Episode 4 | Mental Illness, Shame, & Self-Advocacy

In this episode, I’m getting real about my lifelong diagnoses of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)—and why, even after years of therapy and self-work, those labels still feel more like symptoms than answers.We explore:The shame that grows when you feel like you’re always “too much” or “not enough”How women—and especially women of color—are often dismissed or disbelieved by the medical systemWhy I believe ADHD and PMDD are part of my story tooWhat it looks like to advocate for yourself when the system tells you not to trust your own experienceHow shame disconnects us from our bodies—and how I’m starting to rebuild that trustThis episode includes a short closing meditation to help you ground and reconnect after what may be an emotionally charged listen.Trigger Warning:Mentions of mental illness, diagnostic invalidation, medical gaslighting, PMDD, and emotional dysregulation.If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or unseen inside your own body—this one’s for you.Let’s stay connected:💌 Send your thoughts to: [email protected]📸 Follow along on Instagram: @monica.elzbieta | @cosmicmesspodcastIf this episode resonates, please share it or leave a review—it helps more messy, magical humans find this space. 🖤