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:
https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-15877-8_513-1
https://archive.org/details/sim_developmental-psychology_1992-09_28_5/page/758/mode/2up
https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1540-5834.00037
https://books.google.com/books?id=WzHIfiCXE8EC&pg=PA121#v=onepage&q&f=false
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
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Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.org
Instagram – @embrace.mental.health
Facebook – www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email – embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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_forgiveness
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_is_forgiveness
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-luskin
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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=1s
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.health
Facebook - www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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 - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com
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.
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Website - www.embracementalhealthnsc.org
Instagram - @embrace.mental.healthFacebook -
www.facebook.com/emh.nsc/
Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com