Embrace Mental Health

Words shape the way we understand ourselves, our emotions, and the world around us. In this episode, we explore the powerful relationship between language and mental health—how finding the right words can help us process pain, feel understood, and begin healing. From therapy and journaling to music, storytelling, and self-talk, we discuss why naming emotions matters and how language can turn chaos into clarity.We also talk about the ways words can wound: the phrases that become inner critics, the labels that shape identity, and the cultural messages that determine what emotions people feel “allowed” to have. Whether it’s hearing “you’re too sensitive” or finally hearing “that makes sense,” language leaves an impact. This episode is about the words we carry, the stories we tell ourselves, and the possibility of finding healing through new ways of speaking to—and about—ourselves.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Money isn’t just numbers on a screen—it’s one of the most emotionally loaded parts of our lives. In this episode, we explore why financial stress hits so deeply, from those 3 a.m. spirals running mental calculations to the quiet shame that keeps people avoiding their bank accounts. This isn’t about budgeting tips or quick fixes—it’s about understanding the psychology of money, and why finances and mental health are so tightly intertwined.We break down how money can represent security, freedom, control, or even self-worth, and how our upbringing shapes our financial behaviors more than we realize. We also look at the two-way relationship between mental health and finances—how depression, anxiety, trauma, and ADHD can impact money management, and how financial stress can, in turn, take a serious toll on mental health. Finally, we talk about realistic, compassionate ways forward, from addressing financial avoidance to separating your worth from your net worth.Show Notes:ResourcesNational Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)Financial Therapy Association211 for local financial assistanceConnect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

