FMHC's Helga Byrne joins Dr. Aimie Apigian on her Podcast, The Biology of Trauma, on episode 118 to discuss how practitioners can navigate their own chronic illness and healing journey. Helga shares her personal experience and insight.

Are you trying to work caring for others while navigating your own chronic health symptoms? In this episode, we’ll take a look at one woman's decade-long battle with a chronic illness and the actions she took to build and maintain her practice. 

Helga Byrne, worked years in corporate, but wanted a more meaningful life. Becoming a licensed therapist, she spent years struggling with a chronic health issue without having an answer. Eventually, it was discovered it was chronic Lyme disease, but that didn’t bring an overnight solution. 

Physical activity isn't just beneficial for physical health—it profoundly influences mental wellness. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, enhancing mood and cognitive functioning.

Workplace burnout, characterized by chronic emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced personal achievement, has become a common challenge in many professions. Recognizing its symptoms and taking proactive recovery steps are crucial to maintaining overall mental and physical health.

In today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, anxiety has become increasingly prevalent. The constant pressure to perform, endless notifications, demanding work expectations, and social comparisons online often lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Understanding how anxiety manifests and learning effective techniques to manage it are crucial steps toward improving your mental health and overall quality of life.

Childhood experiences profoundly shape psychological and emotional health. Traumatic events during childhood—such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence—can alter brain development, leaving lasting psychological impacts into adulthood. Understanding this connection is crucial for recognizing and addressing unresolved trauma.

In today’s digital age, information is more accessible than ever before. While staying informed is important, how we consume news—especially in the context of political turmoil—can profoundly affect our mental health. The phenomenon of doomscrolling, or compulsively consuming negative news, has become increasingly common, particularly in times of political unrest. The constant exposure to distressing headlines, divisive debates, and global crises can contribute to anxiety, stress, and feelings of hopelessness. This blog explores how doomscrolling impacts mental health, why political news can be particularly addictive, and how to break the cycle for better well-being.

Jungian theory is a school of psychology based on the ideas of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Jungian theory is a complex and multifaceted system of thought, but it is also one of the most influential and enduring schools of psychology.

In today's hyper-connected world, it can be difficult to imagine life without technology. But for many people, constant exposure to screens can have a negative impact on their mental health. That's why taking a break from technology can be a valuable way to improve your well-being.

In a world often defined by control and the relentless pursuit of influencing outcomes, Mel Robbins offers a refreshing perspective: "Let them." This simple phrase, a cornerstone of her recent work, encapsulates a powerful philosophy of releasing control, accepting others as they are, and ultimately finding greater peace and freedom.

Robbins' "Let them" theory isn't about apathy or indifference. It's about recognizing the limits of our influence and choosing to focus on what we can control: ourselves. It's an acknowledgment that everyone is on their own journey, making their own choices, and experiencing their own consequences.

Exploitation can take many forms, from financial manipulation to emotional abuse, and it can occur in personal relationships, workplaces, or even in societal structures. Regardless of the context, being exploited can leave individuals feeling powerless, violated, and unsure of how to regain control over their lives. Therapy can offer invaluable tools and strategies to address the emotional and psychological aftermath of exploitation, helping individuals rebuild their sense of self-worth, set boundaries, and regain control. Understanding how to deal with exploitation from a therapeutic perspective can empower individuals to heal and protect themselves from future harm.