Coping Chaos

KJ Cervi

Coping Chaos, a podcast about coping with the chaos of daily life while also navigating the uncertainties of mental illness. We are not experts, but experts in our own mental health, and want to have a conversation with anyone who has been affected by mental illness in any way. We would love to hear from you, from your chaotic moment of the week to topic suggestions or even questions. Email us at CopingChaosPodcast@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Coping Chaos Podcast.

  1. Oct 25

    Traumatic Triage

    In this episode, we’re opening up an honest conversation about trauma and how it shapes the way we respond to the world around us. As two people navigating daily life with severe mental illnesses, we share our personal experiences with both past and present trauma, exploring how our minds and bodies react when we feel threatened, overwhelmed, or unsafe. We dive into the four common trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—what they can look like in everyday situations, how they show up in our lives, and how our reactions can change over time. We also reflect on the differences between how we responded to trauma when we were younger and how we respond now, recognizing that every traumatic experience is unique, and so is each person’s response. Through honest stories, shared experiences, and reflection, we explore the ways trauma continues to affect us, how our responses can evolve, and what it means to better understand ourselves with compassion rather than judgment. Because sometimes, the reactions we struggle to understand today are the survival skills we learned yesterday. A reminder: Every trauma is different, every response is valid, and healing looks different for everyone. Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi. You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast. We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content. Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

    Traumatic Triage
  2. Oct 11

    Thoughtful Therapies Part 1

    Therapy can look different for everyone, and our thoughts and experiences with it can change over time. In Part 1 of our therapy series, we’re reflecting on the different types of therapy we’ve experienced, what we’ve learned along the way, and how those experiences have shaped our perspectives on mental health and healing. We’re chatting about our personal stories, how our views on therapy have evolved, what influences our decisions to try or pass on certain approaches, and the expectations we had compared to the reality. We’ll also share our thoughts on what therapy might look like for us in the future! Whether you’re currently in therapy, curious about trying something new, or simply interested in hearing different perspectives, we hope this conversation encourages you to think about what support, growth, and healing can look like for you. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful conversation about our experiences with therapy, and stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue exploring the journey! Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi. You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast. We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content. Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

    Thoughtful Therapies Part 1
  3. Oct 4

    Social Side-eye

    Social media can be a great way to connect, laugh, reminisce, and even brighten a difficult day—but it can also have a very real impact on our mental health. In this episode, we talk about our personal experiences with social media and how it can affect our moods, thoughts, habits, and overall well-being. We talk about the positive side of social media, including staying connected with family and friends, finding content that lifts our mood, and stumbling across nostalgic photos and memories that bring us joy. But we also dive into the darker side—doom scrolling, comparing our lives to the carefully curated lives we see online, and getting pulled back into negative memories or emotions from the past. We also talk about the addictive qualities of social media, from chasing likes and those quick dopamine hits from videos and notifications to losing track of time and having our sleep disrupted. Is social media helping us cope—or sometimes adding to the chaos? Join us as we look at the good, the bad, and the complicated relationship we have with our screens. Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi. You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast. We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content. Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

    Social Side-eye
  4. May 31

    Feral Freakout

    In today’s episode, we’re talking about emotional dysregulation — what it is, how it shows up in our lives, and the reality of experiencing what we personally call “meltdowns” while living with mental illness. We open up about our own experiences, from misunderstandings and mistakes to disagreements and overwhelming moments that can quickly spiral emotionally. We also talk about the important difference between a meltdown and a tantrum — meltdowns are not goal-oriented or manipulative, but intense emotional and nervous system responses. Together, we discuss: • What dysregulation and meltdowns look like for each of us • Common triggers and situations that can lead to emotional overload • Physical warning signs, racing thoughts, and emotional buildup • The coping tools and strategies we use to manage difficult moments This episode is honest and meant to help others feel less alone while creating more understanding around mental health and emotional regulation. Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi. You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast. We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content. Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

    Feral Freakout

About

Coping Chaos, a podcast about coping with the chaos of daily life while also navigating the uncertainties of mental illness. We are not experts, but experts in our own mental health, and want to have a conversation with anyone who has been affected by mental illness in any way. We would love to hear from you, from your chaotic moment of the week to topic suggestions or even questions. Email us at CopingChaosPodcast@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Coping Chaos Podcast.