Your Mental Breakdown

Sarah tells the story of her life as a teenager after escaping the cult she grew up in as a child. Doug helps her see where some patterns started with her only focusing right in front of her, staying hyper vigilant, and never dropping the ball or giving up control. Doug and Mer highlight Sarah feeling free and independent as a teenager for this first time in her life – and how maybe she can tap into that way of being now as an adult.

As a sign of vulnerability, trust, and the safe space of therapy, Sarah allows herself to cry in session and feel the loss of her cousin. She connects this with the loss of her dad nearly a decade ago. Doug helps her stay with the feelings and express what is coming up for her in these initial stages of grief.    Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok  

Doug and his mom open with a discussion about multiple personality disorder and her previous work in therapy with clients coming out of cults. In the session, Sarah acknowledges never allowing herself to fully feel the anger she's held onto from her own upbringing in a cult. She is able to drop her protective armor in this session and show trust in herself, her therapist, and the process. Sarah is learning what it means to metaphorically put the oxygen mask on herself first.     Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok

For this episode, we check in with Drew, the client from Season 1 whose episodes are continuing on Patreon.com (link below). Drew wants to be doing more to do less, as he copes with the stress of his recent heart attack. Drew processes his parents not showing up to support him the way he needs and wants them. Speaking of which, Doug is supported on the breakdown by a special guest therapist – his mom! Link to YMB on Patreon, click here

Sarah describes taking herself through worst-case scenarios to prepare herself for a situation, so she can avoid the shock and broken heart that might otherwise overwhelm her. That protective mechanism once served her, but now creates a disconnect from her actual emotional experience of life. Doug helps Sarah reconnect to her emotional self after seeing her cousin in the hospital and being triggered by her mom's reactions. Doug explains how she can use her favorite tv shows and books to experiment with expressing the emotions that come up, rather than locking them down because it's not safe to show her feelings.     Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok

Doug helps Sarah acknowledge that she is actively creating new neural pathways by doing things differently from her patterned way of being and doing. Sarah gives herself permission to see the changes in her behavior this past week as growth and progress in her therapeutic journey – it's not just a fluke! She is seeing in real time how defense mechanisms that were necessary for her survival are no longer necessary in her everyday life at every moment. We're starting to walk the path of thriving, not just surviving!     Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok

We explore Sarah's conditioning from her upbringing in the Children of God cult. “Trauma is a radioactive spider that bites.” It can lead you to develop powers of protection and systems of safety for your survival. Then we've got to learn what to do with that power because we might not need those defenses and protections in our life anymore at every moment. We also explore the idea of value – especially as it impacts self-worth.   Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok

We explore the “systems of safety” that Sarah developed as a child growing up in a cult to protect herself because no one else did. We can thank those defense mechanisms for doing such a good job of protecting us when a threat was real. We needed them to survive and now we need to say goodbye to them in order to thrive. Doug helps Sarah look deeper into those systems to see two sides of her - one that can be easy going and one that can be “mama bear,” rigid, and take up a righteous quest for justice. The goal is not to keep the two sides separate, but rather to integrate them as pieces of the whole person she is and wants to become. Sarah is bringing awareness, understanding, and compassion to how she sees herself. Bonnie Rae joins Doug in the breakdown and they discuss OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) and how Sarah is processing her history of being wronged and abused by people in power (cult leader, boss, ex-husband).   Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon The guest co-host:  Bonnie Rae psychotherapy Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on Twitter YMB on TikTok

Sarah feels righteous anger about a coworker that was let go. Doug helps her see that it's a trigger for her own traumatic past when people in power abuse that power and wrong others. When it's on someone else's behalf, Sarah has insulation, protection, and deflection from her own wounds, making it easier to take up a quest for justice. She is able to draw the link to her own history of being wronged and abused by people in power in the cult and her previous marriage and jobs.   Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

Sarah felt validated and valued at work this week after a triggering annual review last week. Doug and Sarah explore how what she calls nonsense can make perfect sense to others. They break down issues of control and accountability. Sarah unpacks how her vigilance that others follow the rules is conditioning from her childhood in the cult.    Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

Sarah got triggered by a review at work which leads to an exploration of deeper issues. Doug helps her express anger and frustration about being powerless and misrepresented, especially when someone of authority is in control. Sarah starts to make the link to repressed emotion from the childhood heartbreak she experienced in the cult. She is able to stay with the emotion in the session and just not intellectualize it. Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

Doug redefines work-life balance: it's a balance of work, rest, and play that are all under the umbrella of life. Sarah examines “play” in her life. She connects the hyper-vigilance of being ‘mama bear' for everyone around her to the trauma response that protects her from slowing down or stopping to feel the feelings. Doug uses a folding paper example to show the neural pathways that get embedded in our brains. See the link in these notes to a video clip of him demonstrating it.   Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Folding Paper Neural Pathways Video Example Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

Doug is on location in New York discovering the quiet, nature side of the city. Sarah and Doug dissect the associations she's held in her head with being a trauma survivor and with being a victim. Sarah explores some recent triggers and exercises having compassion for the younger version of herself that was traumatized. Doug helps Sarah trace some of her discomfort back to a feeling of powerlessness and a fear of the unknown. Mer breaks down the victim mentality and the fear of unravelling in a session both for a client and for a therapist.   Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Doug's New Album on Spotify Tootsie Pop Commercial Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

As Sarah talks about a stressful work relationship, Doug slows her down and helps her process being a trauma survivor. They examine how Sarah's system learned to protect her from complex trauma in the past and how it still affects her current relationships. Doug walks Sarah through examples of interactions to help create new neural pathways and new ways of thinking and interacting.    Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Doug's New Album on Spotify Join Us on Social Media:  YMB The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

In an emotional session, Sarah vents about an issue she's having with a coworker. This leads Doug to look deeper inside for what's really going on with her. As he helps Sarah slow down in the session, she takes a deep breath and feels the emotional weight of stress she's been holding and keeping inside. Sarah tries to stay controlled and worries that if she lets it out, it will all be tears. Doug and Mer break down the shift from intellectual to emotional realizations that Sarah has in the session.     Mentioned in this episode: Support Us: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Join Us on Social Media:  Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group YMB on Instagram YMB on TikTok

Doug and Mer talk comets and cults while Doug corrects an earlier comment that the cult leader in Sarah's case was caught - he wasn't! He lived in hiding for over twenty years until he died. Sarah talks about school and education growing up in the cult. She explains the massive confusion and the ensuing tragedies experienced by many around her in the aftermath of leaving the cult. Doug helps Sarah slow down and relate the innate feeling of protection she described as a new mom holding her baby for the first time to her own experience as a child not being protected. Sarah and Doug explore the conflict that comes from wanting to forgive someone making amends for causing harm in the past when you're still feeling the impact, heartbreak, and anger about the trauma.   Mentioned in this episode: Your Mental Breakdown on Patreon Doug Friedman Meredith Levy Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group Doug Jaymes Friedman music on Spotify

Mer acknowledges Doug for his emotional and personal music album coming out in a few weeks; and then she gives him guff for not getting the podcast's Patreon launched yet!  It's coming soon with ongoing Drew episodes and other exclusives for subscribers. In this session with Sarah, Doug helps her look at the inner critic that fuels perfectionism. This is often a trauma response from her growing up in an abusive cult with neglectful parenting. Doug and Sarah acknowledge “Little Sarah,” the wounded child inside of her that didn't get nurtured and protected by a loving parent. Doug and Mer highlight how reparative it can be for Sarah to be a compassionate parental presence for her own children, especially if she can apply some of that parenting to “Little Sarah.”     Mentioned in this episode: Doug Friedman Meredith Levy Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group Doug Jaymes Friedman music on Spotify Avett Brothers - No Hard Feelings

Meredith imparts some knowledge to Doug (and us!) about invalidation trauma after a recent training. We get to know more about Sarah in her session as she talks about her work, her upbringing in the cult, and her anxiety that she carries around with her still. Doug helps Sarah understand the connection of making herself indispensable to a historic fear of abandonment. Doug and Mer highlight the baby steps that Sarah is taking with the awareness of the connections and patterns from her past that are coming up in sessions. Mentioned in this episode: Doug Friedman Meredith Levy The Facebook Group Instagram TikTok

Meredith updates us on the intruder in her backyard - who came back again! We continue the new season with Sarah, in spite of a few audio hiccups in the session. Doug and Sarah talk about feeling frustrated, annoyed, and overwhelmed when others don't get to a solution as quickly and easily as you do, especially when that means you take it on and do it all yourself. This has been a part of Sarah for so long as a survival mechanism growing up in, and running away from, a cult. Doug and Mer highlight the process of helping clients like Sarah recognize and begin to change their patterns, rather than stay focused on the details and the content of their current narrative. Mentioned in this episode: Doug Friedman Meredith Levy Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group General Sherman Aluminum Blanket Wrap Wimpy from Popeye

***Trigger warning*** This episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics including child abuse. If you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected, call or text 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453). Professional crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential.    The new season continues with the second therapy session for Sarah, the new client in treatment with Doug. As they explore Sarah's parenting style, she begins to tell some of her own story about growing up in a cult. Doug acknowledges her strength and resilience in the survival of her experiences while paving the way for them to work towards the “thrival” of her life going forward. Doug and Mer break down some of her background story while highlighting the early stages of therapy with a new client.   Mentioned in this episode: Doug Friedman Meredith Levy Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group  

We're baa-ack! In this new season kick-off, Doug and Meredith are “a step up from sweatpants” and ready to dive back into it with us. We hear the first session with Doug and Sarah, the new client we'll get to know and join for the journey in therapy. Sarah shares some of her history and acknowledges that she's spent a lifetime compartmentalizing, but doesn't truly have a handle on everything. We hear a few tips of the icebergs that have developed over time for her coming from a traumatic background. The groundwork for therapy is being set and we all get to follow along from the start. Doug and Mer tease that there will soon be a Patreon site to follow ongoing sessions with Drew, the client we followed in previous episodes. And they're coming out with a store on the website with merch very soon - so MerMer will have some new clothes to wear-wear!   Mentioned in this episode: Doug Friedman Meredith Levy Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group Bruce Almighty - file cabinet scene

In this Roundtable episode, Doug and Meredith are joined by fellow therapist Ashley McGirt and therapist in training Sahaj Kohli for a conversation about cultural issues in mental health and the world around us. Ashley is a racial trauma specialist, speaker, and author. Sahaj is the founder of Brown Girl Therapy, a mental health community for children of immigrants. The conversation explores stigma, discomforts, comforts, and experiences of issues around culture in their lives and work in mental health.     Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Ashley McGirt - on Instagram @therapywithash Sahaj Kohli - on Instagram @browngirltherapy Dr. Joy Degruy The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

In this Roundtable episode, Doug and Meredith are joined by fellow therapist José Mata and psychiatrist Dr. Craig Heacock, both of whom work with the intersection of psychedelics and therapy. They look at current trends, research, and experiences of healing with the assistance of certain substances like MDMA, Ketamine, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybin. Join Doug and Mer for a unique conversation with these colleagues in the growing world of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Dr. Craig Heacock - check out “Back From The Abyss” podcast José Mata MAPS - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

Mer Mer launches herself into another dimension with Oculus, and this reminds Doug of a time when he was immersed in a virtual reality Star Wars experience. The session begins with Drew feeling a little down that he hasn’t lived up to the financial or material standard set by his father. He and Doug examine the anxiety he feels about his mother and his lack of trust from feeling that he has been betrayed by everyone in his family. Drew shares a story when he recognized that a “feather” wasn’t his stress to take on. Doug reminds him that not everything needs to be perfect to start expressing and processing these emotions.    Mentioned in this episode:  Oculus Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

Mer Mer keeps her mind fresh and young by doing Sudoku. She and Doug give the update that they still have yet to shut down their computers at the end of each work day. Then, a very packed session with Drew uncovers a few big reasons why he has trust issues. Drew eases his burden by sharing some stories he’s never told before. As Drew becomes more financially independent from his parents, more anxiety is kicked up about attachment and connection. They explore the conflict about cutting the cord to parents, which Drew then likens to cutting the red ribbon at a grand opening. Drew gets homework from Doug to look for the weight of stress he takes on that belongs to other people vs. his own.    Mentioned in this episode:  Attached - the New Science of Adult Attachment Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

At the top of the show this week, Doug busts himself and Meredith for not following through AGAIN on shutting down their computers at night! They swap teenage closet stories (including Doug’s roaches!). The session begins with Drew sharing that he is moving back to a place in LA that he has lived before. He feels grateful for the comfort and familiarity of it,  rather than feeling like he is taking a step backward. Although he is making strides in becoming financially independent and showing up authentically in his relationships, Drew is still struggling with the anxiety of completely cutting the cord with his parents paying the bills. Doug ties in some pretty sweet sports analogies to help Drew see that it’s okay to let others know you are uncomfortable. Drew can see that there are a rainbow of possibilities out there rather than see everything as black or white.   Mentioned in this episode:  The X-Files Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

Joining Doug and Meredith to break down the 5 Love Languages and Apology is clinical psychologist Dr. Jen Thomas. She is a motivational speaker specializing in the five love languages and communication. She is the co-author with Gary Chapman of When Sorry Isn’t Enough and The Five Languages of Apology. We talk about understanding and applying the 5 Love Languages to yourself and your relationships. We also dive into the language of apology. What’s your main Love Language? How do you say, and hear, I’m Sorry? IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast Mentioned in this episode:Meredith LevyDoug FriedmanYMB on Social Media:  The Facebook Group     Instagram Take the 5 Love Language quiz here When Sorry Isn’t Enough Find Dr. Jen Thomas here

This week, Drew is realizing that sooner than later, his parents will no longer be financially supporting him. Not only is he nervous about being able to pay for everything, but he’s also worried that once his parents no longer have an obligation to support him, they won’t choose to be as connected to him. This leads Drew and Doug to have a discussion regarding being necessary and choosing love and connection rather than feeling obligated.  They talk about why Drew kicks into caretaker mode when he wants to feel attachment, and helps Drew see that he’s been a pillar standing alone, trying to hold up everything for everyone.   Mentioned in this episode:  Depressed? Go Play In the Dirt  Article Nobody Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

*** Warning - this episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics, including sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1800-646-4673 or go to RAINN.org.  Drew shares his thoughts and feelings about an extremely disturbing and traumatic event.  The details are not 100% clear,  however his initial description was that his girlfriend was “raped and essentially kidnapped.”  Doug and Drew discuss what this situation brings up for him, and how it furthered his belief that he has to put on his Superman cape and save everyone. Drew grapples with the Vader voice in his head, and processes some pretty big emotions.  They discuss how Drew is showing up, keeping his boundaries set, and if this is really the right relationship for him.  Instead of the usual  Meredith and Doug chit chat, they decide to spend more time discussing the session and the topics involved.  They feel that the seriousness of the situation lended more to focusing less on them, and more on Drew and the seriousness of sexual assault.   Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-646-4673  Rainn.org

While we all start to come out of the pandemic lockdown, Drew and his girlfriend are starting to come out of the honeymoon phase. In their relationship reality, running out of toilet paper becomes a symbol for so much more. Drew and Doug talk about setting boundaries vs. giving rules. Drew is ready to have the tough conversations with his girlfriend, even if it means he ends up being alone. Doug and Meredith differ over their definition of love, but still have love for each other at the end of the episode, so it’s all going to be okay!   Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman The Road Less Traveled As Good As It Gets Scene

Doug and Meredith finally saw each other in person again! They break down what an “episode” means to Drew and what it can mean when a therapist hears that word. In the session, Drew is feeling down and out because of some issues with his girlfriend that leave him feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. He tells Doug about a trip to Malibu that didn’t go as planned - and how her “passing out” triggered him. The argument that followed the next day brought up issues around getting his needs met and being more authentic and vulnerable,  without having to share everything with a partner.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

Doug and Meredith are joined by Rebecca to break down the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. We get some history of this Carl Jung inspired psychological test for how people experience the world. Rebecca uses Mer and Doug’s test results to show how you can understand and apply it to your own life. Take the recommended test yourself in the links below. What’s your type? Let us know! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast Mentioned in this episode:Meredith LevyDoug FriedmanYMB on Social Media:  The Facebook Group     Instagram Take the recommended Myers Briggs Type Indicator quiz here or here Find Rebecca here:  Instagram

Meredith swims a mile then she and Doug talk about Justice League. And the superhero talk continues with Drew taking to a Superman analogy - balancing the daily grind of a day job with using his own time to focus on his passions. Drew shows vulnerability with his girlfriend. He and Doug explore ways to relieve stress and be mindful other than his go to of smoking weed. Meredith and Doug talk about shutting down your laptop computer to unconsciously send a message to our minds to shut down and stop running in high stress mode.   Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Pig-Pen Simpsons - 5 O’Clock Shadow  Brene Brown on Empathy

Meredith loves daylight saving time! Restaurants and movie theatres are opening up in LA now, but Doug is still trying to hide out like a mountain man. In Drew’s therapy session he talks about feeling burnt out and tired from his job. He is also using this time to define his boundaries and let people know when things aren’t right or fair. He and Doug talk about two examples of Drew standing up for himself - one work-related, and a personal one that triggered a familiar feeling of distrust and disappointment that he’s historically felt with his Mom. Drew is working on radically accepting his mother for who she is, while dealing with her tendency to not be present or emotionally available.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman The Head and The Heart  The Vow  Grey’s Anatomy  Bridgerton

Meredith and Doug discuss their take on working with clients that have different political views and ideologies than their own. It’s a great jumping-off point for this week’s session. Drew is trying to be the bridge for people in his life dealing with racial injustice and prejudice. Drew talks about compartmentalizing when feeling overwhelmed and anxious. He and Doug use a house analogy to visualize how to store the different compartments of issues in his life. Doug plays the “High, Low, and Oddity” game with both Drew and Meredith to verbalize the range of our experiences in day-to-day life instead of just highlighting one aspect.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Coming To America 2 YMB On Tik Tok  David Bowie  

Doug is back in LA and missing the mountains. Meredith realizes it may be time for all of us to get a car wash (especially Doug!). In the session, Drew and Doug get into a heavy conversation as Drew details how a party with his new girlfriend went way wrong. Drew shows major growth by choosing when to have and not have a “tough conversation” with people. Drew acknowledged that the fight at the party triggered past trauma and feelings of being unsafe. Drew is able to have some real talks with his girlfriend about boundaries while the caution flags are already starting to fly.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman

The podcast hits the one-year mark this week… and it’s a twofer! Two sessions in one episode as life in the podcast timeline is starting to go virtual in the very beginning of the pandemic. Doug and Drew pack a lot into these two shorter sessions. In Session 1, Drew gets home from the funeral and is feeling sick and alone yet enjoying more independence and finding purpose in helping to produce millions of masks. In Session 2, we hear the big news about Drew’s dating life. Doug highlights that this can be a healing relationship for him in terms of getting the experience and positive reinforcement for being himself authentically.   Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman The Vow HBO  America’s Most Wanted (it’s coming back!)

Spiritual practitioner Crystal Duan joins Doug and Meredith to break down Astrology. We talk about understanding the language of it as well as both the pseudoscience and its real-life applications. Crystal uses Astrological charts for Mer and Doug to show how you can apply them to your life and relationships. What’s your sign? And your moon, and your rising sign? IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast   Mentioned in this episode:   Meredith Levy Doug Friedman   YMB on Social Media:  The Facebook Group Instagram    Generate your own Astrological Chart here   Find Crystal Duan here:   Website Instagram Twitter 

Before Drew’s session this week, Meredith and Doug give a wrap-up of their Valentine's Day experiences, Drew talks about going home for his friend’s funeral; and he walks through both the horror movie version and Disney version of how the weekend could go. Doug helps Drew identify how he can show up authentically rather than trying to match his online persona or a more people-pleasing version of himself. Drew works on going through his emotions rather than just going through the motions, and setting boundaries for seeing both his mother and ex-girlfriend.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Tupac Grief - The Ball and the Box repost

Doug took Meredith’s pillow washing challenge and he took her movie recommendation! They figure out why we call a podcast a podcast. The session begins with Drew dealing with emotions that are stirred up as he prepares to go home for a friend’s funeral. He works with Doug on sticking with his personal boundaries, dealing with the feeling of betrayal from his mother, and learning how to disappoint people without feeling extreme guilt or shame. Drew explores his patterns in relationships as he preps to see his old girlfriend back home. He also comes to terms with the possibility that his brother acted the way he did growing up because he was trying to protect Drew, rather than control him.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Coco

It’s a busy and eventful show this week, kicking off with Doug’s second mountain lion sighting - this time it’s a baby! Meredith gives her thoughts on outdoor dining reopening in Los Angeles. The session begins with Drew telling Doug about the three main motivating factors in life that he heard about in church. They explore how this can lead us to find our purpose in life. Doug and Drew also talk about compassion fatigue and accepting being perfectly imperfect. Drew is balancing being by himself while still enjoying the company of others.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman 8 Mile | Final Rap Battle

Certified Enneagram coach Abbey Howe joins Doug and Meredith to break down the Enneagram. We walk through some of its history and ways to understand and apply it to yourself. Abbey takes us through an interpretation of Mer and Doug’s results from the Enneagram type quiz. Take the quiz yourself and let us know what Enneagram number you are - and how you’ll use the info! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast   Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group An Enneagram Quiz  Follow Abbey Howe here:   Instagram    YouTube

Doug and Meredith roar into this week with a recount of Doug’s mountain lion visitor while Mer has been washing her dishes and feeling soooo good and accomplished. Drew’s session comes at the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death, which stirs up emotions for Drew about loss. Drew gives an update on seeing his longtime ex-girlfriend. Doug helps Drew explore having tough conversations with people you love. Doug gives a Matrix reference about knowing your path vs. walking your path. At the end of the session, Drew uncovers a big “aha moment” about why he really tries to save others. Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman The Matrix - knowing the path and walking the path

Drew picks up where he left off last week, back from the holidays and feeling somewhat unmotivated and withdrawn. In the session, Drew and Doug discuss the difference between feeling depressed and a depressive episode.  They talk about Drew’s need to withdraw and how it might be exactly what he needs at this moment, as he works on being okay with himself, instead of trying to please others. Doug uses his gear analogy to help Drew see that he can bring out different aspects of his personality with different people in his life, rather than find it all in one.  Meredith proclaims that to really love her is to appreciate her long term love of hip hop.    Mentioned in this episode:  Your Mental Breakdown - The Facebook Group  Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Flaming Lips Bubble Concert

Doug and Meredith kick off this week’s episode talking about how living in LA during a pandemic feels like a zombie movie. They also touch on how lack of good sleep can affect us. In the session, Drew talks about the loss of his friend and questions how he can better cope with grief. Drew acknowledges feeling detached and afraid of confronting his own emotions. Doug helps Drew focus on the small wins in life rather than focusing on what’s lacking.   Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group Make Your Bed Speech - William McRaven, US Navy Admiral

In this Monday mini-sode, it’s Doug’s b’day! Doug and Meredith explore the wonders (and blunders) of birthdays. They talk about how some people like the attention of a celebration and others don’t. Do you? What were some of your best (and worst) birthdays? Let us know! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast   Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group

Doug and Meredith talk about broken toes, wind chimes, and maintaining confidentiality even when a client shares a crime they committed. In the session, Drew is back from his brother’s wedding and preparing to head home for a visit. Drew is noticing some major changes in himself, such as being scared as well as excited for the unknown. He talks with Doug about the positive impact a new puppy has had on his life. He shares how he was able to set boundaries with a house guest and how surprised he was at the outcome. Drew also opens up about feeling very overwhelmed and cluttered at work, and wonders if fashion is even the right industry for him anymore.  Mentioned in this episode: Meredith Levy Doug Friedman Your Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group

In this Monday mini-sode, Doug and Meredith walk through the nostalgia of childhood games and candy. They reminisce about some of their favorites. Doug got the big prizes first by going backwards in Pitfall on the Atari 2600. Meredith goes with Twizzlers over Red Vines. What are some favorite games from your childhood? What were your go to candies? Let us know! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast Mentioned in this episode:Meredith LevyDoug FriedmanYour Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group

In this special New Years Eve mini-sode, Doug and Meredith say goodbye to 2020 and look ahead to 2021. They give their two cents about resolutions and intentions for the new year. They share three words to summarize their 2020 and three words for the intentions they're setting for 2021. What are three words that summarize your 2020? What are three words for the intentions you're setting for 2021? Let us know! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast Mentioned in this episode:Meredith LevyDoug FriedmanYour Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group

In this special Holiday mini-sode (extra-mini-stravaganza), Meredith nurses her freshly broken toe and Doug serves up his usual cup of tea. They read through some listener thoughts and feelings about the holidays this year - for some it’s got a bit of a blue hue to it. If you think you’re enlightened, go home for the holidays… How are your holidays treating you? Let us know! IG: @your.mental.breakdown, FB: @your.mental.breakdown.podcast Mentioned in this episode:Meredith LevyDoug FriedmanYour Mental Breakdown The Facebook Group