Why do I feel stuck when I know exactly what I need to do?

Imposter syndrome can look a lot like PTSD, anxiety symptoms, stress, burnout, depression, avoidance, trouble focusing, or shutting down. You may know you’re capable, but your brain and body seem to slam on the brakes.

In this episode, Lori talks with Amy Wadlington about what may really be behind that stuck feeling. They explore three possible sources: spiritual, mindset, and physical/nervous-system responses, including the trauma patterns of freeze, fight, flight, and fawn.

You’ll discover practical ways to move forward when anxiety, trauma, guilt, overwhelm, or self-doubt are keeping you from taking action, including prayer, breathing, worship, rest, micro-steps, and speaking biblical truth.

If you’re emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed by decisions, avoiding what needs to be done, or wondering “What is wrong with me?”, this conversation offers a different perspective:

You may not be broken. You may need to understand what your brain and body are trying to tell you.

Learn how to recognize what’s keeping you stuck, take the next right step, and keep moving forward.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

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KEYWORDS: 

imposter syndrome, PTSD, anxiety, anxiety symptoms, stress, burnout, trauma, nervous system, trauma response, feeling stuck, overcoming imposter syndrome, self-doubt, overwhelm, boundaries, loneliness, isolation

Do you overthink every decision, worry about what could go wrong, or avoid things because they feel too risky?

When PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, stress, or burnout are already draining your energy, making decisions can feel overwhelming. You may react quickly, shut down, struggle to focus, or find yourself stuck in endless “what ifs.”

But prudence isn't about controlling everything.

In this episode, we look at prudence, or self-regulation, as a practical tool for creating space between the feeling and the response. You’ll learn how to pause, consider your options, recognize your capacity, set boundaries, plan for stressful situations, and take the next step without letting fear make every decision for you.

Because wise choices don't require perfect certainty.

Sometimes prudence means planning ahead. Sometimes it means saying no. And sometimes it means taking the next step even when there’s still some uncertainty.

If you're tired of overthinking, avoidance, guilt, isolation, or feeling stuck, this episode offers a practical way to respond with purpose instead of simply reacting.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Take the free, Values in Action Survey and discover your Signature Character Strengths:

Not Broken. Equipped Series: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Map8J-WkTf4VmqpvfEnnDSOh_txnnqeCf1xecS3OB6c/edit?usp=sharing

Do you feel stuck in a cycle of depression, anxiety, stress, or burnout, knowing what you need to do but unable to find the energy to do it?

When PTSD, depression, anxiety symptoms, stress, or burnout take over, even simple things can feel overwhelming. You may feel emotionally exhausted, isolated, shut down, or struggle with trouble focusing.

But you don’t have to go from frozen to fully operational all at once.

In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, I’m sharing 3 things that have helped me break the depression cycle again and again:

1. Take small steps. Focus on the next doable thing instead of trying to fix everything at once.

2. Get help. We aren’t meant to do everything alone. That might mean getting support from your doctor, counselor, chiropractor, church, friends, or even getting help with basic needs like food and nutrition.

3. Put God first. When you don’t have strength for the whole journey, ask God for strength for the next step.

If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety symptoms, PTSD, stress, burnout, guilt, isolation, loneliness, relationship difficulties, or trouble focusing, this episode is your reminder:

Start small. Get help. Put God first. Then take the next step.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

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Does fall bring more than pumpkin spice and cooler temperatures?

If you experience seasonal depression, anxiety symptoms, stress, or low energy when the days get shorter, you may already know the pattern: more sleep, less motivation, isolation, trouble focusing, and that familiar feeling of just wanting to hibernate until spring.

But what if you could get ahead of the seasonal slump instead of waiting until it takes hold?

In this quick episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori shares 7 practical ways to prepare for fall and winter, including recognizing your personal warning signs, getting more daylight, protecting your movement, staying connected, creating a bad-day plan, knowing when to ask for help, and giving yourself things to look forward to.

You don't have to create a perfect routine or overhaul your life.

You just need a few tools that can help you support yourself sooner, recognize the signs earlier, and keep moving forward even when the days get darker.

🍂 Don't wait for seasonal depression to take hold. Start preparing now.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Did your perfect routine fall apart by Tuesday?

You planned to exercise, eat healthy, get organized, stay calm, and conquer the day. Then real life happened.

Poor sleep. Stress. Anxiety symptoms. Depression. Work. Family. Exhaustion.

You may not have a discipline problem. You may have a routine problem.

In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, learn how to build routines that actually work when you're dealing with PTSD, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, guilt, or overwhelm.

Discover how to create predictable anchors, build in recovery and transition time, leave room for real life, and create a reset point when your day goes sideways.

You don't need a perfect routine. You need a rhythm that works for the life you actually have.

LINK: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

KEYWORDS: 

Do you feel like you’re supposed to forgive and just move on?

When PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, stress, guilt, or relationship difficulties are already weighing you down, forgiveness can feel like one more thing you’re getting wrong.

