Refuse to Sink

You Are What You Eat

For this episode, we interview nutritionist and pharmacist, Komal Thakur. Komal discusses the importance of diet and how it can correlate with mental health. She identifies certain foods that are good for the brain and what we should try to stay away from. We also ask Komal on her view regarding diet soda, caffeine and vitamin supplements. We also explore good bacteria versus the bad bacteria we carry within our intestines. Lauren and Komal also speak of the term "leaky gut" and how it affects the mood. If you want more information on nutrition and mental health, check out her Instagram: all_bright_health
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"I Was Bullied for Being Me"

Warning! Parental Advisory- (consists of strong language) Lauren discusses the different factors of bullying and how it can manifest into suicidal ideations. Bullying is often overlooked, causing the victim to feel hopeless and unworthy. It can build up for years within the victim until they have had enough and snap! For this episode, Lauren interviews Beck on their own personal experience from being bullied. Beck was bullied in the hallways at school for race, sexual identity and dressing androgynous . Beck had enough and stood up to them once and for all. Confidence was built, a diversity club was established, and Beck remained standing with a strong voice for others who have gone through similar situations. Just like Beck's story, victims continue to get bullied in the hallways, the workplace, at home and through the cyber world. These victims often feel trapped, or may feel like a burden to speak out. Lets continue to raise awareness on bullying and check on those who might be in the current struggle.
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Understanding Anger

Okay, who hasn't experienced anger? I know I have. In this episode, I discuss the emotions and feelings that are layered underneath anger. I also explore the importance of recognizing triggers and share some of my own. Next, I review the physiological and psychological warning signs that occur throughout our mind and body. Even though anger can present in aggressive ways, it can be worked on. As a therapist, I discuss the ways that have personally helped myself and clients effectively work through anger by breath work, positive self-talk and much more. However, sometimes anger can be a bit too much at times where it may surface daily. If you feel that you or someone you know presents with anger outbursts frequently, they may need to seek a therapist or doctor to explore the diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Remember, it's okay to seek help. Without change, there is no progress. 
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Let's Talk Depression

In this episode, I discuss the different types of depression and what their symptoms look like. Some of these include, major depressive disorder, depression with psychotic features, perinatal / postpartum depression, situational depression and depression with atypical features. After I discuss each diagnosis, I then speak about the importance of natural coping skills that can help lift the mood and how medication can also be beneficial to some. If you, or someone you know is currently struggling and having suicidal thoughts please call 911, or contact the suicidal prevention hotline at 800-273-8255.
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This episode is sponsored by
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Grief and Loss

In this episode, Brianna was faced with an unexpected loss in 2018. Brianna explains the tragic phone call she received that changed everything. She had expectations that her father was improving with his health but was faced with the complete opposite. Not only did Brianna experience the loss of of her father, but also captured emotional imagery of her mother doing everything she could to revive him. To this day, Brianna continues to work on processing her own experience with grief and loss. On the positive side, Brianna is a licensed professional counselor and can recognize that grief is a long-term process. She discusses the different tools that continue to help her manage each day and how they can be helpful for others that were faced with a major loss as well. If you want to hear more from Brianna, you can follow her on Instagram at thenewestkoeser
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This episode is sponsored by
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Conquering Trauma

❗️❗️ In some points of the episode, The phone call lags over one another. I promise I don’t talk over people! Apologize in advance ❗️❗️While we all go on our personal journeys, as I talk to Vineet, I was more than inspired as he talked about his and how he refused to sink.
In this episode, Vineet discusses several unfortunate obstacles he has faced throughout his life. Obstacles that include, living with an alcoholic family member, sexual trauma at 9 years old, fighting several of his own addictions, and his parents being deported.
Although this is an extremely heavy podcast, Vineet also talks about what has helped him effectively cope with this trauma and maintain sobriety.
He continues to heal, is active in therapy, and is currently studying psychology. He is conquering this and in full control of his journey.
We are blessed to have him be alive today as he spoke in detail around the many nights he pulled the trigger of an unloaded gun.
Thank you so much for your bravery, courage and strength to keep refusing to sink!

Cutting Out Toxicity

Christina is one of the brave individuals who reached out to me on Instagram. Christina was ready to share her own story on how she refused to sink. She discusses the challenges she was faced with during childhood and how difficult it was living in a narcissistic environment. To this day, Christina continues to work through these layers and has been a wonderful role model for her children and those who have been in similar situations. She is now writing her own narrative for her current and future life. She is currently in control of her own story. You can check out her journey on Instagram at: _reclamationproject
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This episode is sponsored by
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All About Art Therapy

Lauren interviews her colleague Rachel Taylor. Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor who her Masters Degree in Counseling and Bachelors in Art Therapy. Rachel discusses what art therapy is to her and how she implements this therapeutic approach into her practice. She also signifies the importance of having an inviting, warm space for art-making. Lauren then explains her own personal journey with art and how it has helped channel her emotions, thoughts and feelings. Lastly, this episode explores the pathways of art therapy and how it can be utilized as "art psychotherapy" or "art as therapy".
Find an art therapist:
www.psychologytoday.com
https://arttherapy.org/
Art Therapy Textbooks:
https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Therapy-Clinical-Psychology-Handbooks/dp/1118306597/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6D7XMCGR8ZNZ&dchild=1&keywords=wiley+handbook&qid=1597107293&sprefix=wiley+hand%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Therapy-Second-Cathy-Malchiodi/dp/1609189752/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cathy+malchiodi&qid=1597107331&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Trauma-Neuroscience-Juliet-King/dp/1138839388/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=art+therapy&qid=1597107352&sr=8-7
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This episode is sponsored by
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Let's Talk Self-Esteem

This episode discusses how self-esteem can begin around childhood and follow into adulthood. We also explore other ways that self-esteem can enter into our lives from our external world. Lauren then shifts into Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and how it's relatable to the way we live our lives and view ourselves. In addition, Lauren reviews healthy tools that has helped her improve the way she views herself. Oftentimes, we catch ourselves comparing our lives to others and begin to feel inferior. This episode encourages you to look at your own journey and see the accomplishments and progress you have made from where you were ten years ago Instead of looking at other's. To wrap it up, three brave, talented individuals shared their own stories of where they were ten years ago and how much they have grown and blossomed into a better them.
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This episode is sponsored by
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BLM /LGBTQ Interview With Sarafina-Arthur Williams

This episode interviews my dear friend, Sarafina Arthur Williams. This episode is around exploring her identity and the different obstacles she was faced with along this journey. Sarafina speaks about the LGBTQ community / Black Lives Matter and what it’s like being a military wife. Not only has Sarafina been faced with plenty of obstacles, but has also developed a business, Intentional Simplicity. Her business began as a blog around her own personal journey on refusing to sink but had soon blossomed into lifting up others through wellness, consulting and artistic expression! You can check out her website at https://liveintentionallysimplistic.com
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This episode is sponsored by
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