Send us a text Season 1, Episode 31 We trace a month of real life with PTSD: finding hope in a new Taylor Swift track, fighting a stubborn eye stye, stepping back onto the basketball court, buying a bigger bike, and learning from sleep shifts, med changes, and a comical dosing mistake. The theme running through it all is “choose your hard,” backed by kindness, small wins, and steady practice. • applying song lyrics as coping tools • storm to opaline reframing • stye remedies and listener t...
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Send us a text Season 1, Episode 31 We trace a month of real life with PTSD: finding hope in a new Taylor Swift track, fighting a stubborn eye stye, stepping back onto the basketball court, buying a bigger bike, and learning from sleep shifts, med changes, and a comical dosing mistake. The theme running through it all is “choose your hard,” backed by kindness, small wins, and steady practice. • applying song lyrics as coping tools • storm to opaline reframing • stye remedies and listener t...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 31 We trace a month of real life with PTSD: finding hope in a new Taylor Swift track, fighting a stubborn eye stye, stepping back onto the basketball court, buying a bigger bike, and learning from sleep shifts, med changes, and a comical dosing mistake. The theme running through it all is “choose your hard,” backed by kindness, small wins, and steady practice. • applying song lyrics as coping tools • storm to opaline reframing • stye remedies and listener t...
Send us a text Season 1 Episode 30: What happens when the person who knows your childhood best sits down to tell the truth about your hardest years? We invited my older sister, Emma, to unpack what PTSD looked like from her side of the glass—how she noticed the shift from high-energy extrovert to survival mode, why asking direct questions saved us from guesswork, and the moment she knew the fog was finally lifting. We trace the arc from a protected upbringing to a too-young entry into poli...
Send us a text Welcome to Episode 29! The song of the week is Taylor Swift’s “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”—a fitting soundtrack for this season of life for me. I then open up about the emotional aftermath of coming off strong anti-depressants, with the standout achievement being: I haven’t neck-throated a single soul. Progress! Then I dive into the mosaic of life lately: • Rory's Year 12 graduation • starting my very own veggie garden • volunteering at an ultra and reconnecting with commu...
Send us a text Ever wondered what it's really like to stand by someone battling PTSD? This raw, laughter-filled conversation between best friends Melissa and Mel pulls back the curtain on one of the most meaningful relationships in mental health recovery. From their first meeting at a running group to an adventurous three-day hike where they "could have died" (Melissa's words!), their friendship story takes an unexpected turn when PTSD enters the picture. With remarkable candor, Mel shares w...
Send us a text Welcome to Episode 27! Just recapping on last week's episode and wanted to let ya all know that I was not providing commentey about any relationship that I'm in (they are all amazing) when taking about using our precious time carefully. Just wanted to clear that up!! I love you all xox The song of the week is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Although this is a love song, it reminds me that even mental health journeys have chapters and that those chapters don't need to define...
Send us a text Hey hey, welcome to Episode 26! I know I kinda ghosted last week—life happened. So today I’m back to catch you up on everything: my health stuff, some deep thoughts on friendships, and yep… 20 years of marriage while juggling PTSD. Wild ride. Here’s what’s on my mind: - First off, those weird tingles I’ve been getting? Turns out it’s anxiety, not anything neurological. Saw the neurologist, got the all-clear. - Still off antidepressants and doing okay—just staying super aware of...
Send us a text Back home after hospital, I'm navigating my emotional landscape while balancing adventures with the need for self-care. My journey includes attending a friend's funeral and weekend trips that have taught me about finding joy amid healing. • Attended a beautiful beachside funeral for a hospital friend, complete with meaningful music (Broken Halos and Luke Combs) • Still working through feelings of shame around crying despite knowing tears are healthy • Weekend trip to Canberra ...