This episode is a little different—in the best way. Instead of breaking down a diagnosis or concept, we’re diving into the real, messy, and often unspoken parts of mental health through a series of honest questions. From learning things the hard way to figuring out the difference between self-acceptance and self-growth, this conversation gets into the gray areas we don’t talk about enough.We explore what boundaries actually look like in real life, why healing isn’t as straightforward as people think, and how to navigate the tension between resting and pushing forward. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just reflective, this episode is an invitation to slow down and consider your own answers—without pressure, judgment, or perfection.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented diagnoses today. In this episode, we’re going Behind the Label to explore what autism actually is—a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes communication, sensory processing, and how someone experiences the world. We break down what the spectrum really means, how autism presents neurologically, emotionally, and socially, and the misconceptions that can cause real harm. Most importantly, we talk about what it looks like to move from trying to “fix” people to actually supporting them—creating space for differences instead of expecting everyone to fit the same mold.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Our value of rugged individualism bleeds into all areas of our lives, and mental health is no exception. Mental health is often framed as something you should be able to handle on your own. If you're struggling, it can feel like a personal failure—and if you're doing well, it can feel like something you have to maintain through sheer willpower. But that idea is deeply misleading, if not even dangerous. In this episode, we explore how our mental and emotional well-being is built and sustained through relationships: from close friendships, to broader community, to professional support, each layer plays a role in helping us regulate, cope, and grow. We break down what research says about connection, why so many people struggle to let others in, and what it actually looks like to both receive and give support in healthy ways. We also talk about how to intentionally build your “team,” especially in a world where connection doesn’t always happen automatically.Resources:https://www.warmline.orghttps://www.nami.org/support-groups/nami-connection/Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Needs are one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of mental health. In this episode, we unpack what needs actually are, why unmet needs impact everything from your mood to your relationships, and how they often sit underneath anxiety, anger, burnout, and emotional overwhelm.We explore the difference between survival and wellbeing needs, how unmet needs quietly drive emotional reactions, and why so many people struggle to even recognize what they need in the first place. If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I reacting like this?” or “This shouldn’t be a big deal,” this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—and how to start responding to yourself with more clarity and intention.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Some mental health terms have become part of everyday language—narcissist, borderline, sociopath. But what do those labels actually mean, and how often are they used correctly?In this episode of the Behind the Label series, we explore Cluster B personality disorders: Borderline, Narcissistic, Histrionic, and Antisocial Personality Disorders. These conditions are often described as the “dramatic, emotional, or erratic” cluster—but behind that label are complex mental health conditions that are frequently misunderstood and heavily stigmatized.We talk about what personality disorders really are, why they develop, and the core emotional experiences that shape each of these disorders. Along the way, we unpack common misconceptions, explain why these diagnoses are so often misattributed, and discuss how treatment can help people live healthy and meaningful lives.We also spend time exploring what it can be like to love someone who struggles with these patterns—why relationships can feel confusing or emotionally intense, and why boundaries, compassion, and support matter.Cluster B disorders are not simply “toxic personality types.” They are real mental health conditions rooted in complex biological and psychological factors—and understanding them is an important step toward reducing stigma and building healthier relationships.Whether you’re trying to better understand yourself, someone you care about, or simply the language we use around mental health, this episode aims to bring clarity and compassion to a topic that is often misunderstood.ResourcesDialectical Behavior Therapy:https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):https://www.nami.org/Psychology Today Therapist Finder:https://www.psychologytoday.com/Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Dating apps promised something revolutionary: endless options, convenience, and more access to connection than ever before. But for many people, the reality of modern dating feels very different. Instead of excitement, many report burnout, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and a growing sense that dating has become exhausting.In this episode, we explore the psychology behind dating fatigue and why so many people feel drained by modern dating culture. We talk about the hidden emotional costs of dating apps, including repeated cycles of hope and disappointment, “micro-grief” from connections that fade, and the nervous system strain created by constant ambiguity, uncertainty, and rejection. So whether you're single and mingling, or happily married but still have single friends, this episode is worth the listen. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Mental toughness is one of the most praised traits in sports, school, and high performance culture. We celebrate the athlete who plays through pain, the student who doesn’t complain, the leader who never cracks under pressure. But what if some of what we call “toughness” is actually emotional suppression in disguise?In this episode, we unpack the difference between toxic toughness and healthy resilience. Where is the line between discipline and disconnection? Between pushing yourself and abandoning yourself? We explore what people really mean by “mental toughness,” how sports culture can sometimes confuse survival mode with strength, why sensitivity is not the same as fragility, and how sometimes the most powerful strength you have is the people in your corner.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions—often distorted by movies, headlines, and misinformation. In this episode of our Behind the Label series, we break down what schizophrenia actually is, how it affects the brain, and what it’s really like for those who experience it.We explore the basics and statistics, common symptoms, and what’s happening neurologically in the brain. You’ll learn about causes, evidence-based treatments, and what therapy and medication can actually do to support stability and quality of life. We also share tips for loved ones—what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and how to show up with compassion while maintaining healthy boundaries. And finally, we challenge common myths and misused language around schizophrenia and psychosis, and invite you to reflect on where your own assumptions might come from.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this episode of Embrace Mental Health, we jump back into our Stranger Things series, diving in to Seasons 3 and 4 and how trauma, grief, depression, and stigma show up in some of the show’s most complex characters.From Hopper's unprocessed grief, to the cycle of abuse in Billy’s storyline, how untreated pain can be exploited, both internally and externally, to Vecna as a strong metaphor for how depression often attacks. And finally, to the iconic “Running Up That Hill” scene as a metaphor for finding the things in your life that make you decide to fight back and run when it seems like the mental illness might win. Whether you've watched this show or not, there is something in this episode for you. Here’s to finding your own "Running Up That Hill" connections, even when you feel trapped in your own Upside Downs.The Iconic Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSXxPBQmPAwConnect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Procrastination is often framed as a problem of discipline or motivation—but what if that framing is actually part of the problem? In this episode, we unpack why procrastination is a deeply human experience, not a moral failure. Rather than laziness, procrastination is often an emotional regulation strategy: a way of avoiding discomfort, fear, or overwhelm in the short term, even when it costs us in the long run.We explore the emotional drivers behind procrastination, different patterns it can take, and how early experiences, attachment styles, shame, and nervous system responses all play a role. We also talk about why willpower and productivity hacks often fall short—and what actually helps instead. From grounding and regulation to gentler ways of defining success, this episode invites you to approach procrastination with curiosity, compassion, and self-trust rather than criticism.Referenceshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886925000121https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33250800/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10212-024-00868-9https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39515273/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39825459/ Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions—often reduced to stereotypes about cleanliness, organization, or “quirks.” In this episode of our Behind the Label series, we break down what OCD actually is: a brain-based disorder driven by fear, uncertainty, and a misfiring threat system. We explore the difference between obsessions and compulsions, how OCD shows up neurologically, emotionally, and behaviorally, and why insight alone isn’t enough to make the thoughts stop. From chronic doubt and hyper-responsibility to time-consuming rituals and mental compulsions, we unpack how OCD can quietly take over daily life.We also discuss evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), medication options, and how therapy helps people build tolerance for uncertainty rather than chasing reassurance. For loved ones, we cover what’s genuinely helpful—and what unintentionally keeps OCD in the driver’s seat. Along the way, we challenge common misconceptions, clarify misused OCD language, and offer a compassionate framework for understanding the difference between OCD-driven behaviors and personal preferences. This episode is about replacing shame with clarity, and judgment with understanding.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Bet you never thought your favorite TV show and your favorite podcast would cross paths, did you? But Stranger Things is bursting at the seams with powerful mental health metaphors and parallels—so many, in fact, that we decided to make it a mini-series! In this first episode, we explore how some of the stories, characters, and even monsters from Seasons 1 and 2 reflect real mental health experiences, including trauma, anxiety, recovery, and being a caretaker. We also explore the power of belief, connection, and community—and why healing isn’t a single heroic moment, but a long walk through the Upside Down with people who keep the lights on for you.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

