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Ever wondered what it's really like to stand by someone battling PTSD? This raw, laughter-filled conversation between best friends Melissa and Mel pulls back the curtain on one of the most meaningful relationships in mental health recovery.

From their first meeting at a running group to an adventurous three-day hike where they "could have died" (Melissa's words!), their friendship story takes an unexpected turn when PTSD enters the picture. With remarkable candor, Mel shares what it was like watching her vibrant, outgoing friend struggle before her first hospitalization, and the fear and uncertainty that surrounded that critical turning point.

The most powerful revelation? How PTSD actually deepened their connection rather than destroying it. "I think that your PTSD has made us get there a lot quicker," Mel reflects on their unusually honest friendship. Through impromptu daffodil photoshoots, poker tournaments, and countless small adventures, they've discovered the art of finding joy even on the darkest days.

For anyone supporting a loved one with mental health challenges, Mel offers this golden insight: "Lead with love, not fear." She explains how the tendency to walk on eggshells actually creates more problems than it solves, and how honest communication transformed their relationship. Meanwhile, Melissa shares how vulnerability—initially terrifying—became the unexpected gift that enriched all her relationships.

Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional reassurance. As Mel beautifully puts it: "Friendship turns moments into memories" and "Good friends are sunshine between storms."

Listen now and discover how two friends learned to laugh together even when life wasn't funny, and how the right kind of support can make all the difference in healing.

Song of the week:

https://youtu.be/nMN4JZ8crVY?si=HdOU8vq9VOMgBXG_

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Welcome to Episode 27! Just recapping on last week's episode and wanted to let ya all know that I was not providing commentey about any relationship that I'm in (they are all amazing) when taking about using our precious time carefully. Just wanted to clear that up!! I love you all xox

The song of the week is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Although this is a love song, it reminds me that even mental health journeys have chapters and that those chapters don't need to define us permanently. Thinking about life's seasonality reminds me about life's changing seasons and can help us navigate difficult periods and times with hope and perspective.

Currently, the season that I'm in is a medication-free season after many years of being medicated. However, I fully aware that i may need another hospital stay at some point again and that i might not always be medication-free.

I've also started playing pickleball, and I've also been given the all-clear to play basketball. I'm so pumped to play.

I also talk about the Aussie Greys Assistance Dogs program, which repurpose racing greyhounds as PTSD support animals. So good!

The thought of the week is "By facing our challenges and overcoming them, we grow stronger, wiser and more compassionate"

Find me on Facebook and Instagram, and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

Song Of the Week:

Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

https://youtu.be/WM7-PYtXtJM?si=t4UG40UnqNABTg-X

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Hey hey, welcome to Episode 26! I know I kinda ghosted last week—life happened. So today I’m back to catch you up on everything: my health stuff, some deep thoughts on friendships, and yep… 20 years of marriage while juggling PTSD. Wild ride.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

- First off, those weird tingles I’ve been getting? Turns out it’s anxiety, not anything neurological. Saw the neurologist, got the all-clear.

- Still off antidepressants and doing okay—just staying super aware of how I’m feeling and watching for any red flags.

- Oh, and my bestie Taylor Swift got engaged!! I mean, not technically my bestie, but... Absolutely. Congrats, queen 💍✨

Also, I’ve been thinking about something she said—about treating your energy like a luxury item. Not everyone can afford it, and that’s okay.

- It’s so important to notice when we’re in one-sided relationships. Effort should go both ways, right?

- So I’m asking you to take a sec and think: who are you spending your luxury energy on? Do they really deserve it?

- Alicia Keys’ “Brand New Me” has been on repeat lately—such a vibe. Friendships evolve, and that’s part of growing. It's also this week's song of the week.

And yeah, 20 years of marriage. There were times it felt like we were just roommates but he’s my person. We’ve been through it all, and I still love him like crazy. He’s got my back, always.

So, be gentle with yourself this week. And remember: the people around you? They’re your planets. Orbit wisely 🌍💫

Song of the Week:

https://youtu.be/wOSv1TIa58M?si=ZL-K2MGOKmJVLQeX

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Back home after hospital, I'm navigating my emotional landscape while balancing adventures with the need for self-care. My journey includes attending a friend's funeral and weekend trips that have taught me about finding joy amid healing.