Send us a text Melissa sits down with her 15-year-old son to discuss how her PTSD diagnosis has impacted him over the past four years, revealing surprising insights about family resilience and emotional growth. • Son shares his experience growing up with a mother diagnosed with PTSD when he was 11 • The practical impacts of PTSD on family life, including hospital stays and household management • How Melissa's mental health journey has helped her son develop greater emotional intelligence • S...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 23 Trigger warning - discussion of suicide. Please seek help if you need assistance. Returning home after eight weeks in hospital has been a whirlwind of emotions, especially while processing the loss of two friends from the hospital community and adjusting to life without antidepressants. Despite physical challenges like paresthesia and severe nausea, I'm finding purpose in new directions and learning to celebrate small daily victories. • Released from h...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 22 I am super excited to be heading home after seven and a half weeks in hospital. I give a shout out to my sister who does the show notes (including this one). This week I also discuss how the week has been without anti depressants. Song of the Week: Alanis Morissette - You learn https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DGFW-WfuX2Dk&ved=2ahUKEwjb0PTCr_OOAxXimFYBHTBnGF8Q7...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 21 Welcome to episode 21. This week I discuss ongoing meds changes and still currently an inpatient. Hoping to be home in a week or so but the past week has been a scary, sleepless rollercoaster ride with me starting new meds. I shout out to the amazing nurses in hospital and one in particular who lent me "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. It is an excellent no nonsense, that gives practical tips. Some of these include: The 5 second rule (countdown)Th...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 20 This episode I discuss the side effects I have experienced while weaning off my anti depressants. Song of the week: Im so proud of you - Julie Anne Vargas https://youtu.be/hmalRaJ26E8?si=qRPuvgwm2lonMpPQ Thought of the week: " "What's the bravest thing you've said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse " Tactical Yoga Australia - by Rosie https://tacticalyogaaustralia.com/ Triumph Beyond Tramua - by Rosie https://tacticalyogaaustralia.com/po...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 20 Welcome to episode 20 after a six week break from recording. I am still in hospital and I am podcasting from here. Join me while I discuss my current TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment and under go a med change. I share an amazing poem from an equally amazing human. This episode also has our song of the week and finishes with a thought of the week. Lastly, I share the good news that I am now available on other podcast platforms so pleas...
Season 1 Episode 18 Welcome to episode 18 where I discuss what pillars and anchors keep me motivated. Song of the week Liar - Jelly Roll https://youtu.be/HcNILY4gtNI?si=nr_ahNd2sn_SlGcq
Season 1, Episode 17 ****disclaimer content as this episode I discuss suicide and self harm**** Welcome to episode 17. It’s a tear jerker. Please look after yourself and call Lifeline on 131114 if you need assistance. Please also know that whilst I am not ok, and I am struggling, I am not suicidal. I start the episode with a song of the week which discusses our very human question of wanting to know why people go down the suicide paths. I then go on to speak about a colleague who h...
Season 1, episode 16 Welcome to episode 16. I start the episode with the week that was recounting an adventure I had with my car Stella Blue. I discuss how the weather affects your mood. There is a song and thought of the week. Song of the week Carry it well Sam Fisher https://youtu.be/nHLkmf_wOac?si=-HcdkgisL66glBHS Thought of the week: “Life has taught me I am not always in control. Life is full of experiences, lessons, heartbreak, and pain. But it has also shown me love, beauty, p...
Episode 15 **trigger warning ** discussion of suicide Welcome to episode 15 where I introduce you to my 17 year old daughter Rory. There is a lot of banter and love in this week’s episode. Rory shares her pearls of wisdom such as this one: "Living with someone with PTSD is like secondhand smoke. The feelings that your loved ones are feeling around you can definitely rub off on you" We finish off discussing that despite PTSD not being on anyones wish list, it has brought the family...
Welcome to Episode 14 I start this episode with a poem written by a hospital buddy. Then of course the song of the week which talks about how we are tiny boats on a sea of emotion and why it’s important to keep on fighting. I recap on the link between physical and psychological injuries. I end with the thought of the week. Song of the week: https://youtu.be/xo1VInw-SKc?si=J74Uz5uSZK24jDH_ Thought of the week: “You can’t pour from and empty cup, take care of yourself”
Welcome to episode 13 I describe my experience with the Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Ride for the amazing charity; Wings 4 Kids. I chat about my ride and dramas including my hospital visit post riding accident. Song of the week: Kids - Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue https://youtu.be/cvn6eYJh-0c?si=_GlKTHGgmQtnKG99
Welcome to episode 12! Thank you to everyone across the world that are listening to my podcast. First up is a story about a very clean cat!!!! Song of the week by Rwn about anxiety and why this song resonates with me and my anxiety. In particular how my irrational brain speaks so loudly when I’m in a state of anxiety and can override my rational brain even though the thoughts are not logical. The episode then continues chatting about my treating them which includes the GP, psychologis...
Send us a text Season 1, Episode 31 We trace a month of real life with PTSD: finding hope in a new Taylor Swift track, fighting a stubborn eye stye, stepping back onto the basketball court, buying a bigger bike, and learning from sleep shifts, med changes, and a comical dosing mistake. The theme running through it all is “choose your hard,” backed by kindness, small wins, and steady practice. • applying song lyrics as coping tools • storm to opaline reframing • stye remedies and listener t...
