Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

Work through today’s strategies with a free, interactive too — Episode 230 exercise. Have you ever felt like life has hit you so hard that it knocked the wind out of you? Maybe you're in one of those moments right now, wondering how to even take the next step. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the seven strategies that helped me navigate the darkest days of my life. From losing my mom at 23, to becoming a widow at 26, I had to figure out how to rebuild my life while facing unimaginable grief. These aren’t textbook solutions. They are real, raw strategies that helped me move forward, one small step at a time. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to build resilience for the future, these strategies can help you find strength, hope, and a way forward. Some of the things I discuss today are: Why focusing on small steps forward can help you regain a sense of control. How rediscovering childhood comforts, like reading or gardening, can bring unexpected healing. The surprising power of stepping outside your comfort zone to try new things. Why patience and humor are essential tools for navigating grief and tough times. How faith can serve as an anchor during life’s most difficult storms. If you’re struggling right now, I hope this episode leaves you feeling less alone and gives you the tools to face whatever life is throwing your way. Mentally Strong App Get free mental strength coaching for this episode — Episode 230 Exercise Subscribe to the Mentally Strong App Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the stories you tell yourself holding you back? After all, there's always more than one way to tell the same story. You could be a victim of tragic circumstances or a hero who survived them. The way we interpret our past influences our identities, but it doesn’t have to define who we are forever. This week, I’m joined by Lauren Sisler, a sports journalist, broadcaster, and author of Shatterproof. Lauren shares her remarkable story of navigating unimaginable loss, overcoming shame, and redefining her narrative to build resilience and mental strength — not just for herself but to inspire and support others. Some of the things we discuss are: How the stories we believe about ourselves can shape our mental health, for better or worse. The challenges Lauren faced after unexpectedly losing both parents in one night. Why Lauren kept the truth about her parents’ deaths hidden for seven years and how she finally found the courage to share. How to rewrite your narrative in a way that fosters healing, growth, and self-compassion. The mental strength it takes to face shame and use your story to create meaningful connections. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources LaurenSisler.com Shatterproof Follow Lauren on Instagram — @LaurenSisler Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen now to the Life Kit podcast from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you thriving, or do you feel like you are barely surviving? If you feel stuck in survival mode, you are not alone. It is common, but you don't have to stay there. Survival mode is helpful in a crisis. But staying stuck there too long can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy life fully. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you escape survival mode so you can start to thrive. Some of the things I discuss today are: The five warning signs that you’re stuck in survival mode. The mistakes that keep you stuck in survival mode. Why survival mode feels so normal — and how to break the cycle. How small, intentional changes can help you shift gears and build emotional resilience. The role your environment plays in staying stuck. The surprising ways fun, creativity, and connection can help you thrive. Simple strategies to calm your nervous system and regain control. The most important thing you can do today to break free. Mentally Strong App Put this episode into action on the Mentally Strong app. Try this for free — ⁠Episode 228 exercise⁠. Subscribe to the ⁠Mentally Strong app ⁠to unlock all the features. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠cocoavia.com⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've likely heard about the importance of living abundantly and giving up a scarcity mindset, but how do you actually do that? Knowing how to let go of a scarcity mindset and doing it are two different things. Attachments can weigh us down, keeping us stuck in old thought patterns and limiting our potential for growth and happiness. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Bob Rosen, a psychologist, leadership expert, and author of Detach. With years of experience coaching CEOs and studying both Eastern and Western philosophies, Dr. Rosen shares how letting go of attachments and shifting to an abundance mindset can help you unlock freedom, joy, and purpose in your life. Some of the things we discuss are: Why attachments hold us back. The most common attachments, like control, perfection, and stability, and how to overcome them. Practical strategies to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Why focusing on the present moment enhances mental strength and well-being. How gratitude and authenticity play a pivotal role in creating a more joyful life. Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources BobRosen.com Detach Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠cocoavia.com⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much control do you have over your life? Do you think life happens to you? Or do you believe you have the power to shape it? On this episode of Mentally Stronger, we’re exploring the psychology of control, also known as "locus of control." Your belief about who or what is in control of your life has a huge impact on your mental strength. Understanding it can help you make better decisions, respond to challenges, and find more balance. Some of the things I share are: What locus of control is and how it develops. The difference between internal and external locus of control. Why having too much control can backfire and the downsides to not believing you have enough control. The surprising ways our beliefs about control influence our mental health and relationships. A quiz to help you find out where you fall on the control spectrum. 