From Trauma to Triumph: Paige’s Journey of Healing and Advocacy

In this enlightening episode of "Shit That Goes On Our Heads," hosts G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Paige, a former psychiatric nurse turned clinical counselor. Paige shares her journey from psychiatric nursing to becoming a mental health advocate and counselor. This episode explores mental health, self-care, and the power of sharing personal stories to help others feel less alone.

**Find More Information About Paige Here:**
Website: http://www.theoptimisticspeaker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoptimisticspeaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anotherchapter/

**Connect with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles:**

**Discover, Engage & Enjoy:**
Official Website: Learn more at Goes On In Our Heads
Social Media: Stay updated and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram

**Participate & Support:**
Newsletter: Join us for exciting content, exclusive giveaways, and regular updates here
Merchandise: Support us and flaunt our unique merchandise from Customized Girl
Donate: If you love our content, consider supporting us here

**Engagement & Advertising Opportunities:**
Advertise: Reach our engaged community by promoting your products here

Acknowledgments: Audio editing by NJz Audio for top-notch sound quality.

**Key Themes:**
1. Mental Health Journey: Paige discusses her transition from a psychiatric nurse to a clinical counselor and her challenges in the healthcare system.
2. Self-Care and Compassion: Self-care and acknowledging humanness are cornerstones of mental well-being.
3. Therapy and Support Systems: The significance of finding the right therapist and the impact of different therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR and exposure therapy.
4. Workplace Mental Health: The need for better mental health support in high-stress professions and the role of companies in providing mental health resources.

**Memorable Quotes:**
- "If you don't know that you're allowed to feel better if you don't know that you're allowed to take care of yourself, there is a whole heck of a lot of shame and guilt that comes with taking care of yourself."
- "Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is give voice to your struggles. Sharing your story might be the key that unlocks someone's prison."
- "Learn about self-compassion. If we can't acknowledge our humanness and that we are human beings and are not going to be perfect, then we're never going to feel a sense of satisfaction."

**Actionable Takeaways:**
1. Explore Self-Compassion: Visit selfcompassion.org and learn about Dr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion to better understand and integrate it into your daily life.
2. Seek the Right Therapy: Don't be afraid to 'speed date' therapists to find the right fit for your needs and personality. The proper support can make a significant difference.
3. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Understand that feeling a wide range of emotions is okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Support Systems Matter: If you're in a high-stress profession, ensure you have a robust support system and are aware of the mental health resources available.

#MentalHealth #SelfCare #Therapy #ClinicalCounseling #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCompassion #HealthcareReform #PsychiatricNursing #MentalWellbeing #PodcastEpisode #MentalHealthPodcast #grex #dirtyskiittles #stgoioh

**Subscribe and Connect:**
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners. Follow us on social media for updates, and join the conversation with the hashtags above!