Breaking Quietly | Fear, Anxiety & Strength

In this episode, Katie Rose shares her journey through anxiety, serious health conditions, and the life-changing moment when she finally said "I'm not okay." Living as ‘an actor in a play,’ she pursued others' dreams while hiding both physical and emotional pain to avoid disappointing people. When thoughts of ending her suffering became overwhelming, Katie courageously told her family, a confession that saved her life. She discovered our assumptions about others' reactions are often untrue. Katie's story powerfully redefines strength: sometimes the bravest act is stopping, honoring your inner voice, and telling others you're not OK.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about suicide. Please prioritise your wellbeing as you listen, and reach out to a mental health professional or a local helpline for any additional support. (Australia: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyondblue: 1300 224 636.)

About Our Guest

Katie has been a teacher for 16 years, with 6 years in leadership focused on mental health, wellbeing, and engagement. Passionate about helping young people understand emotions and brain science, Katie works closely with students experiencing anxiety. She has also launched a business offering small group sessions to teach coping strategies for anxiety and meditation to children.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e5

00:00 Katie Rose Intro

00:29 Trigger Warning

01:12 Being just OK in the world

03:26 Unpacking the Breakdown

05:39 Physical and Emotional Signs

08:08 The Role of Permission

10:31 The Journey to Self-Discovery

13:08 The Breaking Point

15:42 Crisis and Realisation

18:13 Seeking Help

20:46 The Path to Recovery

28:37 Facing the Unknown: A Journey into Mental Health

30:30 The Power of Connection: Reaching Out for Help

33:23 Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Vulnerability

35:53 Permission to Change: Embracing Personal Growth

38:38 Messages to My Younger Self: Understanding Emotions

41:32 Listening to Intuition: Distinguishing Fear from True Desire

46:52 Gratitude and Spirituality: Finding Meaning in Adversity

56:37 It's A Wrap

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