This too

Timothy Sylvester
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated weekly

A personal account and journey through my battle with my own mental health and a platform for creating awareness and understanding for those facing their own challenges. This platform is here to shed light and hopefully tackle difficult subjects with compassion and give hope to anyone going through their own struggles

  1. 24 Aug

    So...Abandonment

    In today's episode : What happens when the fear of abandonment isn’t just a symptom, but a lifetime of lived experience? In this deeply raw and honest episode, we explore the heavy intersection of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), childhood emotional neglect, traumatic loss, and surviving an abusive marriage. From sitting alone in a car on Christmas Day as a child to carrying the weight of early tragic grief, we unpack how early wounds shape the way we navigate adulthood—and how narcissistic dynamics exploit those exact vulnerabilities. Finally, we discuss the immense courage it takes to break the cycle, step out of toxic patterns, and choose self-preservation by filing for divorce. This is a story about surviving the storm, facing severe anxiety and depression, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. SHOW NOTES: In This Episode, We Cover: The Roots of Abandonment: How early childhood neglect and conditional affection from a primary caregiver build the core beliefs that fuel BPD and hyper-vigilance later in life. Grief, Trauma, and False Guilt: The emotional impact of losing a first love to sudden tragedy, and how unearned self-blame complicates future relationships. Recognizing Unhealthy Patterns: Why childhood neglect and fear of rejection make us hyper-vulnerable to controlling and abusive marital dynamics. The Decision to Walk Away: Re-framing divorce not as a failure or abandonment, but as a vital act of self-preservation and boundary-setting. Navigating the Darkness: Honest talk on managing severe anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidal ideation while rebuilding a life on your own terms. Resources & Support: South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567 | Text 31393 (24/7 Helpline) Suicide & Crisis Helpline: Reach out to your local emergency services or national crisis line immediately if you are experiencing severe distress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Learn more about evidence-based skills for distress tolerance and emotional regulation. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of relational trauma, emotional abuse, and mental health struggles. It is intended for educational and personal reflection purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health or legal advice.

  2. 28 Jul

    So… I have BPD

    Episode Blurb: Understanding BPD In this episode we talk openly about Borderline Personality Disorder — what it is, what it isn’t, and how it shows up in relationships, emotions, and daily life. We break down the stigma, share real experiences, and discuss tools for support, healing, and setting boundaries. If you or someone you love is struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. South African Support Lines: SADAG Mental Health Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 Lifeline SA Crisis Line: 0861 322 322 or SMS 31393 Note: This conversation is for education and awareness. It’s not a diagnosis or therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or go to your nearest hospital.

  3. 5 Jun

    So…. This is something to discuss

    I look at the stats of the men’s mental health crisis focusing on the age groups most at risk Like share subscribe Leave a comment

  4. 29 May

    So….. This helps me

    ## Episode Notes: The Body’s Blueprint: Moving Through Trauma ### Episode Summary In this episode of *This Too*, we dive into the profound connection between physical health and psychological survival. Moving past the misconception that trauma and emotional distress live strictly in our heads, we explore how physical activity serves as a powerful, evidence-based biological intervention. From the "fear extinction" engines of running to the empowerment of strength training, we break down how specific exercises physically rewire the nervous system and build lasting neural resilience. ### Key Takeaways * **Trauma is Physical:** Emotional pain, grief, and PTSD are stored within the nervous system, altering how the brain regulates stress and threat expectancy. * **Aerobic Exercise (Running/Skipping):** Functions as a "fear extinction" engine. Pushing your heart rate triggers a surge in **BDNF** (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) to repair neural stress damage and releases **Anandamide** (an endocannabinoid) to signal safety to an overactive amygdala. * **Resistance Training (Kettlebells/Boxing):** Serves as the antidote to helplessness and depression. Overcoming physical resistance fosters self-efficacy and increases **GABA**, a neurotransmitter that actively calms the central nervous system. * **The Sweet Spot:** State-of-the-art research reveals that the neural configurations supporting stress adaptation and trauma recovery optimally emerge between **150 and 390 minutes of physical activity per week** (roughly 30 to 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week). ### Key Quotes > *"Trauma isn’t just a memory; it’s a physical state. It gets trapped in our nervous system."* > > *"Aerobic work helps with panic, but resistance training is the antidote to helplessness... You are proving to your brain, rep by rep, that you are strong enough to handle resistance."* > ### References & Further Reading * **On Aerobic Exercise & PTSD:** Blair, J. M., et al. (2025). *The therapeutic potential of exercise in post-traumatic stress disorder and its underlying mechanisms.* Wellcome Open Research. * **On Brain Resilience & The 150–390 Minute Sweet Spot:** Ende, G., et al. (2026). *Exercise boosts brain resilience post-childhood trauma: Analysis of ACC-amygdala connectivity.* Biological Psychiatry. * **On Resistance Training & Depression:** Härter, M., et al. (2025). *Resistance training for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.* Frontiers in Psychology. ### Connect With Us * **Subscribe & Review:** If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * **Keep Moving:** Remember, when the mind feels too chaotic for words, anchor yourself to the body. *This too shall pass.*

