Is talking about your emotions actually hurting your healing? Licensed therapist Kati Morton dives deep into the non-linear reality of healing, tackling feelings of meaninglessness, navigating forced therapy, and how to recover from therapist abandonment. Discover the key difference between therapeutic processing and harmful rumination, learn what narcissistic abuse looks like, and find out how to get unstuck from survival mode and self-sabotage. Audience Questions: 0:43 - Q1: When Does Talking About Emotions Become Negative? ("...at what point does talking about your motion emotions have a negative effect?" / "...I would rather skip the talking and go straight to the homework...") 8:59 - Q2: Dealing with the Feeling of Meaninglessness ("How do I deal with the feeling of meaninglessness? I'm a successful girl by society standards... But I don't feel any excitement about anything...") ** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offer: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code KATI at https://branchbasics.com/KATI 13:49 - Q3: How to Recover from Feeling Abandoned by Your Therapist ("How do I get over feeling worthless even when not even my therapist seems to care.") 19:39 - Q4: The Effects of Toxic Narcissistic Abuse on Healing ("It feels like I'm stuck in a loop. Like I keep sabotaging myself." / "My life revolved around her. She'd get mad if I didn't go out with her...") 26:22 - Q5: Stuck in Survival Mode After Leaving an Abusive Home ("...moving away from home to college because of my abusive parents... I thought moving away would get me out of survival mode, it didn't.") 31:09 - Q6: How to Fix Life Once You Figure Out "The Why" ("...after one figures out why life has turned out the way it did, how does one quote unquote fix that?") 37:57 - Q7: Working on Being Less Hard on Yourself ("I'm very hard on myself and have two higher expectations... Do you have any other methods that can help me work on being less hard on myself?") My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Ask Kati Anything ep. 286 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's questions are very interesting! Everything from breaking the habit of nail biting and skin picking, to navigating comparison, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. We’ll also talk about menopause, how it can affect mood, depression, and even how ADHD medications work plus what happens when your diagnosis suddenly changes and you’re left wondering who to believe. And finally, we’ll explore what it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after years of being told it was something else entirely. So whether you’re here to better understand your own mental health, or you just love learning more about how our brains and emotions work, this episode is full of real questions, honest conversations, and practical takeaways you can actually use. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Audience questions: (01:03) How do I stop biting my nails? (Compulsion to pick at skin/nails) (09:54) I keep comparing myself to other people, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. (20:01) Thoughts about menopause and how it affects depression. (25:21) Is it true that menopause hinders ADHD meds from working? (30:26) What are some things I can do to improve my communication skills with my partner? (41:00) Identity shift with a change in diagnosis (ADHD/ASD vs. OCPD) and who to believe. (51:43) Women being diagnosed with ADHD later in life (55+) and misdiagnosis with bipolar disorder. Sponsors: I want to take a moment to give a kind word of thanks to the companies that support this podcast. Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's partners and their special offers: • Headspace: Get 60 days FREE www.Headspace.com/AskKati • Fabletics: 80% off everything for new VIP members www.Fabletics.com/Kati • Crowd Health: Get your first three months for just $99 JoinCrowdHealth.com | use code ASKKATI • One Skin: 15% off OneSkin.co | use code KATI Ask Kati Anything ep. 285 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT My original YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@Katimorton #podcast #therapist #katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Kati sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, to dive into the social connection and the growing loneliness epidemic. Dr. Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends, explains how your brain is fundamentally wired for interaction, why isolation is a biological stressor, and what you can do to improve your social health. In this must-watch episode, Dr. Rein explains the mechanical changes happening in your brain during isolation and clarifies why the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a loneliness epidemic. You'll learn the surprising truth about isolation and physical health—it can cause stress hormones like cortisol to rise within days and is associated with more adverse health outcomes. Dr. Rein also reveals the science behind why isolation can make people more irritable and even angry, linking it to the body's natural stress response. Kati and Dr. Rein discuss the difference