But forgiveness isn’t forgetting. It isn’t excusing. It isn’t reconciliation. And it doesn’t mean giving someone access to you again.

In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, we’re exploring forgiveness as freedom, not obligation. Discover how forgiveness and self-forgiveness can help loosen the grip of resentment, guilt, self-blame, and mental replay while honoring your pain and protecting your boundaries.

You don’t have to force forgiveness. You just have to decide what you’re ready to stop carrying.

LINKS: 

Episodes on Forgiveness: Episode 15  Episode 16

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Take the free, Values in Action Survey and discover your Signature Character Strengths:

Not Broken. Equipped Series: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Map8J-WkTf4VmqpvfEnnDSOh_txnnqeCf1xecS3OB6c/edit?usp=sharing

Keywords: PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, stress, guilt, forgiveness, self-forgiveness, boundaries, relationship difficulties

What happens when saying yes to everyone starts costing you what matters most?

In part 1 of this conversation, Raquel Ita shares how a disappointing work evaluation led her to pray, reflect, and recognize where people-pleasing, stress, and overcommitment were affecting her life.

After discovering that committees were consuming up to 40% of her work time, she completed a time audit, began setting healthier boundaries, and worked with her boss to step away from commitments that no longer fit her role.

The result? Better work, deeper focus, stronger connections with family and friends, and more time with God.

If PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, isolation, guilt, or loneliness have left you feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this conversation offers a practical place to start: look at where your time is actually going.

Raquel also shares the faith lesson she’s still practicing: focus on what God has asked you to do and leave the results in His hands.

LINKS: 

Setting Boundaries in Corporate

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Keywords: boundaries, stress, anxiety symptoms, PTSD, depression, seasonal depression, SAD, isolation, guilt, loneliness, communication, people-pleasing, time audit, faith

What happens when saying yes to everyone starts costing you what matters most?

In part 1 of this conversation, Raquel Ita shares how a disappointing work evaluation led her to pray, reflect, and recognize where people-pleasing, stress, and overcommitment were affecting her life.

After discovering that committees were consuming up to 40% of her work time, she completed a time audit, began setting healthier boundaries, and worked with her boss to step away from commitments that no longer fit her role.

The result? Better work, deeper focus, stronger connections with family and friends, and more time with God.

If PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, isolation, guilt, or loneliness have left you feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this conversation offers a practical place to start: look at where your time is actually going.

Raquel also shares the faith lesson she’s still practicing: focus on what God has asked you to do and leave the results in His hands.

LINKS: 

Setting Boundaries in Corporate

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Keywords: boundaries, stress, anxiety symptoms, PTSD, depression, seasonal depression, SAD, isolation, guilt, loneliness, communication, people-pleasing, time audit, faith

Why does your life feel overwhelming when, on paper, you really don’t have that much going on?

When you're dealing with stress, anxiety symptoms, PTSD, depression, guilt, loneliness, or isolation, even everyday decisions can feel exhausting. You may be functioning, but barely. Your focus is scattered, your energy is low, and adding another “healthy habit” to your list sounds like the last thing you need.

But what if the answer isn't doing more?

In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens explores how simple routines and predictable anchors can reduce decision fatigue, create structure, and support your emotional health without turning your life into a rigid schedule.

You'll discover why routine can be especially helpful when you're overwhelmed, emotionally shutting down, struggling with boundaries and communication, or preparing for seasonal depression and SADs.

You don't need a perfect routine. You need a few things your brain can count on.

You're not broken. You're equipped. And sometimes that starts with making life a little easier to navigate.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Keywords:

Have you been making yourself smaller just to avoid judgment, conflict, or feeling like you're "too much"?

When PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, stress, guilt, loneliness, or isolation affect how you see yourself, even recognizing your own strengths can feel uncomfortable.

In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, we're exploring the character strength of Humility and why humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It's learning to see yourself clearly without shame, comparison, or self-erasure.

You'll discover how self-compassion, healthy boundaries, resilience, and positive psychology can help you recognize your strengths, accept your limitations, receive support, and stop confusing humility with making yourself invisible.

Because you don't have to become smaller to be humble.

You can acknowledge your strengths, honor your needs, and still remain open to growth.

LINKS: 

Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast

Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Session

Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com

Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com

Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook

Get in touch! [email protected]

Take the free, Values in Action Survey and discover your Signature Character Strengths:

Not Broken. Equipped Series: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Map8J-WkTf4VmqpvfEnnDSOh_txnnqeCf1xecS3OB6c/edit?usp=sharing

Keywords: anxiety symptoms, seasonal depression, SAD, isolation, guilt, loneliness, communication, boundaries, PTSD, stress, depression, trauma healing, self-compassion, resilience, positive psychology, character strengths, emotional healing, relationships, overcoming anxiety, overcoming depression, Christian mental health, faith and healing, purpose, joy, deep happiness.