Pleasure and Pain Can Coexist: Mental Health Through Unwanted Life Changes with Laura Bratton

In this episode of Pleasure Principles, host Avik sits down with Laura Bratton to talk about mental health in the middle of adversity, when life rewrites your identity and nothing feels familiar. This conversation is for anyone navigating a diagnosis, loss, breakup, job change, or ongoing grief. You will learn how to stop minimizing your emotions, reclaim normalcy, and build self respect while holding both joy and pain at the same time. About the Guest: Laura Bratton was diagnosed with an eye disease at age 9 and spent the next decade transitioning into blindness. She is the author of Harnessing Courage and founder of OB Global, where she teaches grit and gratitude without bypassing hard emotions. Key Takeaways: Validate the real emotion first: anger, sadness, fear, grief Stop performing “fine” and create space to feel safely Ask for normal treatment, not pity or fixing Choose one next step that moves you forward today Trust that small progress is enough when change is exhausting Practice pleasure without guilt, joy does not erase pain How to Connect With the Guest: Website: laurabratton.com Book: Harnessing Courage Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact: 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ 📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/ 📍 Based in: India & USA 🎧 Listen to all podcast shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik 🤝 Be a guest: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest 📩 Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #PleasurePrinciples #mentalhealthpodcast #griefsupport #copingwithchange #identityshift #resiliencebuilding #selfrespect #emotionalvalidation #healingjourney #anxietytools #depressionrecovery #mindsetshift #livingwithdisability #posttraumaticgrowth #innerstrength