If you’ve ever wondered why you tend to pull away, cling tightly, or feel uneasy in close relationships, this episode explores how Attachment Theory can help make sense of those patterns. Attachment styles aren’t diagnoses or personality flaws — they’re adaptive responses formed in early relationships to help us survive and stay connected. In this episode, we unpack what attachment is, how it develops, and why everyone has an attachment style shaped by their relational experiences.We walk through the four main attachment styles — secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized — and explore how they show up in adult relationships, from romantic partnerships to friendships, family dynamics, and even work environments. Most importantly, we talk about why attachment is not a life sentence. Healing and earned secure attachment are possible through awareness, nervous system regulation, safe relationships, and therapy. Attachment styles explain how we learned to protect ourselves — not how we’re required to connect forever.Resources:Quiz Link: https://quiz.attachmentproject.com/ https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_513-1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3855268/https://archive.org/details/sim_developmental-psychology_1992-09_28_5/page/758/mode/2uphttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/247946864_Patterns_of_attachment_A_psychological_study_of_the_strange_situation_Mary_D_Salter_Ainsworth_Mary_C_Blehar_Everett_Waters_and_Sally_Wall_Hillsdale_NJ_Erlbaum_1978distributor_HalstedWiley_New_York_xvihttps://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/children-classified-as-controlling-at-age-six-evidence-of-disorganized-representational-strategies-and-aggression-at-home-and-at-school/2A8C2B7A7350A024CC6341D8E3530171https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1540-5834.00037 https://www.jstor.org/stable/1127388?origin=crossrefhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/1128475?origin=crossrefhttps://books.google.com/books?id=WzHIfiCXE8EC&pg=PA121#v=onepage&q&f=falseConnect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood, oversimplified, or reduced to stereotypes that don’t reflect the lived reality of those who experience it. In this episode of our Behind the Label series, we take a grounded, compassionate look at bipolar disorder — what it is, what it isn’t, and how it actually shows up in the brain, body, and daily life. We explore the statistics and basics, the neurological systems involved, and the emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms across depressive, manic, and hypomanic episodes.We also discuss causes, evidence-based treatments, and how therapy and medication work together to support long-term stability — not by suppressing personality, but by creating space for consistency, insight, and functioning. Finally, we talk directly to loved ones about what’s helpful versus harmful, how to offer steady support without trying to control the illness, and we address some of the most common misconceptions that contribute to stigma and shame. This episode is about clarity, understanding, and moving beyond labels toward informed compassion.Connect with us!Website – www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram – @embrace.mental.healthFacebook – www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email – [email protected]

Just about all of us carry emotional bruises from childhood—some subtle, some deeply painful. As adults, those old family dynamics don’t magically disappear; they often resurface in moments of stress, conflict, or closeness, pulling us back into roles we learned long ago. In this episode, Rowan and guest host Lawana explore why family-of-origin wounds run so deep, why we can feel “smaller” or more reactive around the people who raised us, and how early attachment patterns continue to shape our relationships today.Together, we’ll unpack common family roles, unspoken rules, and survival strategies that once protected us but may no longer serve us. Drawing from family systems theory, differentiation of self, and parts-based approaches, we’ll talk about how to show up as your adult self—setting healthier boundaries, regulating your nervous system, and choosing which patterns you want to carry forward. Whether you’re navigating difficult family gatherings, considering emotional distance, or learning how to reparent yourself with compassion, this conversation offers both understanding and practical tools for creating healthier relationships and a freer inner life.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Music isn’t just background noise — it’s one of the most powerful tools your brain has for emotional regulation, memory, connection, and healing. In this episode, Autumn and guest host Myka break down the research behind why a single song can shift your mood, unclench your chest, or transport you back in time. From dopamine boosts to cortisol drops, to the way music activates both memory and emotion centers at the same time, we explore what’s actually happening in your brain when you hit play.We also talk about how listening, creating, and experiencing music in community can shape your mental health. Whether it’s the comfort of sad songs, the grounding ritual of replaying the same track, the belonging found in music communities, or the emotional release of live shows — music is deeply human. And yes, we even get into the downside: when playlists become rumination loops or emotional crutches. This episode is all about harnessing music as a tool for healing rather than staying stuck.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this episode, we reframe forgiveness as a well-being practice — not a moral obligation. Many of us replay painful interactions, feel stuck in old stories, or carry anger far longer than we want to. Today, we’re drawing on the work of Dr. Frederic Luskin, Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project, to explore what forgiveness really is, why it matters for our mental health, and how anyone can begin practicing it.We break down Luskin’s research on stress reduction, resilience, and emotional healing. We clarify what forgiveness is (an internal shift toward peace) and what it’s not (forgetting, excusing, or reconciling). We explore why we get stuck — rumination loops, “unenforceable rules,” and the way unprocessed hurt becomes chronic stress.We also walk through Luskin’s 9-Step Forgiveness Model, a practical and research-backed guide anyone can try. From grounding techniques (like PERT) to letting go of impossible expectations to rewriting your personal story, these steps help us create safety in the nervous system and move toward freedom rather than continued suffering.Resources:https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/nine_steps_to_forgivenesshttps://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_is_forgivenesshttps://a.co/d/2pygWHN https://www.virtuesforlife.com/qa-on-forgiveness-with-dr-fred-luskin/https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/the-practice-and-power-of-forgiveness-with-fred-luskinConnect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this bonus episode, in honor of Men's Mental Health Awareness month, Rowan and Mark open up an honest, compassionate conversation about the realities of men’s mental health. Together, they explore why so many men feel pressure to appear strong, capable, and unfazed—while quietly carrying heavy emotional burdens. Through personal stories, cultural reflections, and gentle reframing, they unpack the stigmas that keep men silent and the supports that help men heal. This episode invites listeners to rethink what real strength looks like and how vulnerability can become a pathway toward connection, resilience, and wholeness.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Depression is a word we use often, but it carries layers far deeper than many of us realize. In the November edition of the Behind the Label series, we explore what depression actually is—emotionally, physically, cognitively, and neurologically. We break down the difference between feeling depressed and experiencing a depressive disorder, walk through symptoms that aren’t always recognized as depression, and discuss how this condition can look so different from person to person.We also explore the causes, treatments, and practical strategies that support healing—from therapy and medication to small, achievable steps that help the brain re-engage with life. Finally, we talk about how to support loved ones who are struggling, the signs that professional help is needed, and what crisis care actually looks like. Depression is common, treatable, and deeply human—and you’re not alone in navigating it.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

If you’ve ever caught yourself feeling tense after scrolling or overwhelmed by endless notifications, you’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack how technology can both connect and stress us out — from information overload and social comparison to blurred work-life boundaries. We’ll explore why our brains get hooked on digital stimulation, how this affects our emotional and physical well-being, and what realistic steps can help us find more balance. Tune in for mindful strategies, small experiments, and gentle reminders that progress matters more than perfection.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Conflict isn’t the problem—how we handle it is. In this episode, we unpack what conflict really is, and why it’s not inherently bad. You’ll learn about five common conflict styles—winning, yielding, resolving, avoiding, and compromising—and how each can be both healthy or unhealthy depending on the situation. We’ll explore how your upbringing, trauma history, and emotional safety shape the way you approach conflict, and what that means for your mental health. Whether you tend to shut down, blow up, or over-accommodate, this episode offers practical tools to help you navigate conflict with honesty, empathy, and courage—without losing yourself or the relationship in the process.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

