Can life's toughest battles shape our deepest truths? Join me, Micah Bravery, as I navigate the complex intersections of trauma, identity, and healing. This episode kicks off by acknowledging the significance of Pride Month and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring how they intertwine. I share candid updates about my second book and the challenges of balancing life and work while facing a cancer diagnosis. Through my journey, I emphasize the necessity of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, and I offer support for those who cannot openly be themselves due to fear or danger.

Listen as I recount how a life-threatening battle with cancer forced me to embrace my identity as a gay man. I'll take you through the emotional landscape of celebrating Pride while confronting societal threats and my family's concerns for my safety. We dive into the complexities of intimacy influenced by past traumas and the guilt of wanting to prioritize my own well-being after years of being the rock for others. This chapter also sheds light on the unique challenges of navigating a predominantly white work environment as a light-skinned, educated person of color and the balance between giving and preserving one's well-being.

Reflecting on past Pride celebrations, especially the vibrant parades on Christopher Street in New York City during the early 2000s, we explore the duality of partying and protesting. Recognizing the importance of honoring past struggles for LGBTQ+ rights, we find moments of joy amidst ongoing global challenges. The episode concludes with an invitation to explore resources at www.traumasexpensive.com, underscoring the costs of trauma and the transformative journey toward healing. It's a heartfelt call for resilience, empowerment, and living fully, appreciating the progress made while continuing the fight for equality and justice.

#PodcastLife #PrideMonth #MensMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #LGBTQCommunity #CancerSurvivor #SelfCare #IdentityJourney #Intersectionality #PrideAndProtest #LGBTQRights #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #Empowerment #HealingJourney #BookUpdate #BalancingLife #SettingBoundaries #SupportAndStrength #LivingFully #EqualityAndJustice

How much does trauma really cost us in our daily lives? Our latest episode of "Trauma is Expensive" features a raw and emotional conversation with Sam Swidzinski , who shares his personal experience growing up with bipolar disorder and enduring deep-seated trauma. Sam opens up about a significant and painful incident from his childhood that left both physical and emotional scars, shedding light on how societal pressures and the need for approval can disastrously affect mental health. This eye-opening discussion examines the impact of overworking to meet expectations and the necessity of making one's well-being a priority.

Navigating the labyrinth of mental health support is no small feat. Sam recounts the arduous journey he faced in finding the right therapeutic help for his bipolar disorder. We delve into the crucial role that research psychiatrists played in his path to recovery, exploring the different facets of bipolar disorder, including the differences between bipolar type one and type two, and how they can sometimes be confused with conditions such as ADHD. The importance of accurate diagnosis and a compassionate approach to mental health care is underscored, providing essential insights for anyone supporting a loved one with mental health challenges.

Shifting gears, we explore the power of gratitude and growth in achieving peace and resilience. Transforming a mindset of negativity into one of gratitude can change lives, and we share practical steps to help reinforce positivity, such as journaling things you're thankful for and vocalizing affirmations. These small daily practices can make a huge difference in navigating life's challenges. We wrap up with themes of hope and healing, drawing inspiration from Sam's book "Winning the War with Bipolar" and encouraging listeners to keep striving for better mental health. Tune in for a heartfelt and enlightening episode, reminding us all that the journey to self-care and mental wellness, while challenging, is profoundly rewarding.

#MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaRecovery #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealthJourney #EmotionalHealing #PsychiatricSupport #AccurateDiagnosis #TherapeuticHelp #OvercomingTrauma #SocietalPressures #MentalWellbeing #BipolarTypeOne #BipolarTypeTwo #ADHDDiagnosis #CompassionateCare #GratitudeMindset #GrowthAndResilience #SelfCareJourney #MentalWellness #HopeAndHealing #WinningTheWarWithBipolar #PositiveAffirmations #JournalingGratitude #HealingJourney #MentalHealthSupport #BipolarAwareness #EmotionalResilience #TherapeuticJourney #SelfCareMatters #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaIsExpensive #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast

When my mother consciously chose her path over the expected norms of sacrifice, it sparked a pivotal shift in my understanding of love and family dynamics. As Crystal and I celebrate our 300th episode, between all of our podcast, we're thrilled to unveil a tapestry of discussions on the fine line between sacrifice and choice. The conversations are intimate, with stories spanning from my personal revelations about parenting choices to the broader implications of these decisions on our relationships and self-perception.

Under the microscope is the weight of sacrifice in our friendships and the silent trade-offs that shape the bonds we cherish. We delve into the currency of passion, measuring the cost of our pursuits against the backdrop of personal connections, like the evenings I forfeited with my mother for the sake of this podcast. The ebb and flow of recognition and forgiveness within our families takes center stage, as we unwrap the poignant layers of responsibility, the art of communication, and the transformative power of understanding.

Wrapping up, we confront the paradox of parental sacrifice. Is it a noble act or a potential source of psychological strain for the next generation? Crystal and I dissect the self-care conundrum, sharing tales of parents like Rebecca, whose stories illustrate the necessity of setting boundaries. Through laughter and earnest discussion, we honor the intricate dance of caregiving, illuminating the wisdom in sometimes choosing oneself. Join us for a deep and heartfelt exploration of these themes, as we continue to empower through our ongoing dialogue about trauma and healing.

#MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #FamilyDynamics #LoveAndSacrifice #ParentingChoices #PodcastMilestone #HealingJourney #Empathy #TraumaRecovery #Caregiving #Boundaries #EmotionalWellness #IntimateConversations #Understanding #Resilience #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #RelationshipGoals #ParentalSacrifice #CommunicationSkills #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast #TraumaIsExpensive