In this enlightening episode of "Shit That Goes On Our Heads," hosts G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Paige, a former psychiatric nurse turned clinical counselor. Paige shares her journey from psychiatric nursing to becoming a mental health advocate and counselor. This episode explores mental health, self-care, and the power of sharing personal stories to help others feel less alone.

**Find More Information About Paige Here:**
Website: http://www.theoptimisticspeaker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoptimisticspeaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anotherchapter/

**Connect with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles:**

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Acknowledgments: Audio editing by NJz Audio for top-notch sound quality.

**Key Themes:**
1. Mental Health Journey: Paige discusses her transition from a psychiatric nurse to a clinical counselor and her challenges in the healthcare system.
2. Self-Care and Compassion: Self-care and acknowledging humanness are cornerstones of mental well-being.
3. Therapy and Support Systems: The significance of finding the right therapist and the impact of different therapeutic approaches, such as EMDR and exposure therapy.
4. Workplace Mental Health: The need for better mental health support in high-stress professions and the role of companies in providing mental health resources.

**Memorable Quotes:**
- "If you don't know that you're allowed to feel better if you don't know that you're allowed to take care of yourself, there is a whole heck of a lot of shame and guilt that comes with taking care of yourself."
- "Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is give voice to your struggles. Sharing your story might be the key that unlocks someone's prison."
- "Learn about self-compassion. If we can't acknowledge our humanness and that we are human beings and are not going to be perfect, then we're never going to feel a sense of satisfaction."

**Actionable Takeaways:**
1. Explore Self-Compassion: Visit selfcompassion.org and learn about Dr. Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion to better understand and integrate it into your daily life.
2. Seek the Right Therapy: Don't be afraid to 'speed date' therapists to find the right fit for your needs and personality. The proper support can make a significant difference.
3. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Understand that feeling a wide range of emotions is okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. Support Systems Matter: If you're in a high-stress profession, ensure you have a robust support system and are aware of the mental health resources available.

#MentalHealth #SelfCare #Therapy #ClinicalCounseling #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCompassion #HealthcareReform #PsychiatricNursing #MentalWellbeing #PodcastEpisode #MentalHealthPodcast #grex #dirtyskiittles #stgoioh

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🌟 Help California Wildfire Victims 🌟

The devastating California wildfires have left countless families in need. If you’re looking for ways to make a difference, we’ve compiled some resources below. Whether you can give money and supplies or share this information, every action counts.

If You Know of a Resource That Is Not Listed

• LA Fires Community Resource Hub: Find or share additional resources to help those impacted.
  https://lafires.iolovesyou.com/

Ways to Buy a Community Meal

• LA Community Meals: Purchase a meal to support individuals and families affected by the fires.
  https://linktr.ee/lacommunitymeals?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f1830e33-1f9c-4b25-987a-2658788d1936

Monetary Donations

• Los Angeles Fire Department: https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812
• Wildfire Recovery Fund: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
• Displaced Latino Families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1km3lEvdVY70P3875guzujp5xtoIFMr6jVZVxfpN3MeA/htmlview?usp=gmail
• Displaced Black Families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview?usp=gmail
• Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/?srsltid=AfmBOopnrth00baUEdhjyo1dSmxJUqBmxFemg-gTaCTUdmcKxG7d-VCH

Supplies Donations

• Teenage Girls’ Products:
  Small Green Door Studio, 3530 E 15th St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
• Skincare/Hygiene Products:
  Giving Generously, 914 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90402
• Clothes/Hygiene Products:
  GirlTalk Inc., 1119 Standard St, El Segundo, CA 90245

Verified GoFundMe Campaigns

Explore the full list of verified wildfire relief campaigns here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10gvOxituYvxxknoY9IQa-YEqfK8WvCjcLBcg4hsmME4/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Your support, big or small, can help relieve those in need. Thank you for making a difference! 💛

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

• United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

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Audio Editing by NJz Audio