between in-person and digital interactions, noting that less "lifelike" communication strips away vital social cues like eye contact, body language, and even smell, leading to fewer mood benefits. Dr. Rein introduces the concept of a "Social Diet" and social journaling—practical tools to help you identify which interactions energize you ("breath in" relationships) versus those that leave you depleted. The conversation takes fascinating turns into the role of brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin in social reward and the development of empathy. Plus, discover the incredible, innate ability of dogs to detect physiological stress signals and the science of how pets help children develop crucial social skills. By shopping with our sponsors, you help support our podcast: Green Chef https://www.greenchef.com/50ASKKATI HeadSpace https://www.headspace.com/ASKKATI Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ben Rein, neuroscientist and author of Why Brains Need Friends. 02:54 - The neuroscience behind loneliness-induced anger and why isolation is treated as a stressor by the body. 05:57 - Debunking the myth: Do introverts benefit from social interaction, and in what dose? 10:48 - The evolutionary reason we are wired for social reward, and the key brain chemicals involved: dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. 15:40 - A discussion on MDMA, serotonin depletion, and the severity of the drug's comedown. 21:11 - The shocking statistics on increasing time spent alone in modern society (36 hours more per month). 28:22 - What is "inter brain synchrony," and can it happen over a text message?. 35:47 - The power of social smells: how tears can reduce aggression and how a mother's scent affects a baby's brain synchrony. 41:51 - Why growing up with dogs helps children develop empathy and fewer conduct problems. 48:53 - The powerful therapeutic properties of oxytocin (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective) beyond just social connection. Ask Kati Anything ep. 284 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Today's guest is Dr. Ben Rein https://www.youtube.com/@dr.benrein Order Ben's new book Why Brains Need Friends → https://geni.us/WhyBrainsNeedFriends My new book Why Do I Keep Doing This? is available for pre-order! https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling to support a friend's mental health crisis while battling your own? This essential episode of Ask Kati Anything dives deep into setting healthy boundaries in tough friendships, tackling the crucial question of how to protect your peace without guilt. We also explore the often-misunderstood journey of relapse and recovery, the profound search for meaning when life feels empty due to depression, and offer vital insights into eating disorders at different life stages, from early struggles to fears about pregnancy and being a role model. Plus, discover whether day-to-day anxiety truly serves a purpose, how to navigate a forgetful therapist, and the emotional impact of chronic illness and bullying. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Episode Timestamps: 00:44 - q1  What to do when supporting a struggling friend begins to trigger your own pain. 08:31 - q2  Could you talk about best practices for staying out of the hospital and about the stigma around relapse and recovery? 17:00 - q3  How can any meaning in life be found when it takes action to find meaning? 21:59 - q4  I'm almost 28 years old and have been struggling with anorexia for six years and eating disorder behaviors for more than half my life. 29:26 - q5  I was wondering if I have an eating disorder. 33:51 - q6  Does day-to-day anxiety actually serve a purpose like other emotions? 38:16 - q7  Can you please talk about therapy and how to handle a forgetful therapist? 42:47 - q8  Could you cover the correlation of chronic illnesses or chronic pain like a leg disability... and mental health issues? Ask Kati Anything ep. 283 |  your weekly mental health podcast hosted by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton, where she answers your most pressing mental health questions with compassion, expertise, and actionable advice. Support Our Show by Checking Out Our Sponsors We're able to bring you these important conversations thanks to the support of our incredible sponsors. Please take a moment to visit them and learn more about what they offer! BetterHelp - Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/katipod October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and BetterHelp is celebrating the therapists who make healing possible. If you're ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Blissy - as a listener, receive your 60 nights risk-free plus an additional 30% off when you shop at https://blissy.com/askkatipod and use code askkatipod MY BOOKS Traumatized   https://geni.us/Bfak0j   Are u ok?    https://geni.us/sva4iUY  PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman |  nick@biglittlemedia.co DISCLAIMER The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I'm answering your top questions on trauma recovery, emotional processing, and breaking free from mental blocks. I'm diving deep into how to move out of functional freeze and start feeling again, what structure is actually needed in therapy sessions, and the hard but essential first steps of eating disorder recovery. We also discuss the severe emotional impact of failed suicide attempts, techniques for determining if a memory is real or false, and why your nervous system makes you push away safe people and loved ones. If you've felt stuck in survival mode or questioned your own recollections, this video offers practical grounding techniques and trauma-informed healing advice. ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)While I do not currently offer online therapy, this episode's sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/katipod Today's questions: 00:42 - How to get out of a functional free state and start to feel and process emotions again. 04:46 - I have a question about structure and goals in therapy... Is a specific plan and structure needed? 12:42 - I hope you're not tired of hearing me dance around my eating disorder behaviors, but I'm a little lost. Is this the way most eating disorder recovery starts? 20:13 - I'm still stuck in survival mode, which I thought would go away by moving out earlier. 24:06 - I have a question about trauma and false memories... How do I know when or if something is a false memory? 29:13 - Can you talk about the effects of failed suicide attempts? Is it possible to have trauma from an attempt even if you weren't hospitalized? 31:33 - Can you talk a bit about what a therapist takes notes about during a session? 37:53 - What are best ways to cope with triggers and panic attacks in school? 42:36 - I puffer fish the people closest to me, and I don't know why I keep doing it. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High-functioning depression is a silent struggle for many. Are you walking through life, feeling overwhelmed, but still managing to keep it all together? Dr. Joseph shares insights from her groundbreaking, peer-reviewed study, the first of its kind on high-functioning depression. She explains why many people with depression symptoms continue to function, showing up to work and managing their responsibilities, often while wearing a mask to hide their pain. They may not experience joy or pleasure, a symptom known as anhedonia, which can be a key indicator of this condition. Episode sponsors: • BABBEL Get up to 55% OFF: https://www.babbel.com/kati • MINT MOBILE Premium wireless service for just $15 a month. https://www.mintmobile.com/kati • HEADSPACE Receive a free 60-day trial: https://www.headspace.com/askkati My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Our conversation challenges the traditional medical approach to mental health, which often requires a person to reach a point of crisis before they can receive a diagnosis or treatment. We explore why this "wait until you're at stage four" mentality is so flawed and how we can instead adopt a preventative mindset, similar to what we see in cardiology. We also dive into the fascinating link between past trauma and the need to be constantly busy. Dr. Joseph’s research shows that high-functioning individuals often avoid dealing with their pain by taking on more work and distracting themselves. In this episode: 00:46 - What is High-Functioning Depression? 02:47 - The connection between trauma, being busy, and high-functioning depression 04:21 - The medical field's narrow definition of trauma 07:12 - The idea of "white knuckling" life 08:32 - The difference between happiness and joy 11:23 - The importance of small moments of joy 14:16 - Using the Bio-Psychosocial Model to find joy 25:50 - The significance of body and emotional awareness 27:50 - The impact of social media and technology 31:53 - The importance of in-person connection 37:48 - The future of AI in therapy 40:39 - The connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and trauma 45:54 - Why people return to abusive relationships 48:38 - A 5-step model for finding joy 53:40 - The joy of writing and creative work Order Dr. Judith Joseph's book, High-Functioning: https://amzn.to/3Iotjvx Kati's Main Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton#podcast #psychology #drjudithjoseph KATI'S BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://www.betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Healing from trauma can feel like an impossible journey, especially when you feel completely numb and disconnected. In this video, licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Morton tackles some of the toughest questions about complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and finding a way to heal. She offers practical tips for rebuilding trust in yourself, managing overwhelming emotions, and navigating the difficult path to recovery. Whether you're feeling stuck, struggling with self-harm, or trying to process grief, this episode provides hope and validation. Ask Kati Anything ep.280 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Please support the podcast by visiting our sponsors: OneSkin Get 15% off your order using the code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/ Liquid I.V. Use promo code KATI to receive 20% off your order at https://www.liquid-iv.com/ Timestamps 00:46 Q1: Childhood Trauma/PTSD 14:07 Q2: Feeling Stuck in Therapy 20:46 Q3: Reconnecting After Attachment Wounds 26:46 Q4: Self-Harm 29:21 BOOK Recommendation: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j 31:55 Q5: Pet Grief 37:50 Q6: Kinks and Trauma 42:40 Q7: Living with Chronic Ideation My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. YOUTUBE CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ballet, burnout, and the hidden mental health battles of a top performer. In this powerful conversation, Sara Mearns — principal ballerina at New York City Ballet — opens up about her journey through a breakdown, therapy, and rediscovering joy in dance. Hear her unfiltered story about pressure, resilience, and the healing power of vulnerability. Ask Kati Anything ep. 279 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sara Mearns 01:05 – Why ballet feels new every day 03:40 – The pressure of never feeling “good enough” 04:42 – Mental Health Coalition & Covid struggles 07:12 – The breaking point: burnout and depression 12:14 – Rediscovering balance through therapy 17:14 – The role of storytelling and books like The Midnight Library https://amzn.to/3HRAhsM 22:12 – The intimacy of dance partnerships 30:47 – When the audience goes silent: the ultimate performance high 35:17 – Deciding to become a professional ballerina at 12 39:01 – Why therapy should be part of training for all athletes 45:20 – The small shifts therapy creates over time 50:07 – How going public with her burnout helped others 53:58 – The future of ballet and mental health advocacy Follow along with Sara https://www.instagram.com/saramearns https://www.nycballet.com/ My new book is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: oneskin.co - use the code KATI for 15% OFF betterhelp.com/katipod - (enjoy 10% off your first month) MY BOOKS Traumatized   https://geni.us/Bfak0j   Are u ok?    https://geni.us/sva4iUY  PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman |  nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catastrophizing can make every small problem feel like the end of the world. In this episode, I share practical tools to stop worst-case-scenario thinking and finally calm your anxious brain. But that’s not all — this episode of Ask Kati Anything also dives into: • How to handle disrespect and set boundaries without losing your cool • Why opening up about mental health online can feel so exposing • Managing anxiety around aging — for yourself and loved ones • Understanding the cycle of eating disorders and why behaviors return • How to advocate for yourself in medical settings • And more listener questions about therapy, anxiety, and healing Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & what’s ahead 01:00 – “How do I handle disrespect without losing my cool?” 07:16 – “Posting about my mental health online made me feel exposed…” 13:07 – “I just turned 39 and I’m scared of aging.” 20:06 – “My mom is almost 60 and I’m anxious about losing her.” 24:05 – “Why isn’t my body responding to eating disorder behaviors the same way?” 29:29 – “Why are my urges to restrict, purge, and cut coming back?” 32:14 – “How do I advocate for myself when my medication isn’t the right fit?” 35:26 – “My partner and I just discovered we see the same therapist…” 39:23 – “Why would a therapist ask to see my scars?” 43:32 – “Why do therapists ask what we use to self-injure?” 44:24 – “Why does my brain catastrophize and always jump to the worst-case scenario?” My NEW BOOK is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, our sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the real difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist — and how do you know which one you need? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Bender, a psychiatrist, therapist, and media consultant who has worked everywhere from private practice to video game studios. Together we dive into the messy realities of mental health treatment: the truth about psychiatric medication, therapy vs. “med management,” why stigma keeps so many people stuck, and how to know when it’s time to seek help. Dr. Bender shares his journey from teaching and social work into psychiatry, what it’s really like to balance prescribing with therapy, and how he helps patients navigate shame, fear, and medication side effects. We also explore borderline personality disorder, antidepressant withdrawal, genetic testing, and the art of tailoring treatment to the individual. Plus — his fascinating work consulting on Batman and other characters for media projects. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insights to help you better understand yourself and your mental health journey. Timestamps (Ask Kati Anything ep. 277) 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Eric Bender 00:17 – Psychiatry vs. Psychology: What’s the Difference? 02:09 – Dr. Bender’s Unconventional Path to Becoming a Psychiatrist 07:10 – Working with Children & Parents in Therapy 09:01 – Why He Still Does Therapy (Not Just Medication) 13:16 – Conversations Around Medication & Stigma 17:18 – Antidepressant Withdrawal & Side Effects Explained 23:36 – Treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) 29:48 – Therapy, Medication & Insurance Challenges 35:13 – Should You See a Psychiatrist or a Therapist? 43:47 – Offering Hope & Knowing When to Seek Help 47:31 – Psychiatry Meets Pop Culture: Consulting on Batman & Media 52:14 – How Media Shapes Mental Health Stigma 53:04 – Closing Thoughts My New Book (Pre-Order) Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Other Books Traumatized → https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? → https://geni.us/sva4iUY Connect with Dr. Eric Bender YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.ericbender Website: http://www.doctorericbender.com/ Kati’s Main YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/katimorton Sponsors (Support the Show!) Mint Mobile — Get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for just $15/month → https://www.mintmobile.com/kati OneSkin — Target aging on 3 fronts with the OS-01 peptide, antioxidants, and non-nano zinc oxide. Get 15% off with code KATI → https://www.oneskin.co/ Online Therapy (10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist → https://betterhelp.com/kati Partnerships Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you actually feel your emotions without being consumed by them? In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton shares practical strategies for processing feelings in a healthy way — and how to compartmentalize without suppressing what you’re going through. Kati also answers listener questions about knowing if your anxiety medication is really working, the difference between dissociation and zoning out, how to cope with burnout-related memory problems, and what to do when starting therapy feels overwhelming because everything is connected. With neuroscience-backed insights and compassionate guidance, this episode will help you manage your emotions, protect your mental health, and create space to feel without losing control. My new book Why Do I Keep Doing This? is now available for pre-order: https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:44 – How to Feel Emotions Without Being Overwhelmed (Healthy Compartmentalization) 08:05 – How to Know If Anxiety Medication Is Working (Signs & Next Steps) 13:07 – Mild Dissociation vs. Zoning Out: How to Recognize and Stop It 19:06 – Dissociation vs. Derealization Explained (Key Differences) 23:38 – Starting Therapy but Invalidation Your Struggles (Why It Happens) 28:34 – Burnout, Stress, ASD & Memory Issues: What’s Normal vs. Concerning 35:40 – Where to Start in Therapy When Everything Feels Interconnected ⚠️ Trigger Warning (suicidality, trauma, grief) 41:01 – Outro & Homework Ask Kati Anything ep. 276 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT BOOKS by Kati Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY 💧 Today’s episode is sponsored by Liquid I.V. Stay hydrated and energized all day with my favorite electrolyte drink mix 👉 liquidiv.com — use PROMO CODE: KATI at checkout for 20% off your order! ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this revealing conversation, Grace Helbig opens up about her early days of YouTube stardom, to the burnout that followed, and facing breast cancer head-on. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of navigating the chaos of internet fame, the toll it took on her mental health, and how stepping away gave her the clarity to return on her own terms. Grace dives deep into the emotional and psychological impact of living life online, the loss of community in the creator space, and how her diagnosis reshaped her priorities. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, she’s transforming pain into art through her new live comedy show, bringing humor and honesty to life’s hardest moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Grace for the first time, this episode is an inspiring, unfiltered reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. My new book is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. More Grace: https://www.youtube.com/@itsgrace/videos This Might Get Weird (podcast) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6qM1-K69UGys_BnilnWZ7w More Kati: https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY Ask Kati Anything ep. 275 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT I’ve teamed up with Babbel to give you 55% off your subscription—but only for listeners—at Babbel.com/KATI ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling with trauma, trust issues, food and body image struggles, or feeling like no one ever showed up for you? In this episode, Kati responds to six powerful community questions about healing after emotional neglect, craving validation, navigating boundary violations, and figuring out how to keep going when life feels overwhelming.Whether you’re starting therapy, dealing with past experiences that left you feeling confused or stuck, or just trying to feel seen, this episode offers real insight and encouragement. 🔖 Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Intro & Book Pre-order Reminder Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 01:11 – Q1: "No one’s going to save me — so why do I still crave attention?"Craving care when it was never modeled, coping through behaviors, and the truth about being “attention-seeking.” 07:05 – Q2: "My therapist ignored what happened. Why does school still trigger me?"When trusted places become reminders of past pain and how to bring it up again in therapy. 13:10 – Q3: "My mom read my journal. How can I trust her again?"Privacy breaches, parent dynamics, and learning to rebuild safety after feeling exposed. 22:01 – Q4: "Am I being dramatic for needing therapy now?"Letting go of self-comparison and learning how to validate your current emotional experience. 30:40 – Q5: "How do I build hope when I never expected to live this long?"Finding motivation, building resilience, and coping with thoughts of giving up. 36:04 – Q6: "Can I have trauma even if nothing 'serious' happened?"Understanding freeze responses, dissociation, and why certain experiences still leave emotional scars. Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 274, hosted by licensed therapist Kati Morton. Thanks to this week’s sponsors for helping bring mental health content to life! GREEN CHEF - healthy eating made easy (discount link) http://GREENCHEF.com/50askkati BETTERHELP - online therapy (discount link): http://BETTERHELP.com/katipod MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kandee Johnson was sleeping just 2 hours a night at the height of her YouTube fame - juggling content creation, brand deals, and raising 4 kids as a single mom. In this honest conversation, she shares what that lifestyle really cost her and that health issues eventually forced her to step away.From having 13 cents in her bank account to becoming YouTube's biggest beauty creator, Kandee opens up about the reality behind the success. She talks about the exhaustion, the constant travel, editing videos until 4 AM, and how her body eventually said "enough." My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. What you'll hear in this episode How she went from broke single mom to YouTube success The reality of sleeping 2-4 hours a night for years Why she was working 16-hour days constantly Health issues that made her take a break Her honest thoughts on social media and "doom scrolling" Why she turned down millions in brand deals for integrity What she learned during her time away from YouTube TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - From 13 cents to YouTube success 12:45 - The exhaustion of constant content creation 28:30 - Behind the scenes of a YouTube career 35:20 - Health issues and stepping away 42:15 - Life during her YouTube break 48:50 - Thoughts on social media addiction 55:30 - What she'd do differently Ask Kati Anything ep. 273 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT #podcast #kandeejohnson #katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode I explain why you struggle to trust yourself and share the simple strategy to rebuild self-trust. I'll help you identify healthy vs unhealthy attachment to your therapist, recognize when you're protecting yourself in therapy, and understand the root causes of intimacy fears. I also cover different therapeutic styles, OCD vs OCD-like tendencies, and practical tips for developing secure attachment patterns. In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, I address six of your questions about self-trust, therapy struggles, and mental health challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck in life, questioning your therapeutic relationship, or dealing with intrusive thoughts, I provide actionable insights for your healing journey. Key Topics I Discuss • My promise-keeping method for building self-trust • Signs of healthy vs unhealthy therapist attachment • Why some therapists avoid deep work (and what to do about it) • Understanding protection vs control in therapy • Root causes of intimacy fears and how to overcome them • OCD symptoms vs OCD-like tendencies explained Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Q1: How to learn to trust yourself 5:46 Q2: Healthy vs unhealthy therapist attachment 11:09 Q3: Therapist not focusing on root issues 17:02 Q4: Controlling everything in therapy 25:04 Q5: Fears of intimacy and healthy attachments 34:07 Q6: OCD vs OCD-like tendencies 40:01 Closing thoughts Ask Kati Anything ep. 272 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (pre-order) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mental Cost of Fighting Misinformation: Professor Dave opens up in this honest conversation, Dave Farina from the YouTube channel Professor Dave Explains shares the personal toll of dedicating his life to fighting misinformation and educating millions online. As one of YouTube's most prominent science educators, Dave reveals the mental health challenges that come with constant content creation and defending scientific truth in today's polarized world. Dave discusses how his work ethic has evolved from healthy productivity to potential burnout, the emotional strategies he's developed to handle daily harassment, and why he feels compelled to