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Ever wondered what it's really like to stand by someone battling PTSD? This raw, laughter-filled conversation between best friends Melissa and Mel pulls back the curtain on one of the most meaningful relationships in mental health recovery.

From their first meeting at a running group to an adventurous three-day hike where they "could have died" (Melissa's words!), their friendship story takes an unexpected turn when PTSD enters the picture. With remarkable candor, Mel shares what it was like watching her vibrant, outgoing friend struggle before her first hospitalization, and the fear and uncertainty that surrounded that critical turning point.

The most powerful revelation? How PTSD actually deepened their connection rather than destroying it. "I think that your PTSD has made us get there a lot quicker," Mel reflects on their unusually honest friendship. Through impromptu daffodil photoshoots, poker tournaments, and countless small adventures, they've discovered the art of finding joy even on the darkest days.

For anyone supporting a loved one with mental health challenges, Mel offers this golden insight: "Lead with love, not fear." She explains how the tendency to walk on eggshells actually creates more problems than it solves, and how honest communication transformed their relationship. Meanwhile, Melissa shares how vulnerability—initially terrifying—became the unexpected gift that enriched all her relationships.

Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional reassurance. As Mel beautifully puts it: "Friendship turns moments into memories" and "Good friends are sunshine between storms."

Listen now and discover how two friends learned to laugh together even when life wasn't funny, and how the right kind of support can make all the difference in healing.

Song of the week:

https://youtu.be/nMN4JZ8crVY?si=HdOU8vq9VOMgBXG_

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Welcome to Episode 27! Just recapping on last week's episode and wanted to let ya all know that I was not providing commentey about any relationship that I'm in (they are all amazing) when taking about using our precious time carefully. Just wanted to clear that up!! I love you all xox

The song of the week is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Although this is a love song, it reminds me that even mental health journeys have chapters and that those chapters don't need to define us permanently. Thinking about life's seasonality reminds me about life's changing seasons and can help us navigate difficult periods and times with hope and perspective.

Currently, the season that I'm in is a medication-free season after many years of being medicated. However, I fully aware that i may need another hospital stay at some point again and that i might not always be medication-free.

I've also started playing pickleball, and I've also been given the all-clear to play basketball. I'm so pumped to play.

I also talk about the Aussie Greys Assistance Dogs program, which repurpose racing greyhounds as PTSD support animals. So good!

The thought of the week is "By facing our challenges and overcoming them, we grow stronger, wiser and more compassionate"

Find me on Facebook and Instagram, and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

Song Of the Week:

Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

https://youtu.be/WM7-PYtXtJM?si=t4UG40UnqNABTg-X

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Hey hey, welcome to Episode 26! I know I kinda ghosted last week—life happened. So today I’m back to catch you up on everything: my health stuff, some deep thoughts on friendships, and yep… 20 years of marriage while juggling PTSD. Wild ride.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

- First off, those weird tingles I’ve been getting? Turns out it’s anxiety, not anything neurological. Saw the neurologist, got the all-clear.

- Still off antidepressants and doing okay—just staying super aware of how I’m feeling and watching for any red flags.

- Oh, and my bestie Taylor Swift got engaged!! I mean, not technically my bestie, but... Absolutely. Congrats, queen 💍✨

Also, I’ve been thinking about something she said—about treating your energy like a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it, and that’s okay.

- It’s so important to notice when we’re in one-sided relationships. Effort should go both ways, right?

- So I’m asking you to take a sec and think: who are you spending your luxury energy on? Do they really deserve it?

- Alicia Keys’ “Brand New Me” has been on repeat lately—such a vibe. Friendships evolve, and that’s part of growing. It's also this week's song of the week.

And yeah, 20 years of marriage. There were times it felt like we were just roommates but he’s my person. We’ve been through it all, and I still love him like crazy. He’s got my back, always.

So, be gentle with yourself this week. And remember: the people around you? They’re your planets. Orbit wisely 🌍💫

Song of the Week:

https://youtu.be/wOSv1TIa58M?si=ZL-K2MGOKmJVLQeX