We launch our Season 3 Series, Behind the Label, starting out with a deep dive into anxiety. Anxiety is a universal human emotion—but for millions of people, it’s also a diagnosable disorder that shapes daily life in powerful ways. In this episode of Embrace Mental Health, we unpack what anxiety really is: from its neurological roots and physical symptoms to what differentiates everyday anxiety from an anxiety disorder. We also talk about panic attacks, treatment options, and how loved ones can offer real support instead of unhelpful clichés. Whether you’ve experienced anxiety yourself or you want to better understand someone who does, this episode is a deep dive into one of the most common—and misunderstood—mental health challenges.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Artificial intelligence is showing up everywhere — even in mental health. From chatbots that offer 24/7 “support,” to therapy apps that track our moods, AI promises accessibility, affordability, and personalized care. But can a machine truly understand us? In this episode, Kelsey and Autumn explore the growing role of AI in mental health — what it gets right, what it misses, and what it means for the future of care.Together, they unpack the nuances: the difference between information and connection, the importance of empathy, and the irreplaceable value of the therapeutic relationship. AI may make care more available, but healing still happens in the presence of another human being. This conversation invites curiosity over fear — and a reminder to keep our tech tools human-guided and heart-centered.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Welcome back for Season 3 of the Embrace Mental Health Podcast! We are ready for another season of great topics and deep discussions surrounding all things mental health. You'll hear the same familiar voices, but some different names for the those who the voices come from.In this episode, our cohost Wesley shares something deeply personal: he's changing his first name to Rowan. Join us as he explores the concepts of identity, authenticity, and how they tie into mental health. We talk about what names represent — how they shape our sense of self, belonging, and emotional well-being — and what it means to choose a name that truly reflects who we are. Rowan unpacks the fear, grief, and vulnerability that can come with change, as well as the self-compassion and resilience that make healing possible.Even if you’ve never thought about changing your name, you’ve probably faced moments when staying true to yourself felt uncomfortable or risky. This episode invites reflection on authenticity, resilience, and the courage it takes to live in alignment with your inner self — one intentional choice at a time.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

A couple brief announcements and a big celebration of all that we did in Season 2! Thank you so much to our listeners! We look forward to seeing you again in the Fall for Season 3. Tell your friends :)

As we discovered from last year's episode about spirituality and mental health (S1E23), it's a subject that has a lot to unpack. So much to unpack, in fact, that we decided to do another episode this season. In this episode, Wesley and guest Jon Shinabarger discuss the topic of spirituality and religion, and some of the positive and negative ways they can impact our mental health. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of mental health and rejection—how being turned down, left out, or criticized can deeply affect our emotional well-being. We explore reasons why rejection hurts so much, and also how to build resilience in the face of it. We break down how to use the 5 steps of dealing with feelings in order to navigate rejection in a healthy way and turn it into a tool for growth and self-discovery.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Most people expect to pay a lot of attention to a woman's physical health while she's pregnant and after giving birth, but how about her mental health? Postpartum depression and anxiety are very common experiences, but not as commonly talked about or prepared for, and as a result, many women not only suffer, but suffer alone. In honor Mother's Day and Maternal Mental Health Month, we invited special guest Olivia to join us on the podcast to tell us about her story and experience going through PPA, and also some tips and insights for women who are pregnant, women who are struggling, as well as for the loved ones around new moms to help support the strongest women in our lives: our mothers. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this powerful episode, Kelsey and Autumn explore the concept of hope as resistance—how choosing to believe in something better becomes a radical act in the face of darkness, oppression, and pain. This episode isn’t about naïve optimism—it’s about the fierce, grounded hope that gives people the strength to keep fighting even when the world feels heavy. It's the hope of spring in the harshest winter, the hope of the sunrise in the darkest night. It's about an authentic hope that holds the hard in one hand, and holds just as tightly to the belief in light in the other. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Disappointment can be one of those complex emotions that can stick with you or even haunt you for a long time. In this month's edition of the emotions series, Wes and Kels look deeper into disappointment, including the role that expectations can play, the different areas in our lives that can bring disappointment, and some of the ways to deal with it in a way that doesn't leave you with ghosts. Life can be full of disappointment, but having some tools ready to use when those days come can help you overcome it and not carry it with you longer than you need to. Show Notes:Welsey's Video on Regrets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_CzyRHgmFg&t=1sConnect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

We all know that, at it's best, social media is a bit of a mixed bag. There can be some truly beautiful and meaningful ways to engage with it, but it can also be really easy to get sucked into doom scrolling, tangling with keyboard warriors, and other things that may not bring much benefit to our lives. In this episode, Kelsey and Autumn take a deep look into some of the specific ways social media can be challenging for our mental health, how to stay informed without sacrificing our sanity, and recognizing some of the ways social media can be used in intentional ways to bring about some good. Connect with us:Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In this week's episode, Kelsey will guide you through a Wellness Check In exercise, during which you can assess and take inventory of your physical, mental, and relational health and wellbeing. This exercise is designed to help you consider your values, your needs, and your goals for your physical, mental, and relational health in order to help you increase your awareness, live life with more intentionality, and become solution-focused instead of problem focused. We all know that at Embrace Mental Health, we love a practical, hands-on tool, and a great reflection question! Give this exercise a try and see how it can help you improve your health across all categories of your life. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

The unpredictability of life can often trigger anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness. Sometimes Google just can't answer all of our questions and we find ourselves grasping for control in uncontrollable situations. So how do we cope with the stress that not knowing what the future may hold often brings? Join Wesley and Kelsey for the March installment of the emotions series as they discuss strategies and practical tools for embracing uncertainty, building resilience, and finding peace in the midst of the unknown.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

On this week's episode, Autumn and special guest Alyssa talk about disordered eating and its intersections with mental health. From culture to social media, and diet fads to AI, we are all surrounded by voices telling us what and how to think about our bodies, about food, about fitness, and our sense of self and worth. While both Autumn and Alyssa had different journeys and experiences, there are still evident parallels between their stories. Alyssa shares how her faith helped her find freedom, and Autumn shares about the power of therapy. Both share what they would say to their younger selves now, and how important it is to talk about these sorts of topics out loud and often. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

Join Mark Harris as he shares with Wesley about his journey through caregiving for his wife, his grief from her passing, his healing over time, and the lessons he's learned about mental health along the way. Mark offers firsthand wisdom to anyone going through a difficult change or a loss. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

We've all been there - wanting to maximize the output of the work we put in, or at least the work we want to put in. But productivity is often something that eludes us, whether we lack focus, follow through, motivation, or stamina, the pursuit of productive can be frustrating. This episode is filled to the brim with ideas on how to understand our own needs and desires for productivity, and also ways to crack the code of your own brain to help it to accomplish all you want to accomplish. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

In the February installment of our emotions series, Autumn and Kelsey dive into the topic of loneliness. Loneliness is not an emotion many people like to admit they are experiencing, but if you are experiencing loneliness, you are not alone. Autumn and Kelsey talk about some of the common causes of loneliness, some of the misconceptions, how alone time is actually underrated, and some of the things you can do if you find yourself in a loneliness rut. Most of all, we discuss how human connection and safe spaces for vulnerability are some of the most precious and important things you can carve out in your life.Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

One of the bigger buzzwords around pop psychology today is boundaries. But what do healthy boundaries mean and look like, and what do they have to do with mental health? Kels and Wes dive deep into this topic to understand the importance and purpose of boundaries, the relationship between boundaries and needs, and how it all can affect our health within all our different contexts and pieces of ourselves. We also talk about setting boundaries with ourselves, setting boundaries with others, and how both stem from an understanding of your worth and your value and significantly shape the kind of life you live. Connect with us!Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.orgInstagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/Email - [email protected]

We had so much to say about rest, we had to split it into two episodes! So join us for some "bonus" content, (ironically during our rest week) where we continue our conversation on the importance of rest. In part 2, we discuss some of the common misunderstandings about resting and some of the perspective shifts that can help overcome them, and also practical ways you can implement rest in your life, even in the midst of a culture that values busyness and grind. Connect with us! Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

In this episode, Embrace co-host Autumn is joined by guest star Gonie Cha, as they dive into the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color. From stigma and cultural influences to systemic barriers, they explore why many people of color struggle to seek help. As women of color, they share personal stories and discuss how to break toxic narratives surrounding mental wellness in their communities. Tune in for an honest conversation about mental health, healing, and supporting the next generation. Connect with us! Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

Our next chapter of the emotions series is all about sadness. Lots of emotions get a bad rap, but perhaps one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated emotions is sadness. Sadness can make us feel weak, vulnerable, even childish, but sadness often carries many gifts beneath its surface. Join Wes and Kels as they discuss what purpose sadness can serve in our lives, whether sadness is always grief, the relationship between sadness and depression, as well as digging into the science of tears. So whether you're an emo kid or as stoic as a statue, this episode has something for you. Connect with us! Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

Life is a lot. And we all know what it's like to feel exhausted, worn out, and in need of some rest. So when you're feeling exhausted, the best remedy is to lay on the couch, put up your feet, and maybe even take a nap, right? Well... maybe not always... In this episode, Autumn and Kelsey talk about 5 different areas in our life in which we can feel fatigued, and also how to experience rest in those areas. We also talk about the connection between rest and wellness, and how having a well-rounded understanding of rest as well as knowing ourselves well enough to know our rest needs, can play a significant role in managing and improving our mental health. Connect with us! Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

Guilt and shame are powerful forces that can have significant impact on people's lives and mental health. But what really are they? Are guilt and shame the same thing? Are they feelings? Beliefs? Are they good? Bad? Something in between? Join Autumn and Kelsey this week as they untangle some of the complexities knotted around these concepts, and offer some practical ways to break through some of the cycles that guilt and shame can pull us down into. Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" may be a catchy song, but it doesn't always ring true. The holiday season can often be one of the hardest times of year for a lot of people, and can be especially painful if you've recently (or even not so recently) lost a loved one. So what are some ways you can cope with the sadness and angst you are feeling when the rest of the world is full of peace and joy? Join Wesley and Kelsey as they talk about this topic and provide some practical and helpful ways to process the hard that often comes in with the cold. Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

Assertiveness is an invaluable skill to have, but not one that always comes naturally. And assertiveness can also play a vital role in our mental health, starting from the development of the belief that our needs and our voices do in fact matter, all the way to setting boundaries and working through conflict in a way that is still respectful the needs of others. Wesley and Kelsey discuss how to develop a balanced relationship with assertiveness, how to work towards building healthy self confidence, and some ways to practice assertiveness effectively. Personal Bill of Rights: https://www.etsu.edu/students/counseling/documents/stressgps/personalbillofrights.pdf Spongebob "Walking Small" Episode: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6u44vl Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

"It's okay to not be okay!" is a very common statement floating around right now. And it is one we agree with. We even have a shirt/mug that says it! But are there limits? Are there times when it actually isn't okay to not be okay? Kelsey and Autumn discuss some of the ways that this statement can be used in a way that is dismissive of people's pain and the very real danger that mental illness can cause, and can sometimes leave people feeling more isolated, more stuck, and more helpless. Which is why our statement says: "It's okay to not be okay &, one day you will be okay again." Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

We've said it before and we will say it again: There is no such thing as a bad emotion. All of our emotions have information to give us and are indicators of what's going on in inside, and perhaps no emotion does it in as interesting a way as anger. Sometimes anger is the only emotion people feel comfortable engaging with, and some people avoid it like the plague. But whatever your relationship with anger, this episode is worth the listen, as it looks at many of the facets of this very intricate, complex emotion, and how to use it as a constructive force, instead of a ticking time bomb. Find the Anger Worksheet on our website under "Resources." Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]

Happy Men's Mental Health Awareness Month! We are celebrating by taking some time to focus in on this very topic. The mental health statistics for men are sobering and very real - but so are a lot of the barriers that prevent men from feeling like it's okay for them to address or even admit that they have any mental health struggles. This week, we have special guest Young Yi joining us to discuss some of the unique challenges men face in the pursuit of mental health and a lot of the concepts that are often intertwined in the discussion, such as strength, toughness, stoicism, vulnerability, and the true strength that lies underneath the cost of vulnerability. Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org Instagram - @embrace.mental.health Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/ Email - [email protected]