• Attended a beautiful beachside funeral for a hospital friend, complete with meaningful music (Broken Halos and Luke Combs)
• Still working through feelings of shame around crying despite knowing tears are healthy
• Weekend trip to Canberra featuring pickleball, electric scooter adventures, and a comedy show
• Discovered new purpose in developing "resilience speaking" presentations
• Finding balance between rest and experiences while recently off medication
• Upcoming neurologist appointment to discuss potential TMS treatment

Thanks for tuning in to Mad Mel's Mic. I'm Melissa Smith and I hope you've enjoyed listening. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

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Melissa sits down with her 15-year-old son to discuss how her PTSD diagnosis has impacted him over the past four years, revealing surprising insights about family resilience and emotional growth.

• Son shares his experience growing up with a mother diagnosed with PTSD when he was 11
• The practical impacts of PTSD on family life, including hospital stays and household management
• How Melissa's mental health journey has helped her son develop greater emotional intelligence
• Son's surprisingly matter-of-fact approach to explaining his mother's condition to friends
• The visible differences son notices in Melissa's wellbeing after hospital treatment
• Simple but profound advice for supporting family members with PTSD: "give them a hug, sit with them, tell them you love them"
• Thought of the week: "The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately determines our quality of life"

Find me on Facebook and Instagram and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and don't forget to be kind to yourself.

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Season 1, Episode 23

Trigger warning - discussion of suicide. Please seek help if you need assistance.

Returning home after eight weeks in hospital has been a whirlwind of emotions, especially while processing the loss of two friends from the hospital community and adjusting to life without antidepressants. Despite physical challenges like paresthesia and severe nausea, I'm finding purpose in new directions and learning to celebrate small daily victories.

• Released from hospital on August 4th after eight weeks away
• Processing grief after losing two friends from the hospital community
• Experiencing paresthesia (tingles) and severe nausea as side effects
• Finding joy in feeling emotions again after stopping antidepressants
• Starting a new venture in motivational speaking focused on everyday resilience
• Learning to celebrate small wins like making kids' lunches and daily self-care
• Finding new purpose beyond my former police identity
• Planning to attend a funeral on the South Coast to celebrate a friend's life

Find me on Facebook and Instagram, and don't forget to like and follow. Have a great week and remember to be kind to yourself.

Song of the Week:

Never Not Remember - Cooper Allan

https://youtu.be/s8LA6I4e7j0?si=9xCC8_0UodIsYNat

Thought of the Week:

"There are far far better things ahead than what we leave behind" - CS Lewis

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Season 1, Episode 22

I am super excited to be heading home after seven and a half weeks in hospital. I give a shout out to my sister who does the show notes (including this one). This week I also discuss how the week has been without anti depressants.

Song of the Week:

Alanis Morissette - You learn

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DGFW-WfuX2Dk&ved=2ahUKEwjb0PTCr_OOAxXimFYBHTBnGF8Q78AJegQIIBAB&usg=AOvVaw2hvfy260ZG4fhgE1DeifOG

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Season 1, Episode 21

Welcome to episode 21. This week I discuss ongoing meds changes and still currently an inpatient. Hoping to be home in a week or so but the past week has been a scary, sleepless rollercoaster ride with me starting new meds.

I shout out to the amazing nurses in hospital and one in particular who lent me "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. It is an excellent no nonsense, that gives practical tips. Some of these include:

• The 5 second rule (countdown)
• Thinking about my problems, won't solve them
• You must save yourself from yourself
• Protecting myself from the stress of other people
• Be kind to other people - take the time for other people and do this without expectations
• We are using our addiction to mask something
• The grass is greener where you water it
• Time doesn't heal all wounds, what you do with your time does. Make every minute count

Song of the Week:

Desperado - The Eagles

https://youtu.be/-q93wc3-deU?si=AyR6kp_7K7D1AVwY

Thought of the Week:

"Time doesn't heal all wounds, what you do with your time does" - Mel Robbins