  5. 18 May

    So… it’s been a year

    Marking the anniversary of a suicide attempt isn't about celebrating a sudden, magical recovery; it’s about acknowledging the complex, messy reality of still being here. In this deeply personal episode, I wade through the emotional landscape of the past 365 days. Let’s be honest: things are far from plain sailing. Healing isn't a linear, upward trajectory. Instead, psychological research shows us that recovery from a severe mental health crisis is an ongoing, cyclical process of adaptation. It’s a daily practice of distress tolerance and radical acceptance—choosing to exist in the discomfort of the present moment, even when the water gets deep. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on: • The Anatomy of a Milestone: What it actually feels like to hit the one-year mark (the grief, the relief, and the strange spaces in between). • The Myth of "Plain Sailing": Validating the reality that wanting to live and struggling to cope can exist at the exact same time. • The Power of Showing Up: How the simple, radical act of cumulative daily micro-choices builds resilience over time, backed by evidence on behavioral activation. This isn’t a neat story with a perfect bow. It’s a raw, honest conversation about what it looks like to choose to stay, day after day, even when the healing hurts. Thank you for being here with me. Let's talk about it.

  6. 14 Apr

    So….taking small steps

    Most of us underestimate the power of tiny, consistent steps—especially when facing mental and emotional struggles. In this heartfelt solo episode, Timothy bravely shares his personal journey of overcoming trauma, self-doubt, and depression through small, disciplined actions. Discover how simple daily routines like running, reflection, and affirmations can transform your mindset and resilience, even in the darkest moments. We'll delve into practical strategies to reframe your story, make peace with past pain, and build a future rooted in self-compassion and grit. Timothy explores how accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on the present empowers you to rise above adversity. This episode is a reminder that survival is an act of daily rebellion—and that you, too, can turn pain into purpose. You’ll learn: why celebrating small wins matters, how to cultivate a positive inner voice, and the importance of showing up for yourself every day. Whether you're battling internal battles or seeking motivation to keep going, this episode offers hope and actionable insights to help you reclaim your strength. If you’re ready to move beyond despair and start your journey of resilience, this episode is your wake-up call. Perfect for anyone facing their own struggles, or those seeking inspiration to keep going when times get tough—because sometimes, the tiniest steps lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Timothy is a mental health advocate, father, and survivor who openly discusses his path toward healing, aiming to inspire others to do the same. Listen now and learn how taking small steps can change everything—one day at a time.🙏🏽

  7. 11 Apr ·  Bonus

    So…..This is how I am trying to turn the corner

    I’ve been really down and struggling with really dark thoughts and depression but I have tried to change my mindset and do things that get me into a different space and mindset. Changing how you think about yourself is really all that you can control and has a huge impact on your overall well-being Pls Check out Rabbit Run Cult https://www.instagram.com/rabbit.runcult?igsh=ZHVza3EzeXM4bzU3

  8. 6 Apr

    So…I relapsed hard

    Today I talk about the major depressive state that overcame me and what I am trying to do to walk my way back into the light and the challenges I face

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A personal account and journey through my battle with my own mental health and a platform for creating awareness and understanding for those facing their own challenges. This platform is here to shed light and hopefully tackle difficult subjects with compassion and give hope to anyone going through their own struggles

Information

  • Creator
    Timothy Sylvester
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Timothy Sylvester
  • Show Website
    This too