In this deeply personal Friday Fail Forward episode, Heather shares her journey through one of her darkest periods - when suicidal thoughts felt overwhelming and her dog's broken leg pushed her to breaking point. Discover how personal anthems became her lifeline and learn practical ways to use music and movement as tools for mental health recovery.

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicidal ideation and mental health struggles. Please listen with care and seek professional support if needed.

• Why "personal anthems" can be powerful tools for mental health recovery
• The science behind how music reduces stress hormones and increases happiness chemicals
• Three practical strategies for using music to shift your emotional state
• How movement amplifies the neurological benefits of music
• The importance of creating an "emergency anthem" for your darkest moments

Chapters:

• 00:22 - Introduction to Mental Health Awareness
• 01:07 - Overcoming Darkness: A Personal Journey
• 04:12 - Finding Strength Through Music
• 07:02 - Using Personal Anthems to Empower Yourself
• 08:59 - The Power of Personal Anthems
• 10:26 - Choosing Happy: The Power of Music and Movement

Support the Podcast

• Please like, subscribe, leave a review and share the podcast with someone who might need to hear this today.
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1. Emergency Anthem - One song that makes you feel unstoppable
2. Daily Soundtrack - Morning, focus, and reset anthems for different needs
3. Movement + Music - Combining physical movement with music for maximum impact
4. The 3-Minute Reset - Using your anthem with movement for just 3 minutes when struggling

If you're struggling with your mental health:

• Contact your GP or local mental health services
• UK: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 85258
• Mind: 0300 123 3393

• Share your personal anthem using #ChoosingHappyAnthem
• Tag @ChoosingHappyPodcast on social media
• Join the Choosing Happy community to connect with others

• "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
• "Love My Life" by Robbie Williams

More Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive deep into the heavy stuff, discussing mental health and the darkness of suicidal thoughts, so buckle up!
• We all have dark days, but remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness—you're not alone, my friend!
• Music can be a powerful lifeline; it can literally change your brain chemistry and lift your spirits—let's get moving and grooving!
• Creating a personal anthem can turn your mood around—find that one song that makes you feel unstoppable, and dance like nobody's watching!
• The journey through mental health struggles can feel isolating, but sharing our stories connects us—we’re all in this together, folks!
• Sometimes, all it takes to shift from despair to hope is three minutes of music and movement—let's keep choosing happy, one beat at a time!