Mentally Strong Mums

In this uplifting episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we explore how to put yourself back on your own priority list—not with guilt, but with clarity and confidence. This New Year, treat yourself like you would your car—with regular check-ins, maintenance, and proactive care. You wouldn’t wait until your car completely breaks down before getting it serviced. So why do we wait until burnout hits before looking after ourselves? 🌟 You’d book it in for regular servicing. 🌟 You’d fix things before they completely broke down. 🌟 You’d fuel it with what it needs—and take it seriously when the warning lights flash. You don’t need to earn your rest. You just need to value yourself enough to plan it. 🎧 Available now on Spotify + Apple 🌐 Visit www.mentallystrongmums.com for more resources 📲 Follow @MentallyStrongMums for daily support #MentallyStrongMums #2026Reset #NewYearPlanning #MumSelfCare #PreventBurnout #MumWellness #MotherhoodMentalHealth #JoyfulMotherhood #AustralianMums #MumMotivation

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from your body? In this calming and empowering guided episode, you’ll be taken on a full body scan and somatic release experience tailored for mums navigating anxiety, overwhelm, and the demands of everyday life. Learn how to reconnect with your body, identify where tension lives, understand what your anxiety is trying to protect you from, and gently begin the process of letting go This week’s episode of Mentally Strong Mums is a somatic anxiety release — a guided experience designed just for YOU. 🌿 Breathe, scan your body, notice what's there, and gently let go. No judgment. Just healing. Welcome to a deeply soothing and empowering guided episode designed for mothers experiencing anxiety, stress, or overwhelm. In this Mentally Strong Mums guided journey, we’ll walk you through: A calming full-body scan How to identify where anxiety is stored in your body Emotional intelligence and body-based awareness A gentle process to communicate with, understand, and release anxiety A somatic healing experience that helps you feel grounded and safe 🧠✨ You are not broken — your body is trying to protect you. Let’s explore why… and gently begin to let go. Perfect for busy mums who need a moment to reconnect and regulate. Listen today, and give your nervous system the love it deserves. 💛 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube! #MentallyStrongMums #anxietyrelief #somatichealing #mumswithanxiety #bodyawareness #mentalhealthmatters #guidedmeditation #traumainformedparenting #nervoussystemregulation #emotionalhealing #mumlife #calmdownmama #podcastforparents #mindfulmama #selfregulationtools #anxietysupport #healingjourney #motherhoodsupport #selfcarepodcast #mummindset #podcastaustralia

This week on the Mentally Strong Mums podcast: 💔 What core values really mean ✨ How to find your non‑negotiables 🧠 Why mismatched values cause self‑betrayal ❤️ How to teach emotional integrity to your kids We unpack the psychology of core values—what they are, how to find yours, and how they shape love, boundaries, and self‑worth. 🎧 Listen to “Core Values, Self‑Worth, and Why You Keep Losing Yourself in Love” 🔗 Link in bio #MentallyStrongMums #CoreValues #SelfWorth #RelationshipHealth #Boundaries #PeoplePleasingRecovery #AttachmentHealing #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #GenerationalHealing Do you know what your core values really are—or have you just been living by someone else’s? In this episode, we unpack: 💔 Why mismatched values cause relationship tension 🪞 How to identify your non‑negotiables 💡 Why people‑pleasing equals self‑betrayal 🌱 How values evolve over time—and what that says about your growth 👩‍👧 How to teach your kids emotional integrity and values as a generational legacy Because when you know who you are, you stop begging for love—you attract it. ✨ Explore more at www.mentallystrongmums.com

Have you ever poured your heart out and been met with silence, a shrug, or worse—“That’s not a big deal”? That’s invalidation, and it cuts deeper than most of us realise. This week’s podcast is a deep dive into: 💡 What validation really is ❌ How invalidation damages relationships 👩‍👧‍👦 Why it’s not your child’s job to validate you 🗣️ How to ask for your emotional needs with courage 🧘🏼‍♀️ And how to stop gaslighting yourself ❌ Why invalidation cuts so deep 🧠 The science behind emotional pain 🗣️ Scripts to ask for what you need 🤯 And how to stop dismissing your own feelings 🎧 Listen now to: “Why Feeling Seen Matters” 👇 Have you ever been invalidated? Let’s talk about it. #MentallyStrongMums #ValidationMatters #EmotionalSafety #ParentingPodcast #AttachmentHealing #GaslightingRecovery #SelfValidation #EmotionalNeeds #MotherhoodPodcast #MindfulParenting In this episode, we unpack: What validation really means (it’s not agreement—it’s understanding) How invalidation shows up in parenting, relationships, and your own self-talk The science behind why it hurts so much Real examples from childhood, marriage, and raising kids Why it’s not your child’s job to validate you How to ask your partner for emotional support without blame And how to stop gaslighting yourself This episode is your ultimate toolkit for building emotionally safe relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself 💛

