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Hey hey, welcome to Episode 26! I know I kinda ghosted last week—life happened. So today I’m back to catch you up on everything: my health stuff, some deep thoughts on friendships, and yep… 20 years of marriage while juggling PTSD. Wild ride.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

- First off, those weird tingles I’ve been getting? Turns out it’s anxiety, not anything neurological. Saw the neurologist, got the all-clear.

- Still off antidepressants and doing okay—just staying super aware of how I’m feeling and watching for any red flags.

- Oh, and my bestie Taylor Swift got engaged!! I mean, not technically my bestie, but... Absolutely. Congrats, queen 💍✨

Also, I’ve been thinking about something she said—about treating your energy like a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it, and that’s okay.

- It’s so important to notice when we’re in one-sided relationships. Effort should go both ways, right?

- So I’m asking you to take a sec and think: who are you spending your luxury energy on? Do they really deserve it?

- Alicia Keys’ “Brand New Me” has been on repeat lately—such a vibe. Friendships evolve, and that’s part of growing. It's also this week's song of the week.

And yeah, 20 years of marriage. There were times it felt like we were just roommates but he’s my person. We’ve been through it all, and I still love him like crazy. He’s got my back, always.

So, be gentle with yourself this week. And remember: the people around you? They’re your planets. Orbit wisely 🌍💫

Song of the Week:

https://youtu.be/wOSv1TIa58M?si=ZL-K2MGOKmJVLQeX

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Back home after hospital, I'm navigating my emotional landscape while balancing adventures with the need for self-care. My journey includes attending a friend's funeral and weekend trips that have taught me about finding joy amid healing.

• Attended a beautiful beachside funeral for a hospital friend, complete with meaningful music (Broken Halos and Luke Combs)
• Still working through feelings of shame around crying despite knowing tears are healthy
• Weekend trip to Canberra featuring pickleball, electric scooter adventures, and a comedy show
• Discovered new purpose in developing "resilience speaking" presentations
• Finding balance between rest and experiences while recently off medication
• Upcoming neurologist appointment to discuss potential TMS treatment

Thanks for tuning in to Mad Mel's Mic. I'm Melissa Smith and I hope you've enjoyed listening. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

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Melissa sits down with her 15-year-old son to discuss how her PTSD diagnosis has impacted him over the past four years, revealing surprising insights about family resilience and emotional growth.

• Son shares his experience growing up with a mother diagnosed with PTSD when he was 11
• The practical impacts of PTSD on family life, including hospital stays and household management
• How Melissa's mental health journey has helped her son develop greater emotional intelligence
• Son's surprisingly matter-of-fact approach to explaining his mother's condition to friends
• The visible differences son notices in Melissa's wellbeing after hospital treatment
• Simple but profound advice for supporting family members with PTSD: "give them a hug, sit with them, tell them you love them"
• Thought of the week: "The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately determines our quality of life"

Find me on Facebook and Instagram and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

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Season 1, Episode 23

Trigger warning - discussion of suicide. Please seek help if you need assistance.

Returning home after eight weeks in hospital has been a whirlwind of emotions, especially while processing the loss of two friends from the hospital community and adjusting to life without antidepressants. Despite physical challenges like paresthesia and severe nausea, I'm finding purpose in new directions and learning to celebrate small daily victories.

• Released from hospital on August 4th after eight weeks away
• Processing grief after losing two friends from the hospital community
• Experiencing paresthesia (tingles) and severe nausea as side effects
• Finding joy in feeling emotions again after stopping antidepressants
• Starting a new venture in motivational speaking focused on everyday resilience
• Learning to celebrate small wins like making kids' lunches and daily self-care
• Finding new purpose beyond my former police identity
• Planning to attend a funeral on the South Coast to celebrate a friend's life

Find me on Facebook and Instagram, and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and remember to be kind to yourself.

Song of the Week:

Never Not Remember - Cooper Allan

https://youtu.be/s8LA6I4e7j0?si=9xCC8_0UodIsYNat

Thought of the Week:

"There are far far better things ahead than what we leave behind" - CS Lewis

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Season 1, Episode 22

I am super excited to be heading home after seven and a half weeks in hospital. I give a shout out to my sister who does the show notes (including this one). This week I also discuss how the week has been without anti depressants.

Song of the Week:

Alanis Morissette - You learn

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DGFW-WfuX2Dk&ved=2ahUKEwjb0PTCr_OOAxXimFYBHTBnGF8Q78AJegQIIBAB&usg=AOvVaw2hvfy260ZG4fhgE1DeifOG

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Season 1, Episode 21

Welcome to episode 21. This week I discuss ongoing meds changes and still currently an inpatient. Hoping to be home in a week or so but the past week has been a scary, sleepless rollercoaster ride with me starting new meds.

I shout out to the amazing nurses in hospital and one in particular who lent me "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. It is an excellent no nonsense, that gives practical tips. Some of these include:

• The 5 second rule (countdown)
• Thinking about my problems, won't solve them
• You must save yourself from yourself
• Protecting myself from the stress of other people
• Be kind to other people - take the time for other people and do this without expectations
• We are using our addiction to mask something
• The grass is greener where you water it
• Time doesn't heal all wounds, what you do with your time does. Make every minute count

Song of the Week:

Desperado - The Eagles

https://youtu.be/-q93wc3-deU?si=AyR6kp_7K7D1AVwY

Thought of the Week:

"Time doesn't heal all wounds, what you do with your time does" - Mel Robbins

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Season 1, Episode 20

This episode I discuss the side effects I have experienced while weaning off my anti depressants.

Song of the week:

Im so proud of you - Julie Anne Vargas

https://youtu.be/hmalRaJ26E8?si=qRPuvgwm2lonMpPQ

Thought of the week:

" "What's the bravest thing you've said?" asked the boy. "Help" said the horse "

Tactical Yoga Australia - by Rosie

https://tacticalyogaaustralia.com/

Triumph Beyond Tramua - by Rosie

https://tacticalyogaaustralia.com/podcast

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Season 1, Episode 20

Welcome to episode 20 after a six week break from recording. I am still in hospital and I am podcasting from here. Join me while I discuss my current TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment and under go a med change. I share an amazing poem from an equally amazing human.

This episode also has our song of the week and finishes with a thought of the week. Lastly, I share the good news that I am now available on other podcast platforms so please spread the word and tell everyone!!

Song of the week:

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

https://youtu.be/NG2zyeVRcbs?si=7s7I7LqAF-u3FTWJ

Thought of the week:

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable but they're never a weakness"

Services:

St Marys Vietnam Vetrans

Yarramundi Vetrans and Emergency Services Shed (Can be found on Facebook)

Singal 2: Alice Shore; www.singal2.org.au