Part 7-The Why You Feel This Way Series-Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself Anymore- Episode 172

Send us Fan MailIn this final episode of the “Why You Feel This Way” series, Dr. Michael & May Bagnell, IHP explore a deeply personal and often unspoken experience: not feeling like yourself anymore.In this solo conversation, May breaks down what is really happening beneath the surface when you feel more tired, less clear, disconnected, or different from who you used to be. This episode brings both compassion and science together to help you understand that this feeling is not random—and it is not a sign that something is wrong with you.At the core of this conversation is a powerful truth: your brain is always adapting. Through neuroplasticity, your brain rewires itself based on your experiences, stress levels, responsibilities, emotional load, and environment. When these inputs shift, your internal state shifts with them.You will learn how increased life demands can lead your brain to reallocate energy, resulting in fatigue, reduced patience, lower clarity, and emotional disconnection. You will also discover how your sense of identity is not fixed, but influenced by brain networks like the default mode network (DMN)—which means that when your life changes, your sense of self can feel like it is changing too.This episode also explains why, under stress, the brain shifts from connection to protection, leading to patterns like withdrawal, reactivity, or feeling less like yourself. These responses are not personality flaws—they are protective adaptations.To support you through this season, May shares practical coaching insights:Name the season, not the problem. Shift from asking “What’s wrong with me?” to “What season am I in?” to create compassion instead of self-criticism.Reduce before you rebuild. Before trying to “find yourself,” begin by reducing pressure, expectations, and overwhelming inputs so your brain has space to reset.Reconnect through small moments. You don’t need a major transformation. You need small, consistent reconnections like quiet time, journaling, or creative expression to help your brain feel safe again.Support your nervous system daily. Simple practices like intentional breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds) can regulate your system and help restore a sense of self.The most important takeaway from this episode is this: You have not lost yourself. You have been adapting.Your brain is still capable of change. Your clarity, energy, and connection can return—but it happens when you support your brain instead of pushing through exhaustion.This episode is a reminder that you are not broken. You are in a transition. And within that transition is the opportunity to reconnect with who you already are.For those ready for deeper support, May offers one-on-one coaching through the Be Well Femme Program at Bagnell Brain Center, designed to guide women through brain health, nervous system regulation, and mindset transformation.Reach out to learn more and begin your journey back to yourself.For more information, visit us at www.bagnellbraincenter.com. You CAN Heal! We CAN Help!!