#70 - Maddie Cayer: LET GO of the Victim Mentality & Flourish

Maddie Cayer is a fourth-year student at the University of Alberta, specializing in psychology with a minor in anthropology. Her academic journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences, shaping her understanding of mental health and human behavior. Maddie has a strong interest in pursuing psychiatric nursing after her degree, focusing on criminal rehabilitation. She is passionate about becoming the best version of herself and is committed to using her knowledge to help others on their paths to healing and self-discovery. In this episode, we will explore Maddie’s experiences with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which has been a significant aspect of her life. She will share how GAD, along with emotional outbursts and overstimulation, has affected her relationships with friends, family, and partners. Maddie will discuss the challenges of navigating these intense emotions, which often lead to self-sabotage and interpersonal conflicts. Despite these struggles, Maddie has developed various strategies to manage her anxiety and emotional responses, such as engaging in spin classes, Pilates, journaling, and creative outlets like bead making and coloring. These activities help her redirect her focus, release stress, and find moments of calm amidst the chaos. We will also delve into the topic of comparison and the pressure to "run marathons" to keep up with others. Maddie will talk about how this mindset has, at times, stolen her happiness and led to feelings of inadequacy. Through cognitive reframing, practicing gratitude, and embracing her personal milestones, Maddie has learned to slow down and appreciate her own journey. She will share how this shift in perspective has helped her feel more grounded and content, allowing her to be kinder to herself and let go of perfectionistic expectations. Another crucial aspect of our conversation will be Maddie’s journey of letting go of the "victim" identity, which she developed through past traumatic experiences. She will discuss how she has worked to overcome societal stigmas surrounding trauma and how introspection and self-awareness have played vital roles in her healing process. By focusing on living in the present and challenging irrational cognitive beliefs, Maddie has found a path toward personal growth and empowerment. Her insights will offer valuable advice to those who are also struggling to move past their traumas and seek a healthier, more fulfilling life. Finally, Maddie will share her thoughts on the importance of introspection in fostering healthy relationships. She believes that by deconstructing and understanding her emotions, she has been able to create stronger connections with her family, friends, and partners. Maddie’s journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and resilience, and her story will inspire others to take control of their narratives and embrace the present moment. KEEP IT LONG TERM!