5 strategies that will you start taking control of what really matters while letting go of the rest Mentally Strong App Put this episode into action on the Mentally Strong app. Try this for free - episode 226 exercise. Subscribe to the Mentally Strong app to unlock all the features. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if improving your mental health and physical well-being could be as simple as understanding one nerve in your body? Research shows your vagus nerve plays a powerful role in your well-being. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Kevin Tracey, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and pioneering researcher, to explore the vagus nerve and how improving your vagal tone can improve your health. Some of the things we discuss are: What the vagus nerve is and why it’s crucial for your overall health. How vagus nerve stimulation is being used to treat conditions like depression and rheumatoid arthritis. Clear signs of vagus nerve dysfunction and how it connects to inflammation. Practical ways to improve your vagal tone, from exercise to breath work. Why heart rate variability might be a window into your health. The critical role the vagus nerve plays in building mental strength and resilience. Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources The Great Nerve Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you’ve been told about emotions is wrong? Emotional intelligence is important but there's a lot of misinformation about emotions that are holding people back. On this episode, I’m exposing eight common myths about emotions that keep us stuck and make it hard to grow mentally stronger. From the idea that venting your feelings helps you feel better to the notion that controlling your emotions makes you less authentic, I’m breaking down the science behind these myths and sharing actionable strategies to overcome them. Some of the things I talk about are: Why judging your feelings keeps you stuck and how to accept them instead. The truth about venting and why it might actually make things worse. How to regulate emotions without shutting them down. How to stop letting other people have power over your emotions. Steps to take uncomfortable emotions and turn them into a strength. When to feel your feelings and when to shift them. Strategies for reducing the intensity of uncomfortable feelings. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist and psychologist, emphasizes the crucial role of deep rest for mental clarity and resilience. She explores the distinction between true rest and mere zoning out, revealing the brain's need for genuine downtime. Listeners learn practical techniques for incorporating restorative breaks into busy days, including breathing exercises and the benefits of yoga nidra. Huston highlights how nature enhances mental strength and counters burnout, making a compelling case for prioritizing rest as essential for overall well-being.

What if decluttering your life could make room for more energy, joy, and freedom? Have you ever felt weighed down by the physical, emotional, or mental clutter in your life? This week, I’m breaking down five key areas where decluttering can make life simpler and more meaningful. From tidying up your spaces to reassessing relationships, we’re covering practical strategies to lighten your load and focus on what truly matters. Some of the things I talk about are: How physical clutter impacts your mental health and how to declutter effectively. Simple tips to organize your finances and reduce money stress. How to clear mental clutter for sharper focus and inner peace. Strategies to set boundaries and declutter toxic relationships. Ways to declutter your time and prioritize what’s truly essential. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our struggles often feel isolating. But talking about them, even when it's uncomfortable, can be the key to growth and healing. Today's guest, Carnie Wilson, co-founder of the world famous musical group Wilson Phillips, understands the importance of vulnerability. From navigating fame and a multigenerational legacy in music (including her legendary late father, Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys) to overcoming addiction, shame, and postpartum depression... Carnie’s willingness to share her struggles is a testament to the power of connection and self-compassion. We explore how opening up about challenges can build mental strength, the importance of community, and the small steps you can take to find healing. Some of the things we discuss are: How vulnerability can become a superpower for growth and healing What led to her becoming a mental health advocate The role of connection in staying resilient and fostering mental strength The challenges and triumphs of battling addiction and recovering from postpartum depression Why shame and stigma hold us back, and how sharing your story can set you free The importance of mental health advocacy and raising awareness for conditions like tardive dyskinesia (TD) Practical steps to move past perfectionism and focus on progress in your mental health Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources Connectingwithcarnie.com⁠ Follow Carnie on Instagram — @Carnie68 Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠ ⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices