Seven years of Raising Serotonin.

Seven years of honest conversations, growing together, and reminding each other that we’re never alone.

For this anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on what’s changed since I started this podcast in 2019, my priorities, my definition of success, and what it means to build a life that actually feels fulfilling.

You’re checking the boxes, keeping up with your routines, and working toward your goals. But when you take a step back… does the life you’re building actually feel good to live?

Between grad school, my counseling internship, full-time work, and life outside of those responsibilities, I’m learning that thriving looks different in every season. Doing everything on your checklist doesn’t always mean you’re giving yourself what you need.

Today, we’re talking about the difference between being productive and feeling fulfilled, the pressure to do everything perfectly, and how to build a life that reflects what matters to YOU.

In this episode, I share four tangible activities to help you reconnect with yourself:

• Do a life audit: Identify what you want more of and less of—and whether your everyday choices reflect that.
• Create an “I feel alive” list: Notice the moments that help you feel connected, curious, peaceful, or more like yourself.
• Build routines that leave room for real life: Explore how your habits can support you when your energy, schedule, and responsibilities change.
• Let your values guide one decision: Choose three values, then take one small action this week that reflects one of them.

You don’t have to tackle all four at once. Start with the one that speaks to you. Your worth isn’t attached to your productivity, and you’re allowed to change how you care for yourself as your life evolves.

A question to take with you: If nobody else could see your accomplishments, routines, body, or career, would you still be happy with the life you’re creating?

Let’s keep the conversation going on Instagram @raisingserotonin. Tell me which activity you’re trying or what you’re realizing you want more of in your life.

Whether you’ve been here since 2019 or you’re listening for the first time, thank you for being part of Raising Serotonin. This community started with the hope of helping people feel less alone, and seven years later, that purpose remains.

We’re just getting warmed up.

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Medication has been part of my mental health journey for the last 10 years, and today I'm sharing that story with you.

In this episode, we're having an honest, judgment-free conversation about SSRIs and SNRIs, what they are, how they work, and why I believe it's time to normalize talking about mental health medication. After asking my Instagram community whether they were currently taking an SSRI or SNRI, I was surprised to see just how many people quietly said yes. It reminded me that so many of us are carrying anxiety or depression behind closed doors while believing we're alone.

I'll walk you through my own experience of starting medication at 16 years old, spending years on the highest dosage, and now slowly tapering with the guidance of my healthcare provider after building healthy coping skills, going to therapy, prioritizing movement, nutrition, sleep, and other holistic practices.

We'll also break down the basics of SSRIs and SNRIs in simple language, talk about why these medications take time to work, why tapering matters, and why medication should never be viewed as a sign of weakness or failure.

*****REMINDER THAT THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY. I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL DOCTOR.

Most importantly, I want to share why I believe healing isn't about finding one "fix." Whether you're taking medication, considering it, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn more, this episode is a reminder that mental health care is never one-size-fits-all. True healing often comes from looking at the whole person, mind, body, relationships, purpose, and daily habits—and giving ourselves permission to seek support without shame.

If this episode resonates with you, I'd love for you to share it with someone who may need to hear this message. As always, thank you for spending part of your week with me.

You are so loved here.

*****REMINDER THAT THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY. I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL DOCTOR.

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What does it really mean to be rich?

In a world that constantly tells us to chase more money, bigger milestones, and the next level of success, it's easy to believe that our happiness is waiting on the other side of our next paycheck. But what if we've been measuring wealth all wrong?

In this episode of Raising Serotonin, I'm challenging the idea that money is the ultimate definition of success. While financial freedom is important, I believe the richest parts of our lives are often the ones that can't be bought, our relationships, health, purpose, memories, community, and the simple moments that make life meaningful.

We'll talk about why comparison steals our joy, how social media shapes our perception of success, and why investing in your "other accounts" can create a life that feels full long before your bank account reaches a certain number.

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I'll be happy when...", this episode is your reminder to pause, take inventory of everything you already have, and recognize just how rich your life truly is.

Get your Raising Serotonin Merch here!

FOLLOW RAISING SEROTONIN ON INSTAGRAM HERE

Support the show