Mentally Strong Mums

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.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of intimacy, exploring the differing needs and desires of men and women. By examining perspectives from evolutionary psychology and biology, we aim to shed light on how these differences manifest in modern relationships. Our goal is to empower women with knowledge and provide resources for fostering deeper connections.

In this episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we explore how the modern dating landscape is shifting due to political and social division, not just for our teenage and young adult children, but for us as mums too. With the rise of polarization, social media influence, and dating fatigue, navigating romantic relationships has never been more complex. From 'wokefishing' and misinformation to dating app burnout, we dive into what recent research and media (like Triple J’s Hack and The Guardian) are saying about why more young people—and even single mothers—are choosing to opt out of dating altogether. You’ll learn: 🧠 How algorithm-driven content is shaping young men's worldviews ❤️ Why politics are playing a bigger role in relationship compatibility 👩‍👧 How to support your children navigating love in a highly divided time 💡 What to consider if you’re a single mum back in the dating world

stuck in the middle, juggling the needs of your children while also supporting aging parents? If so, welcome to the Sandwich Generation—where mothers are often the shock absorbers of society, carrying the mental, emotional, and financial weight of multigenerational caregiving. In this episode of Mentally Strong Mums, I discuss: 🍞 What is the Sandwich Generation? Understanding why so many mums are stretched between caring for their kids and aging parents. ⚖️ The mental load & gender roles: Why women are expected to "handle it all" and how this impacts our health. 🌏 Cultural perspectives on caregiving: How different countries support multigenerational families (and what Australia can learn!). 🧠 The impact on mental & physical health: Stress biomarkers, attachment issues for kids, and long-term effects on mothers. 💡 How to support caregivers: Practical solutions for mums navigating the overwhelming responsibility of caregiving. 🎙️ Plus, I share a personal reflection, a case study, and details about my upcoming event with the Australian Association of Social Workers on this very topic. 📢 Join me for this important conversation. Your role as a mother, daughter, and caregiver is deeply valuable—but so is your well-being. 💡 Register for my upcoming AASW event on March 11th here: https://my.aasw.asn.au/s/event-information?EventID=a2YRG000000M1YX2A0

Mums, when was the last time you truly tuned into your body? 🌿 Your mental and physical health are deeply connected, and this week on Mentally Strong Mums, we’re diving into the power of lymphatic health with expert Chelsey Jean. With over 27 years of experience as a Sports Therapist, Naturopath, and entrepreneur, Chelsey has dedicated her career to empowering women to take control of their well-being. She’s the founder of Chelsey Jean Lymphatics and the creator of groundbreaking lymphatic health techniques, including her signature Lymphatic Gloves, designed to help women feel lighter, more energized, and in control of their health. 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: 💡 What is lymphatic health and why does it matter? ⚖️ The connection between mental wellness and the lymphatic system 🧘‍♀️ Signs that your body is holding onto stress and toxins 🚀 Simple, time-friendly ways for busy mums to improve their lymphatic flow ❌ Why so many women feel stuck in burnout—and how to break the cycle! This is an eye-opening conversation that every mum needs to hear. Your body is constantly talking to you—it's time to start listening. ❤️ 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to support your body, feel more energized, and take control of your health. See more with Chelsey Jean below! https://youtu.be/d2EqCD66uug?si=711eh4GnBmboZ-zu

🔥 “Weight Loss & Mental Health: Breaking the Guilt Cycle and Prioritizing YOU” Episode Description: Mums, let’s talk about the emotional weight we carry—because it’s not just about numbers on a scale. Why do we feel guilty for prioritizing our health? Why do we put everyone else first, only to end up feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, self-doubt, and frustration? In this episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we’re diving deep into: 🧠 The connection between mental health & weight loss—why mindset matters more than any diet. 💬 How mum guilt stops us from prioritizing ourselves (and how to break free!). 🔄 The emotional spiral of neglecting self-care and how to shift from self-sabotage to self-compassion. 🚀 3 realistic, time-efficient strategies to improve your health—even when you're busy! If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a sustainable, empowering approach to weight loss and well-being, this episode is for you. Let’s break the guilt cycle and take back control! ✨ Tune in now for a science-backed, guilt-free guide to feeling strong, healthy & confident.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your children? As mums, we shape the next generation—not just through what we teach, but through what we live. Every word we say, every action we take, and every belief we carry influences our children’s values, ethics, and morals. In this episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we explore: 🌿 How to reflect on the values you want to pass down. 🧠 The psychology behind how children absorb beliefs from parents. ❌ Breaking unhealthy generational patterns. 💡 Practical ways to model and instill resilience, kindness, and integrity. Whether you’re carrying forward meaningful traditions or creating new ones, this episode will help you define the legacy you want to leave behind—one that shapes your child’s future in the best way possible. ✨ Tune in now for a deep dive into parenting with purpose and passing down values that matter.

This week on Mentally Strong Mums, I sit down with Joanne Fitzgerald from Joanne Fitzgerald Therapy to explore the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for youth, adolescents, and young adults. Joanne shares how DBT helps young people build emotional resilience, develop social skills, and manage overwhelming emotions—and why it’s just as important for the whole family to engage in the process. Discover why therapy can be a game-changer for teens and their families, and how programs like DBT provide tools for better communication, emotional regulation, and lifelong mental health. Tune in to learn why early intervention matters and how families can grow stronger together! ✨ Parenting teens can be HARD—but you don’t have to do it alone. This week on Mentally Strong Mums, I chat with Joanne Fitzgerald from Joanne Fitzgerald Therapy about how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is helping youth and their families thrive. 💞 🌟 We cover: 🧠 How DBT helps teens manage emotions and develop resilience 👪 Why involving the whole family leads to better outcomes 💬 The power of therapy in transforming family dynamics 💖 Whether you’re navigating challenges with your teen or looking for tools to strengthen your family’s connection, this episode is for you. Tune in now via the link in bio! 💬 Have you or someone you love tried DBT? Share your experience below 👇 🎧 #MentallyStrongMums #DBTForFamilies #ParentingTeens #YouthMentalHealth #SocialSkillsDevelopment #TherapyForTeens #ParentingSupport #FamilyTherapyTips #MentalHealthForFamilies #MumLifeBalance #EmotionalResilience #DBTPrograms #StrongerTogether #AdolescentWellness #YoungAdultTherapy #ParentingTeensWithDBT #MentalHealthSupport #YouthEmotionalHealth #PositiveParentingTips #FamilyGrowthMindset #MentalWellnessForParents