This week's episode is about starting small. Brianna Beedy, a divorced mother of three children, talks about how she came to realize that the only way to fully embrace the path to emotional health was to divorce her husband of over 20 years. And it all started with getting her nails done.

Are you a helping professional feeling overwhelmed and struggling with emotional fatigue? Is the stress of your demanding work affecting your own mental health? We've got you covered. In our new podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of self-care for mental health professionals, revealing how it's possible to manage work-related stressors, revise self-defeating belief systems, and enhance coping resources - all for the purpose of better serving your clients and preventing burnout. We demonstrate how these changes aren't just beneficial, they're crucial to maintaining your wellbeing and resilience in a demanding profession.

What if we told you that as community health workers, caring for yourself lays the foundation for empowering your clients, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses, high anxiety, or demanding situations? This episode takes you through a journey of self-discovery and self-care, offering practical strategies that range from participating in self-care groups to seeking support from supervisors when necessary. Remember, taking time for self-care isn't selfish - it's fundamental. Join us for this enlightening exploration of understanding and practicing self-care. Because when you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to help others.

Picture this: the end of a relationship that once brought joy, now only causing pain. We've been there, too, and we're here to assure you that it's not the end of the world, but the beginning of a journey of self-rediscovery.  We discuss the critical importance of self-compassion and healthy processing of emotions. Remember, while the pain may seem unbearable now, it is transitory. 

How about flipping the narrative of heartbreak and using it as a catalyst for personal growth? We believe in the transformative power of the post-breakup "glow-up". It's more than just a trendy term; it's about rediscovering your individuality, strength, and resilience. In the latter part of our discussion, we share our perspective on self-love, growth, and how to redefine your relationship with yourself. Let's explore together how a breakup, often viewed as a setback, can become a breakthrough to a more authentic and resilient version of you.

Do you ever feel crushed under the weight of constantly striving for perfection? We're here to help lighten that load. As hosts of the Self Care Society podcast, we guide you through the complications of perfectionism, sharing insights on its adverse impacts and exploring methods to overcome it. Drawing on practical advice from the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center, we delve into strategies like list-making to prioritize tasks, and offer guidance to help you understand when something is 'good enough'.

We are committed to help you break free from the shackles of perfectionism, and in doing so, we bring you five effective techniques in this episode. We discuss setting achievable goals, self-compassion, and dealing with criticism - the key components to combat perfectionism. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and learn to appreciate the good in life, while continuing your pursuit of excellence. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation and let's navigate this journey towards self-improvement together.

Nancy Bauer shares how changing careers helped her commit to her own self-care in a more meaningful way and to become a self-care role model for students, families, and her community.

Want to amplify your knowledge on human trafficking and social justice? Then you are in for a treat. We sat down with the eloquent Anna Schramm, as she gave us a comprehensive walk-through of the upcoming three-day International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. This event, bursting with inclusivity and diversity, offers a vast array of breakout sessions covering topics from research to personal survivor experiences, legal issues, and more. Anna’s deep dive into the user-friendly conference web app promises to leave no attendee in the dark. 

The conversation with Anna Shramm gets more engaging as we delve into practical aspects like conference pricing, continuing education units (CEUs), and the networking opportunities on offer. Anna highlights the unique conference discounts for college students and trafficking survivors, ensuring accessibility for all. So, if you are a professional looking to earn some CEUs or a college student, this conference is the perfect blend of learning and networking for you. 

The cherry on top? We are celebrating our 20th anniversary in a grand style. From anniversary t-shirts, raffle giveaways to becoming a vendor, there are plenty of memorable experiences to look forward to. Thanks to our virtual platform, attendees can engage from the comfort of their homes, connecting with like-minded individuals from across the globe. Now, isn't that a cause for celebration? Find out about our anniversary celebrations and much more in this thought-provoking episode.

Ever wondered why those in helping professions, including social workers, nurses, and doctors, often fail to take care of their own well-being? Struggle no more with the mystery. We're about to unpack the reasons behind this common phenomenon in our latest episode of the Self Care Society Podcast. We'll explore how denial of personal challenges, time constraints, misattributed stress symptoms, and misconceptions about self-care play into this unfortunate reality.

We're also going to examine some dysfunctional beliefs about self-care that might be holding you back from prioritizing your own well-being. Our discussion will tackle the severity of distress and the stigma attached to seeking help. By the end of our candid conversation, we promise you will understand the absolute necessity of self-care. It isn't selfish – it's the essential fuel for your professional journey. Break down your barriers and fully embrace the importance of self-care.

Navigating the vast ocean of grief can feel overwhelming, a journey marked by unchartered emotions, unexpected strong currents of sorrow, and waves of acceptance. Join me, Isabelle Matossian, as I guide you through the complexities of the grieving process, underscored by the profound Kubler-Ross model. This episode marches beyond the well-trodden path, exploring not just the five common stages - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance - but also the unique, personal emotional responses to loss that might not neatly fit into these categories. 

Striking a deeper chord, this episode intertwines the grief conversation with an exploration of systemic racism in America. We cast a spotlight on the disproportionate grief experienced by black communities and people of color, a sorrow born from the trauma of slavery passed down generations, current health, and environmental inequities. This episode is not just an exploration of grief but a call to action - a call to recognize and understand the intersection of grief and systemic racism. So lend me your ears, open your hearts, and let's embark on this journey together.

You're about to embark on a transformative journey, traversing the landscape of systemic racism and its firm grip on Black lives in America. We won't just skim the surface but delve into the intertwined systems of criminal justice, healthcare, education, and politics that continue to perpetuate racial disparities. Our crucial discussion on the Black Lives Matter movement will shine a light on the importance of this fight for freedom and justice. We also underscore the historical significance of Juneteenth and the Fourth of July, bringing us all a step closer to understanding and healing.

Now, let's not forget about the vibrancy and richness of the African American culture, embodied in the heart-warming tradition of the 'cookout'. As we reminisce on the culinary delights and soulful rhythms, we also reflect upon the ongoing global struggle for freedom. This episode isn't just a dialogue, it's a passionate call to action, to stand together for justice and equality. So, tune in, participate, and let's spark a change together.

Matti d'Erneville is a music therapist and a self-proclaimed introvert who loves playing video games in her spare time. Though an introvert, Matti has challenged herself to record and upload one song to Instagram every day for a year. She talks to us about how she uses music to heal others and to heal herself in this week's Self-Care Society podcast. Also, check out Matti's talents here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7E3SaOyeXBCXAgm3AcnXyQ?si=xt7Q_bw4QIOG6_zlUUsBDQ