The conversation highlights their journey to seek a diagnosis and accept Traci’s mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with mental illness. Lana discusses her role in supporting Traci and emphasizes the significance of empathy and support in helping those with mental illness.

The dialogue also addresses the impact of mental illness on relationships, with Traci often hiding her struggles from loved ones. However, they emphasize the power of acceptance and understanding, hoping to inspire greater empathy and support for those facing similar challenges. Overall, the conversation advocates for open discussions and unconditional support to create a more inclusive and compassionate society for individuals living with mental illness.

Traci shares her experience with clinical depression, highlighting the importance of support. She discusses reaching out to a friend for help, receiving a diagnosis, starting medication, and the role of support and understanding in her recovery. Understanding and empathizing with those with depression is crucial. Traci reflects on her journey of overcoming depression, emphasizing support and seeking professional help. She discusses the challenges, finding strength, personal growth, and the positive impact of seeking help. Clinical depression requires understanding and support, and seeking help is essential for management and recovery.

In this episode, Traci and Eric discuss the importance of finding the right therapist, drawing from Traci’s recent experience in finding a new psychiatrist. Traci emphasizes the significance of being open to trying different therapists until you find the right fit. She provides tips for finding the right therapist, such as consulting provider directories, asking for recommendations, using online databases, and exploring local resources. Traci also highlights the benefits of online therapy and stresses the importance of open communication with your therapist. The post concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of finding a therapist who understands and supports your needs in managing mental health and well-being.

Traci and Eric discuss the challenges of traveling with bipolar disorder in this episode of Stigmas and Open Wounds. Traci provides practical tips for enhancing travel experiences, including staying grounded, embracing relaxation, prioritizing self-care, trusting instincts, and cultivating gratitude. They emphasize the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in elevating travel experiences. Additionally, they recommend the show “As We See It” for its portrayal of individuals on the autism spectrum. Despite the challenges, with the right approach, individuals can optimize their travel experiences and cultivate well-being.

Traci discusses her journey of coping with anxiety in this blog post on Stigmas and Open Wounds. She emphasizes the importance of natural coping mechanisms, sharing strategies that have helped her manage anxiety. Traci highlights the need to personalize coping methods, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another. She suggests exploring various coping strategies, such as mindless activities, meditation, massage therapy, and worry journaling, to find what works best. Traci also notes that these techniques can be beneficial for managing everyday stress and worries, not just anxiety. She concludes by encouraging readers to prioritize their mental well-being and seek professional help if needed.

Traci and Eric welcome guest Gavin Schmitt to discuss his experience with anxiety and coping mechanisms on Stigmas and Open Wounds. Gavin shares his struggles with anxiety, including his first panic attack at 21 and the impact on his daily life. He explains how he identified triggers and developed coping mechanisms, such as creating a sense of comfort in triggering situations. Gavin also discusses how his experience has increased his compassion and awareness of mental health issues in others. He reflects on making adjustments and maintaining a positive mindset to prevent anxiety attacks. Gavin’s story highlights the importance of developing coping mechanisms, showing empathy towards others, and seeking support for mental health issues.

In this episode of Stigmas and Open Wounds, Traci interviews Eric about his experience supporting a partner with depression. Eric recalls his initial lack of understanding about depression but acknowledges that over the years, it has become easier to support Traci. Being with Traci has taught Eric patience, understanding, and empathy, and has made him more aware of the prevalence and complexity of mental illness. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and open environment for discussing mental health and destigmatizing the conversation around it.