continue despite the personal cost. This conversation offers valuable insights for content creators, educators, and anyone interested in the psychology of online advocacy. ------ My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ------ Key Topics Discussed: The transition from musician to full-time science educator and debunker How constant work has rewired his brain and affected his ability to disconnect Strategies for emotional detachment when facing online harassment and threats The mental health impact of fighting misinformation as a career Balancing family life with a demanding content creation schedule Why he feels a sense of duty to continue despite burnout The broader societal implications of the "post-truth era" Practical advice for creators dealing with online negativity This episode provides a rare look into the personal sacrifices and psychological resilience required to be an effective science communicator in the digital age. Resources: If you're interested in creator psychology, science education, or the fight against misinformation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the human cost of online advocacy. Check out Dave Farina's channel https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorDaveExplains Ask Kati Anything ep. 271 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (pre-order) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling with depression, self-sabotage, or anxiety that no one else can see? In this deeply honest episode of Ask Katie Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton explains what high functioning depression really feels like and why you might feel so empty inside, even when life looks “perfect” on the outside. We’ll explore how childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and attachment wounds shape your mental health today — and how they’re connected to self-sabotage, memory gaps, and anxiety symptoms like itching or shaking. Kati shares practical steps to break free from guilt, reconnect with yourself, and start healing. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Ask Kati Anything ep. 270 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Questions & timestamps 1. Could you talk about high-functioning depression and what it really looks like? For context, I feel like I have a “perfect” life; supportive parents, a stable home, pets, a car, and all the basic things I need to live comfortably. I haven’t experienced any trauma, and from the outside, everything seems fine... 00:00:43 2. I accept my flaws and want to grow, but I zone out or give up easily. I’ve been stagnant in my studies for 3 years. How do I build real, lasting change when it feels so hard to even begin? 00:12:07 3. I’ve recently realized there are a lot of things I do not remember about my childhood. My sibling was sharing stories and kept looking at me asking, “Do you remember that?” and I rarely did. We lived in the same house so how does she remember so much more than me? 00:17:49 4. Could you please explain why people itch when they are anxious? It's something I have recently started doing without even knowing it was related to my mental health. Could you please tell me why we do this? And how we might be able to stop? Thank you love your videos and podcasts! 00:22:29 5. My question is about attachment regarding military life, having a parent unavailable but not by choice. I often hear you mention your dad being gone for work frequently when you were a child and how you believe it has an effect on your upbringing. My dad was in the military for 25 years and was often gone during my childhood—not for super long periods (maybe 4 months max), but he left and returned so often... 00:29:11 6. I’ve been on a healing journey in the last 2 years in trauma therapy. I’ve worked a lot on myself with the big challenge of feeling my own feelings. I’ve learned to sit with my feelings and finally felt safe with my therapist. I’ve set boundaries with family, lost relationships, and even lost a pet during therapy... 00:38:59 7. My old therapist is having a baby and I will no longer be able to see her. She has been so helpful and I have been able to move on from her in the past (when I “graduated” DBT). All of the therapists I have had since seeing her don’t quit live up. It’s possible that she’s my favorite person. How do I move forward with my life? 00:42:31 ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Ask Kati Anything (ep. 225) licensed therapist Kati Morton explains how to stop intellectualizing and actually feel our feelings, and she digs into grief and how we can process it. Then she talks about why we can feel like our mental illnesses are made up or exaggerated because we haven’t had a trauma or big event, ways we can healthily express our anger, and how she defines an eating disorder relapse. Finally, she walks us through the ways she decides what’s the human condition and what’s a symptom of a mental illness. 