Unfilter That Lens

EPISODE 9 : I OVERTHINK MY THINKING

This is it...our ninth and FINAL episode in Series One of our UNFILTER THAT LENS podcast - a mental health podcast in which we focused predominantly on the ANXIETY.
Welcome to the second inciteful chat I had with my first born, Michaela. Quick recap...she is 21 years old and is the eldest of our three kids. Michaela has struggled with anxiety her entire life.
In episode 8, we found out that she feels she was born with an innate destiny that has (and still has) the tendency to cripple her.
I suppose it is anxiety borne by EXTREME EMPATHY although she has been officially diagnosed with a Compulsive Disorder.
Thanks Michaela for sharing....you are so awesome....

EPISODE 8 : I SUFFER FROM EXTREME EMPATHY

Series One of our UNFILTER THAT LENS podcast has focused predominantly on the ANXIETY side of mental health issues. While Anxiety can be diagnosed by a professional, it is difficult to say that none of us have ever experienced its horrible grip. 
That said, like most illnesses, there are varying degrees  of suffering. 
We have journeyed through my personal battles with anxiety, before interviewing my husband and our eighteen year old twins.
All have had rather different experiences of anxiety, but in the last interview of the year, we get an idea of how debilitating anxiety  can be and how it can change ones life.
MIchaela is 21 years old when I interviewed her...she is the eldest of our three kids and has struggled with anxiety her entire life. But not like most of us. She feels she was born with an innate destiny that has (and still has) the tendency to cripple her. She is, like her father, a desperate people pleaser, but there is a difference between the two of them. 
While dad loves to keep people smiling and laughing to quench is people-pleasing thirst...Michaela is on a constant quest to rectify any deep pain that she wholeheartedly feels for those close to her.
I suppose it is anxiety borne by EXTREME EMPATHY. 
Beautiful in theory, but it has truly robbed her of her own peace at times.
Thanks Michaela for sharing....you are so awesome....

EPISODE 7 : PEAS UP MY SLEEVES

EPISODE 6 : MY ANXIETY MADE ME ANXIOUS

Please welcome Loren to our SEASON ONE unpacking of ANXIEY.
Loren is a  fighter is so many way...
Our last born by two minutes (Tayden just won...)  we hear how she explains that from the moment she was born, anxiety was a constant companion....and still is to this day.
She explains how her competitiveness (and at times aggressiveness) was the only manner is which she could cope with her debilitating unwanted guest.
Her full journey will come to light shortly, but for now, I urge all parents to listen to her words of advice that she has for any child that seems to be struggling.
     Thanks Loren....you are an incredible inspiration 

EPISODE 5 : THE HOODIE WAS MY ESCAPE

For an eighteen year old, I challenge you to find a young person with as much wisdom to share about his mental health struggles.
 
Tayden gives an idea of what he has struggled through without getting into his darkest times of realisation and the strength shown in being true to his heart. Yes, he is my son....but WOW, he is a game changer - even a future world changer.
Terms that may be new to you include :
IMPOSTER SYNDROME
DISASSOCIATION
My quote of the entire discussion from Tayden : ''THE HOODIE WAS MY ESCAPE...."
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share this podcast with as many parents and young adults as possible....it could save a life...truly
 
Bye - JAX

EPISODE 4 : ANXIETY DOESNT OWN ME

The first of two discussions with our son, Tayden - a young adult that will steal your heart from his first word spoken.
Here we begin discussing his struggles with anxiety and feeling very 'different' to others around him and we begin to unpack coping mechanisms he has used to survive and thrive through it all.
In Season Two, you will understand more of how he has grown into the man he always wanted to be....but not before going through some serious mental challenges that could have literally destroyed him.
We are so proud of you Tay....thanks for sharing.

EPISODE 3 : MY SOULMATEpt2

Here, Anthony speaks more about the importance of knowing ones weaknesses as a parent and when to stop the perpetual cycle of toxic parenting we inherited.
The need to understand the value of 'dovetailing' with ones spouse is made very clear.
And I value Anthony's GROWTH MINDSET.
Worst proverb ever....'You cant teach an old dog new tricks....' 
His willingness to continually learn and change for others is testament to his knowledge of how critical it is for us all to acknowledge the dangers of ignoring all mental health problems
I hope you are inspired !
JDJ

EPISODE 2 : MY SOULMATE

We met nearly thirty years ago in the mid 1990's but have become more than just another married couple.
In the future, you will hear a lot about my thoughts, emotions and strategy of coping with our battles with mental health disorders but getting into the mind of your support group is very important.
This is the first of a two part discussion finding out a few things I never knew about Anthony. 
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS EPISODE....
* NEW WORD :
DOVETAILING....to fit together well, or to cause something to fit together well with something else
How essential is this to effective management and recovery...
ENJOY....
JDJ