Not So Linear

In this episode I speak with Joshua Fletcher (@anxietyjosh on IG), who is a psychotherapist specialising in anxiety disorders. I wanted to understand why grief can often be a catalyst for anxiety and how we can learn to retrain our brain to manage it more effectively.Josh opens up about the experience of losing his brother to cancer as a teenager and how the unprocessed grief led him to a mental breakdown. However, he now commits his career to providing psychoeducation and spreading awareness about the topic. He is a best-selling author of two anxiety self-help books, as well as hosting The Panic Pod podcast. We also discuss:Ruminating thoughtsWhy we shouldn't search for 'coping mechanisms' as we CAN copeHow we need to retrain our brain to break our anxious habitsAlcohol & anxietyMaking peace with your anxiety and letting it be with you, rather than fighting itComplicated griefGambling and addictionWhen to seek helpWe hope that this episode helps you to feel less alone in your journey.Don't forget to follow me at @tamsinmillard Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Hoang is a psychologist who thinks creatively about what makes humans lead more meaningful lives. She is founder of the mental health organisation 'The Indigo Project' and is tearing down the walls of traditional psychology.After her fathers death in 2017, Mary turned to art and writing to explore how the darker aspects of life hold the keys to insight and purpose. Losing him was her life changing moment, which she so beautifully documents in her book ‘Darkness is Golden' and explores alongside us how we can deal with life's messiness. We talk about:Mary's background and why she set up a progressive therapy practiceWhy we have to give uncomfortable feelings space, rather than supressing themLosing her Father and how it shifted her lens on lifeGrief & funerals in Asian cultureDeath mediationThe concept of the 'Inner child' and how we must learn to meet our needsHow all types of grief are valid, such as loss of career, relationship or health etcThe monsters in our haunted houseMary's experience of breaking down whilst writing the bookManaging anxietyIf you are interested in reading more about her work, you can find her organisation here: www.theindigoproject.com.au and her instagram @maryhoangindigoYou can order her book 'Darkness is Golden via Amazon or Booktopia.Thanks and don't forget to subscribe to Not So Linear to get the latest episodes! Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey everyone! I'm back from a little break in podcasting and returning with a new sort episode type called 'Tam Talks', which is full of my little ramblings and thoughts! I talk about:Lockdown lifting in SydneyTaking your time to get back in to socialisingAustralia's crazy border rulesFeeling excluded as a temporary visa holderFocusing on gratitude and what I do haveTrying to live in the momentPatreon Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey! Welcome back to another episode of Not So Linear, where I talk about my grief journey and the last 6 months of change since launching the podcast. This time I'm interviewed by my younger sister Lily, which is very special as it shows how much we've grown through our grief together.I talk honestly about how my relationship with my grief and my mum have evolved, as I have tried to make peace with my emotions and find ways to connect with her again. I also talk about the importance of finding a strong community of others who can help you feel less alone and I am so glad I found that in Motherless Daughters and within my own instagram page @tamsinmillardWe also talk about the impact that alcohol has on anxiety and how we live in a society that pressures us to tick off life events in order to be 'happy' - which is just unnecessary! I hope you feel less alone in  your journey by listening to mine. Don't forget to follow across apple and spotify to keep up to date with all of my latest episodes! Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey guys! On today's episode I am joined by fellow motherless daughter, Katrina. After experiencing multiple losses within her early life and witnessing the uncomfort and lack of knowledge around her, Katrina began her journey as a grief & loss educator.Katrina specialises in providing workshops within organisations and businesses. For many people, returning to work after a significant loss can be daunting and anxiety inducing. Therefore, it's so important that our workplaces are able to support those who are grieving and can provide their employees with the tools to deal with such scenarios. Katrina also talks about how we can support our friends who are grieving and explains the importance of acknowledging them. The last thing we want to do is dismiss another's grief!You can find more about Katrina on her website www.katrinapreislerweller.com or on her instagram @katrinapwellerThanks and don't forget to follow me on Instagram @tamsinmillard Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I'm joined by George Falck, who lost his twin brother Will when he was 24. Will was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the boys decided they would do as much as they could in the few years that they had left together.From following England Football matches all over Europe, to Will running a marathon in Amsterdam, they didn't let the anticipatory grief get in their way of quality time together. However,  George is very open about how he felt relief once Will passed away, since his last few months and weeks were an extremely difficult time for him.What I love about George's grief journey is that he works hard to keep Will's memory alive. From taking a flag with Will's name on to sporting events all over the world, to hosting an annual golf tournament in his name. It is these acts that give George strength and help him feel close to Will all these years later.Don't forget to 'follow' this podcast and you can find me on instagram: @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode contains conversation around gun crime and violence. In today's episode I talk with Jennifer from LA, who lost her boyfriend Jon in last year, in a brutal, unprovoked attack. His killer shot him multiple times. We talk about how she has coped with her grief after losing him in such a horrible way and how she's now protesting current policies in place that are preventing his killer serving a full sentence. Don't forget to follow and you can find me on Instagram: @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I am joined by Jessie Stephens, a Sydney based writer, podcaster and Assistant Head of Content at Mama Mia! We talk all things Heartbreak and how it is often a form of grief that is totally dismissed. Jessie explains how a series of failed relationships and whirlwind romances, led her to feel isolated, depressed and a lack of self esteem. Until one day, she realised she needed to move through the grief, face her emotions head on and as a result wrote her new book 'Heartsick'.We also discuss toxic dating app culture and the importance of being there for your friends no matter how 'insignificant' you may feel the relationship was to them.Jessie was a fantastic guest and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did getting to know her!Make sure you subscribe / follow to Not So Linear and you can also follow me on instagram @tamsinmillard_  Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode I speak with Caroline McKenna, about how it feels to be an expat in Australia during a ban on international travel. It is an unusual type of grief for those living overseas, since it can be emotionally stressful, anxiety inducing and tiresome not knowing when we can reunite with loved ones again.By day Caroline is a teacher but within her spare time, she hosts social events and her podcast 'A County Down Under', to help people feel les alone. Expect to hear a very raw conversation on how it feels to be apart from family, the 'yes' attitude we've gained since being abroad and what Caroline can't wait to do once the borders re-open!Make sure you subscribe / follow Not So Linear and you can also find me on Instagram @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the summer of 2019/2020, Australia experienced grief and loss on a national scale. It was one of the most catastrophic bushfire seasons in history, resulting in the loss of 33 people, 3 billion animals and 24 million hectares of land. In my new season of Not So Linear, I speak with Ray Law, from one of the worst hit regions in New South Wales. I was curious to know what life was like during those months and to my surprise, I learnt of the sheer negligence that the community experienced and how the volunteer firefighters were ignored by those in power. I wanted to explore how that traumatic season impacted the people, their mental health and their ability to rebuild their lives again.Don't forget to subscribe and follow me on instagram at @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode I talk with Rachel, who some of you may recognise from her blog and social media community 'An Unexpected Family Outing'. It's a place for her to share and connect with others, over the loss of her daughter Dorothy.At 28 weeks, Rachel was diagnosed with severe preclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She was left fighting for her life, whilst having to deliver Dorothy still born.Prior to Dorothy, Rachel had also experienced two miscarriages, so becoming a mother was something she'd been desperately awaiting. She didn't realise how hard the journey to motherhood would be. However, she fell pregnant again with her daughter Frances, who turned 4 on the day we recorded the episode.Rachel tells me how they talk about Dorothy with her and how Frances says she lives in the stars.You can follow Rachel on instagram @unexpectedfamilyouting and her blog www.unexpectedfamilyouting.comIf you have been through a similar experience, you can reach out to Sands, a miscarriage, still birth and new born death support group : www.sands.org.auYou can follow me at @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey guys, welcome back to Episode 9! This week I chat with James, who is the host of 'The Rut pod', a podcast that explores men's mental health. It's important to note that we do talk about depression and suicidal thoughts, in case this is triggering for you. James speaks so openly about losing his grandad, who he was incredibly close to. Quite often people are floored by the grief of a grandparent, yet society can sometimes dismiss it because of the person being elderly. Please remember, your grief is totally valid and James is great proof of this.We also speak a lot about his struggle with depression and his advice on how to get back on track, by taking small steps to recovery. James is a believer that we must take responsibility for our mental health and that by getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, you can find your way back to peace again.You can follow him on Instagram here @therutpod and can follow me at @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey listeners, welcome to Episode 8! In this episode I chat with Dr. Chloe, who is a chartered counselling psychologist that specialises in traumatic loss and grief.  We talk through my 'layers of loss', as I experienced losing my mum twice - once whilst she was alive (due to her mental health condition) and then her passing away when I was 18. We cover:Dr Chloe's background and research in trauma and griefWhat is complicated grief?What are the symptoms?What frameworks / advice can I follow to process my emotions?Mental health conditionsCoping mechanisms for anxietyDr. Chloe believes that with the right support, people can overcome unthinkable pain through self compassion. It's an incredible episode!You can find Dr. Chloe on instagram @drchloe_psychologistIf you are looking for support with your mental health here are some resources:https://www.beyondblue.org.au/https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide and self harm. Craig fought in one of the bloodiest battles in  Afghanistan, where he lost 10 soldiers within his company and a further 10 to suicide upon returning to the UK. He encountered serious blast injuries and had difficulty adjusting back to 'normal' life. How could anybody else understand what he had just witnessed at war?He then spiraled in to a path of self destruction, which led to drinking, fighting and sadly three attempts of suicide. Craig was then fighting a war on his own mental health and knew he needed to change. So, he turned to sport to give him purpose and meaning again. He competed in Chicago in the Invictus programme and played rugby for the England deaf team.  Craig also runs a veterans charity, who offer support to ex military.Thank you to Craig for sharing his story. You can find him on instagram @monaghan3433 and @veteransgaragePlease see below for phone numbers that could help you, or someone else experiencing suicidal thoughts:Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14Suicide call back service (Australia): 1300 659 467Samaritans (UK): 116 123CALM (UK): 0800 58 58 58 Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode I talk with my friend Sandra, who I met through my Sydney support network 'our grief'.  Sandra received a call to say she'd suddenly lost her mum to suicide and had the exhausting task of returning back to the US to be with her family. We talk about how she brilliantly navigated the return to work, how opening up to peers and a therapist helped her to process the grief and how she is now training to be a mental heath first aid officer. A big thank you to Sandra for coming on to the podcast. She was my first ever guest and we were both very nervous, so please excuse the quality of my interviewing skills etc! Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specialising in reproductive and maternal mental health. She writes extensively on this topic for outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and Vogue. Dr. Zucker is the creator of the #IHadaMiscarriage campaign.We talk through how her own experience of miscarriage reshaped the way she thought of her own theory, how many women blame and punish themselves for something that is so out of their control and what not to say to people experiencing early pregnancy loss. Her first book I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement is available worldwide now. Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey guys! Since you said you wanted to hear more from me, I thought why not take the opportunity to send you a pre Mother's Day message. For those of you who are motherless daughter's like me, or may have lost a child, please know it is okay for you to deal with this day in whichever way suits you best. It's also important that if you are supporting someone grieving, that you reach out to check they are okay.I also chat about my upcoming birthday trip to Tasmania and the great feedback I have had on the podcast so far.You can follow me on Instagram @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I talk to Beth French, founder of the UK charity 'Let's Talk about Loss'. Beth's mum passed away when she was 20 and found her grief to be both isolating and confusing. She didn't want other young people to go through the same experience, so she set up her own grief support network. We talk about what helps her to cope in the days where she still finds her grief difficult, the weird things people have said to her since her mums death and how horrendously bad bereavement cards are!You can find Beth on Instagram at @talkaboutloss or follow their website for more details www.letstalkaboutloss.orgYou can find me on instagram @tamsinmillard_Please remember to rate and review, thank you! Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back listeners! In today's episode I speak with Steve Bland, who lost his wife Rachael to Breast Cancer in September 2018. Rachael was a BBC newsreader and during her cancer diagnosis she set up her BBC Radio 5 Live podcast 'You Me and the Big C', to help support others in their journey. Steve talks openly about how they dealt with anticipatory grief and he tells us about the book Rachael wrote for their son Freddie, so he has memories to keep forever. We also discuss how he's navigated life as a young widow, his experience with grief and how it's so important to give yourself time to heal. Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I talk with Kathryn Hooker, who you may recognise from Episode 1! Kathryn lost her mum to cancer in 2015, whilst she was at university. We talk about how she struggled with her mental health for the year after her mum's death and how important it is to find the things that make you feel better in your own grief. As motherless daughters we both have common understanding and share thoughts on how losing someone so close can often create anxiety about the death of others around us. Kathryn's grief has now pushed her to becoming an inspiration for other young grievers, by creating an amazing community through the Dead Parent Club.Kathryn's instagram: @deadparentclubpodcastYou can follow me on instagram at @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey listeners!Welcome to the very first episode of my podcast, where I tell my own grief story. I'm joined by the lovely Kathryn Hooker, who is host of the Dead Parent Club Podcast. We talk openly and honestly about the death of my mum at 18 years old and how we can't help but sometimes feel a little bitter about being a motherless daughter. I also discuss how my grief impacted my own mental health and how I've now found my happy place in Sydney, Australia. You can find me on instagram: @tamsinmillard_And Kathryn @deadparentclubpodcast   Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey and welcome to not so linear, the podcast that aims to normalise the topic of grief and help people feel less alone in their own journey.When I was 18, my mum died and due to our complicated relationship, my grief was difficult and unresolved. Fast forward ten years and I am now using my experience to help others!In this season I have interviewed some amazing guests, who have gone through a range of different grief journeys. Naturally there are a handful of episodes with young women like me, who are navigating their life as a motherless daughter. However, I was also adamant to learn about other types of grief that are often never talked about because they're considered a ‘taboo' topic'; such as suicide, miscarriage, stillbirth and cancer. You can find me on instagram @tamsinmillard_ Click here to become a Patron MemberSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/not-so-linear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.