1. How do I stop intellectualizing my feelings and feel them? 01:23 2. Hey Kati! I was curious if you could talk about grief as an emotion, and how to cope with it and ways to help process it. Before therapy, I could not name any emotions, and I’ve gotten so much better at it. In fact, unbeknownst to me, I’ve actually always been quite the adept feeler of emotions— in the sense that I can find them in my body, I can talk about how they feel and the directions they move within me and through me... 08:27 3. Hello Kati, I often feel my MDD and GAD diagnosis is not warranted and it's 'all in my head' because I have not experienced any major negative life events or traumas. This has prevented me from discussing the things that I believe could be contributing to my symptoms because they don't feel important enough... 25:16 4. Hi Kati, I was wondering if you could talk about healthy ways to express anger. I come from a culture where expressing anger is shameful, especially for women. So my anger is as scary as fire flames for me. However, I have noticed my binge eating is fuelled by my unexpressed anger. So, can you please teach me some techniques about handling anger. Thanks for all your amazing work. 34:13 5. Hi Kati! Hope you’re doing well. I am wondering how a relapse in an eating disorder is defined. Is there a clinical-based definition or is it more of a gray area? Does it mean meeting the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis once again... 40:47 6. How do you figure out what's just 'the human condition' or a personality trait and what's an actual symptom? 55:08 PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY Join this channel & access more perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Khalyla Kuhn get raw and real with Kati Morton. In this powerful conversation, Khalyla shares untold truths about her very public breakup with Bobby Lee, recovering from Bell’s Palsy, launching her business Ebb Ocean Club during total chaos, becoming a mom in secret, and what it’s really like to deal with toxic internet culture. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, judged online, or trapped by stress, this episode will hit home. 🌊 From heartbreak to healing, betrayal to boundaries — Khalyla reminds us all that you can rebuild your life on your own terms. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQIf you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Ask Kati Anything ep. 268 ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Khalyla Kuhn on Ask Kati Anything 02:00 – Bell’s Palsy: The stress that broke her body 07:00 – How TigerBelly actually got started 14:30 – Surviving public judgment & parasocial hate 20:00 – Trolls, takedowns & toxic culture online 26:00 – How heartbreak inspired her new haircare line 32:00 – Secretly becoming a mom: “I didn’t tell anyone!” 38:00 – Escaping the fires & finding safe places 44:00 – Trauma mode, fight-or-flight & healing 48:00 – What’s next for Khalyla Kuhn? More Khalyla https://www.youtube.com/@TigerBelly https://www.youtube.com/@TrashTuesday https://www.instagram.com/khalamityk https://ebboceanclub.com/ ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist and YouTube mental health advocate Kati Morton answers vulnerable audience questions about living without hope, healing from lifelong trauma, and navigating emotional burnout. We explore how to break free from chronic emotional numbness, cope with retraumatization in unsafe environments, and rebuild a sense of purpose when life feels stagnant or meaningless. Kati offers expert insight on topics like maladaptive coping strategies, therapy attachment wounds, and the overwhelming grief that comes from invisible disabilities and complex PTSD. Thank you to liquid-iv.com for sponsoring mental health content! USE THE PROMO CODE KATI For 20% OFF! Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 268 1. I'd like to hear what you have to say about living without hope. My therapist and I have been... 00:01:18 2. Hey Kati, I’m a 25F with ASD. I have been abused by over 50 people (after reaching 50 I stopped counting) in almost every way imaginable, even by people who were supposed to love and/or protect me, even by therapists and teachers, from when I was 4 years old until recently. I don’t even really know what the word “safe” means. I have helped or held space for many people dealing with pain and grief, but I never learned how to receive help for myself. I was shamed and physically punished by my parents for even the smallest acts of self-care, self-soothing or my ASD symptoms themselves... 00:09:27 3. How do I get past the fact that therapy itself requires an imbalance of intimacy and sharing and just overall is not an organic give and take relationship? 00:18:07 4. How to stop obsessing over the world we live in….and how scary it’s becoming for our children. 00:25:12 5. I feel like I have nothing exciting to look forward to. This has been ongoing for years. 00:29:38 6. How can you cope with re traumatisation when you can't get out of the situation? 00:33:49 7. Is it possible for untreated mental illness to be traumatizing? I think I had a period of depression for a few months when I was 12-13ish, but I never told anyone and would always say I was fine when asked. I was functional enough to shower, eat, do school... 00:33:49 My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices