perfect childhood on the outside isn't so perfect when we break it down. In these situations, we look at rearranging how you view you childhood so that it might more accurately portray what you actually experienced as a child. 

How do you feel about this word? For many people, this word carries a ton of negativity. In this episode, we will get to the root of the word, why it might feel negative and why we actually need it in order to feel emotionally balanced.

Visiting family during the holidays might be one of the top stressors people experience. For some, it is tolerable and mildly fun, but for many people it is miserable. In this episode, we will discuss some resources to help make traveling to visit family more enjoyable.

You might be surprised to know that self-care actually has nothing to do with spas, shopping, or 5-star resorts. Self-care is actually the most basic thing you can do for yourself. We will discuss what self-care is and what it is NOT.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have feelings. Most people either don't feel at all or feel too much. In this episode, we will discuss the importance of recognizing feelings. We also talk about the importance of gratitude; not to negate our feelings but as a separate practice each day.

Mindfulness is a way of connecting with God and self. Part of the responsibility of a parent is to help children figure out what is going on with them--to connect with their bodies, their feelings, their ideas/opinions, likes, and dislikes. When you miss out on that as a kid, you owe it to yourself to spend time getting to know yourself. Mindfulness is a great way.

Our most vulnerable episode yet. Mandisa and Laura get personal with their views on medication in the area of mental health and tackle the stigma that you are not strong enough of a Christian if you have to rely on medication.