In this powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we explore: ✨ The neuroscience of teen behavior 💔 How your childhood wounds might be resurfacing 🧘🏼‍♀️ How to self-regulate when they can’t 🌪️ The chaos of parenting teens while navigating perimenopause 💖 A new compassionate parenting blueprint 🔗 Visit: www.mentallystrongmums.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. 👇 Comment below: What’s the hardest part about parenting a teen? #TeenParenting #Perimenopause #SecureAttachment #ParentingPodcast #MentalHealthMums #MotherhoodJourney #TeenParentingSupport #MotherhoodPodcast #PerimenopauseAndParenting #AttachmentHealing #ParentingWhileTriggered #GentleParenting #NeurobiologyOfParenting #CycleBreaking #ConsciousMothering Being a parent to a teenager can feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt. In this episode, we unpack: Why teens often express their pain through anger, defiance, or withdrawal 😤 What’s actually happening in the adolescent brain 🧠 (hint: it’s not personal!) How to be the secure base they need—even when you're exhausted 😮‍💨 Why your own unhealed teenage wounds might be triggered The collision of teen tantrums + perimenopausal mums 😅 How to emotionally regulate when your child cannot A new compassionate blueprint for parenting yourself while parenting your teen ✨ This episode is for every mum who’s trying her best, even when she feels like she’s failing. You are not alone. Let’s rewrite the script together. 🖥️ Explore more at www.mentallystrongmums.com

What happens when AI becomes your therapist? In this episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we’re talking about a rising psychological phenomenon: ChatGPT Psychosis. When someone feels misunderstood or invisible in their real life, AI can feel like a safe haven. But when the algorithm only validates one side of the story… things can go sideways—fast. We’re breaking it down: 💬 What it is 🧠 Why it’s happening ❤️ How it impacts dating & parenting 🔍 Real cases and cultural taboos 🧭 What to do if this is YOU 🎧 Listen now. Link in bio. #MentallyStrongMums #AIandMentalHealth #ChatGPTPsychosis #DigitalEchoChamber #SelfAwareness #VictimMindset #HealingJourney #ConsciousParenting #ModernMotherhood #GeminiAI Is it possible to develop a warped view of reality from using AI like ChatGPT or Gemini? What happens when vulnerable individuals—those feeling misunderstood, invalidated, or isolated—begin to rely solely on artificial intelligence to process their emotions and relationships? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychological, neurological, and cultural implications of “ChatGPT Psychosis”—a phenomenon where people use AI to validate their distorted thinking without critical reflection. We unpack how AI, though helpful, can unintentionally reinforce victim narratives, hinder personal accountability, and replace real-world interactions. We explore how this affects romantic relationships, self-perception, and emotional regulation—and what you can do if you suspect you (or someone you love) is falling into this cognitive trap. 👩‍👧 Perfect for mums raising teens in the digital age and for anyone curious about the ethics, psychology, and cultural impact of AI becoming a digital shoulder to cry on. 🎧 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional isolation, delusion, and distorted thinking. It’s designed to help—without judgment. 🌐 www.mentallystrongmums.com

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of self‑harm and suicide. Please listen with care, and reach out for professional help if you are in crisis. In this episode, we explore how traditional safety plans, often used in mental health crises, can be transformed into wellness plans—powerful, proactive tools for mothers who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. You’ll learn: 🌿 How to recognise your personal crisis cues before burnout hits 💡 The science behind emotional self‑awareness and resilience 🧠 How to build your own step‑by‑step safety plan with grounding tools, affirmations, and support networks ❤️ Why having a “wellness contingency” is an act of empowerment, not weakness If you’ve been running on empty, this episode will help you pause, breathe, and build a plan that protects your wellbeing before things spiral. 🔗 Resources & Support: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia), or visit www.lifeline.org.au . What you’ll learn: 🧭 How to identify early signs of emotional or physical distress 🌬️ Simple grounding techniques for daily regulation 💪 How to create your own safety plan—tailored to motherhood 🌈 Ways to use a growth mindset to rebuild after burnout ✨ Because being strong doesn’t mean never breaking—it means knowing how to put yourself back together. 👇 Comment below: What helps you reset when you’re overwhelmed? 📍 www.mentallystrongmums.com #MentallyStrongMums #BurnoutRecovery #SafetyPlan #MentalHealthAwareness #MotherhoodPodcast #EmotionalResilience #WellnessPlan #MindfulnessForMums #SelfCareForMums #GrowthMindset Explore more mental‑health resources for mums at www.mentallystrongmums.com

In this powerful episode, we unpack the many faces of emotional abuse—how it hides in plain sight, especially when you're a people-pleaser with no clear boundaries. We’ll explore how childhood conditioning, trauma responses, and a need to be liked can make us vulnerable to emotional manipulation, criticism, and control—without even realising it. You’ll walk away from this episode able to recognise red flags, reclaim your inner strength, and start setting boundaries that protect your emotional wellbeing. No shame. No blame. Just education, empowerment, and emotional safety—especially for mums navigating relationships, parenting, and self-worth. 🔔 If you've ever felt like you're "too sensitive" or constantly second-guess yourself—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and take your power back. 🌐 Visit: www.mentallystrongmums.com 📲 Follow on Instagram: @MentallyStrongMums

Is it just a “strong-willed” child… or something deeper? In this episode, we explore Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)—a behavioural condition that can be emotionally draining for parents and misunderstood by professionals. We’ll unpack what ODD is, how it shows up at home and school, and why traditional discipline methods often make things worse. 👩‍⚕️ I’ll explain: ✨ What ODD looks like (beyond tantrums) ✨ Why traditional parenting techniques don’t work ✨ How trauma, neurodiversity, and family dynamics contribute ✨ What supportive strategies can help Whether you’re a parent, teacher or therapist—this episode is for you. It’s time we stop shaming kids who struggle to regulate and start understanding them. #ODD #OppositionalDefiantDisorder #StrongWilledKids #TraumaInformedParenting #BehaviouralSupport #ChildMentalHealth #GentleParenting #NeurodivergentSupport #TherapistTools #MentallyStrongMums

What if you could completely change the way you feel, just by choosing to assume the best in others? This short but powerful episode explores the concept of positive intent — a psychological tool that rewires how we react to conflict, criticism, and everyday interactions. We dive into how reframing assumptions can protect your energy, strengthen relationships, and help you raise mentally strong children who don't internalise other people’s bad days. Inspired by principles from The Four Agreements, we explore how core wounds and negative cognitions trigger our inner stories — and how to reclaim the narrative. This is an empowering mindset shift for mums who are tired of feeling anxious, judged, or overwhelmed. 🌐 Website: www.mentallystrongmums.com 🧠 Let's raise a generation who lead with compassion, not reaction.

Do you ever talk with your siblings and wonder… “Were we even raised by the same parents?” You’re not alone. In this deeply insightful episode, we unpack the emotional truth that even when siblings grow up under the same roof, their experiences of childhood can feel worlds apart. Birth order, parental stress levels, evolving attachment styles, and even unspoken family trauma can shape each child’s story in vastly different ways. We talk about how these differences can impact sibling connection into adulthood—why some brothers and sisters grow closer over time, and others drift apart. And more importantly, how we can start to build empathy for one another’s memories, even when they clash with our own. This is not about blaming parents. It’s about validating your experience, understanding the psychology of family systems, and finding peace with the complexities of your past. ✨ Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotional content related to family trauma and differing childhood experiences. 🎧 Tune in to understand: — How birth order and parenting stress change attachment — Why your sibling’s truth may feel foreign to yours — How to reconnect when your stories don’t align 💬 Let’s open this conversation. Tag a sibling. Share your story. You’re not alone. https://www.mentallystrongmums.com/ #MentallyStrongMums #SiblingTrauma #FamilyDynamics #BirthOrderMatters #ChildhoodHealing #AttachmentStyles #TraumaRecovery #ParentingJourney #EmotionalHealth #BreakTheCycle

In this powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we unpack the groundbreaking research of world-renowned psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman. After studying thousands of couples over decades, they identified four toxic communication patterns—what they call The Four Horsemen—that predict divorce with over 90% accuracy. But here’s the good news: we’ll also explore the antidotes. Learn how to repair, reconnect, and build a lasting bond—whether you’re married, dating, or navigating co-parenting as a single mum. 💔 90% of divorces can be predicted by 4 behaviours—and most of us have done at least one of them. This week's episode is a must-listen if you're in a relationship, navigating co-parenting, or dating again. We're diving into The Gottmans’ research on The Four Horsemen of Divorce—and how to stop them before it's too late. 🎧 Listen now. Save your relationship. Protect your peace. #MentallyStrongMums #GottmanInstitute #RelationshipTips #DivorcePrevention #MarriageMatters #DatingAfterDivorce #EmotionalHealth #CommunicationSkills #TherapyTools #CoParentingLife

In this compelling episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we bring PMDD out of the shadows. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder isn’t just ‘bad PMS’—it’s a debilitating, hormone-driven mood disorder that affects 3–8% of menstruating women, yet remains drastically underdiagnosed. 🧠 We unpack: What PMDD really is Why it mimics anxiety, depression, or even bipolar disorder How it affects relationships, parenting, work, and self-worth Why most women go undiagnosed for years Real symptoms, real science, and real support options Treatment options: from lifestyle to medication to therapy How to advocate for yourself (or someone you love) Whether you're living with PMDD, suspect you may be, or want to understand it to support a loved one—this is the episode that every woman and every mother needs to hear. 🔗 More resources, downloads & help at: www.mentallystrongmums.com ⚠️ Content warning: Discussion includes sensitive topics such as mood instability, suicidal ideation, and hormonal health.

In this powerful, episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we unpack the emotional and psychological relationship many mothers have with money—and how it often stems from deeper beliefs, identity wounds, and generational patterns. You’ll explore: 💸 The 4 Money Types—and which one you are 📘 What The Barefoot Investor teaches about taking control 🧠 How scarcity vs abundance mindsets are formed 🚫 The invisible cycle of poverty—and how to break it 👩‍👧‍👦 What your relationship with money teaches your children Whether you’re a single mum, a co-parent, or navigating financial freedom for the first time, this episode offers education, empowerment, and emotional insight into creating a healthier, wealthier life—on your terms. 🎧 LISTEN NOW 📲 Visit www.mentallystrongmums.com for more episodes, free resources & downloads.

In this raw and powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena explores what really happens to your mind and body when a relationship ends—especially when it wasn't your choice. From hormone crashes (dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol) to immune system suppression and even Broken Heart Syndrome, we unpack the neuroscience, psychology, and biology of heartbreak. You’ll learn: Why heartbreak triggers the same brain regions as physical pain How our mammalian bonding system works (and why detaching is so hard) The gender differences in processing love and grief Why heartbreak mimics addiction withdrawal What to do when you're spiraling after loss How to begin healing from an evidence-based, empowering perspective If you're navigating a breakup, separation, or feeling grief from lost connection, this episode is your compassionate science-based guide. 🌐 For more support visit: mentallystrongmums.com.au 📲 Follow Elena on Instagram: @mentallystrongmums Listener note: This episode includes discussion of emotional trauma and biological symptoms of heartbreak. Please take care when listening.

In today’s powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena breaks down exactly what a High-Conflict Person (HCP) is, why traditional communication fails with them, and what science-backed strategies you can use to protect your mental strength. 🛡️🧠 Drawing from the work of expert Bill Eddy and real-world psychological research, we’ll explore: 🔎 What defines a High-Conflict Personality (HCP) 💬 Why you can't reason with them the way you can with others 🛑 The 4 warning signs you’re dealing with a HCP ✨ The BIFF technique (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) to communicate safely 🌱 How to stay regulated, empowered, and clear-headed—even in the chaos Whether it's a co-parent, colleague, family member, or even a friend — knowing how to spot and manage high-conflict behavior is mental self-defense for your future. 🌐 Find more at www.mentallystrongmums.com

When we think of a narcissist, we picture someone loud, arrogant, and attention-seeking. But what if narcissism hides in plain sight—quiet, passive, even "humble"? Today, we're exposing the covert narcissist—the lesser-known but equally destructive version of narcissism—and why understanding it could protect your mental health. 🧠🚨 We'll explore: ✅ What narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) really is (according to the DSM-5) ✅ The subtle signs of covert narcissism (and why they’re so hard to spot) ✅ Real-world examples you’ll immediately recognise ✅ Why covert narcissists can make you doubt your own reality ✅ How to protect your boundaries and rebuild your self-trust 🔎 Based on real clinical research, psychology studies, and survivor experiences, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to spot manipulation—whether it’s in dating, family, friendships, or even workplaces. ✨ Knowledge is protection. Empower yourself to see clearly and stay strong. When we think of narcissism, we imagine arrogance, ego, and flashy confidence. But what happens when narcissism hides behind kindness, victimhood, and quiet resentment? In this eye-opening episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena uncovers the truth about covert narcissists—the lesser-known manipulators who can drain your confidence and sanity without you even realising it. 🚪👀 Learn: 🔎 What Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) really looks like (DSM-5 criteria) 🔎 The subtle signs of covert narcissism most people miss 🔎 Why covert narcissists leave you doubting your worth 🔎 How to protect yourself and heal emotional confusion 🔎 Why recognising the patterns early is the key to freedom ✨ Empower yourself with the knowledge to spot manipulation before it erodes your mental strength—and build bulletproof emotional boundaries for the future. 🌐 More resources: www.mentallystrongmums.com

In this soul-fueling episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena explores the real emotional load of motherhood and why building mental strength, gratitude, and self-empowerment is the key to lasting happiness and resilience. 🌿💬 Through relatable stories, psychology-backed tips, and practical mindset shifts, you'll learn how to: 🌟 Stop resentment from eroding your peace 🌟 Build an internal “bulletproof” emotional house 🌟 Use gratitude and mindset to rewire self-sabotaging beliefs 🌟 Protect your energy while raising emotionally strong kids 🌟 Cultivate the generational legacy you want for your family This episode is your reminder that you are not broken—you are growing. You are doing better than you think. Let's build a stronger, happier future—one thought, one choice, and one act of gratitude at a time. 💛✨ 🌐 Find more resources at www.mentallystrongmums.com

In this beautiful and bold episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena is joined by Sky Blu (a.k.a. Blu), a compassionate psychotherapist, sex and intimacy therapist, and founder of Intimacy with Blu. Together they explore why so many women—especially mothers—experience low desire and disconnection in relationships, and how to move from avoidance to empowerment. 💡 Learn the 6-step method Blu uses to help women go from “touched out” and exhausted to feeling sensual, confident, and empowered. You’ll hear about: 🔥 The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire 🌱 How to rebuild intimacy without pressure or shame 🧠 How nervous system dysregulation, burnout, and internalised cultural messages affect libido 🫀 Why reclaiming pleasure is an act of healing 💬 Communication tips for safety, trust, and mutual satisfaction This episode is a must-listen for any mother wondering “why don’t I want sex anymore?”—and what to do about it without blaming yourself. ✨ Discover that you are not broken. You are simply ready to reconnect with your body and your power.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive themes including personal experiences with cancer, grief, and emotional hardship. Please listen with care. In this deeply heartfelt episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena is joined by Suzanne Shoesmith, a Self-Care Coach for Mums and founder of Choice4Change. Together, they explore what it truly means to move from survival mode to thriving in motherhood using 3 transformative pillars of self-care. Suzanne shares her journey through profound emotional challenges—including the grief of losing her mother to cancer as a teen, long-term financial stress, and how those experiences shaped her passion for helping other mothers. You’ll hear: 🌿 The 3 pillars of sustainable self-care 💬 Why traditional “self-care” isn’t enough 🧠 How to rewire your mindset and habits 🌬 Practical tools to regulate your nervous system ❤️ How walking, nature, and connection can ground and heal Whether you’re emotionally drained, stuck in cycles of stress, or just want more balance in your life—this episode is here to support and uplift you.