In this episode, Dr. Aimee Prasek shares some of the origin story behind the Joy Lab Program — from her own years-long climb out of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, to a pivotal (and infuriating) moment on a psychiatrist's couch that lit a fire for her. Joy Lab exists to normalize mental health experiences, to build on inner strengths, and to help people do more than just survive and to actually flourish.

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🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up.

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About the Joy Lab Podcast: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy.

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Key Moments:

[00:00] — Why Aimee is sharing the story behind the Joy Lab Program
[00:20] — Struggling with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks without access to professional care
[00:40] — An online depression forum: finding normalcy, community, and the realization that she wasn't crazy or alone
[01:00] — The forum's limits: helpful, but ultimately a rehashing of hard things — and a sign that more was needed
[01:20] — Years of cobbling together support without financial access to professional help
[02:00] — Finally getting insurance and sitting down with a psychiatrist — and what happened next
[02:20] — "There's nothing you can do. You're broken." — the moment that helped spark a mission
[02:45] — No issue with medications; the real problem was the message of powerlessness
[03:00] — What the science actually says: we have real agency when it comes to depression and anxiety
[03:30] — Two moments that shaped everything: the forum that normalized, and the psychiatrist who enraged
[03:50] — The mission: normalize mental health experiences, reduce stigma, and help people build on their strengths
[04:20] — Teaming up with Henry Emmons; Joy Lab comes to life
[04:30] — What Joy Lab is and isn't: not a crisis prescription, but a powerful complement to care or as a supportive and preventive tool to build resilience and tap into joy
[04:50] — The real point of Joy Lab: not just feeling better — flourishing, aliveness, more of the good stuff
[05:20] — Why "not-so-crappy" isn't good enough, and the belief that we are all capable of more
[05:40] — You are wired for joy and flourishing. You are not broken. Full stop.
[06:00] — Mental Health Awareness Month: 30-day free offer, sign up at JoyLab.coach

Full transcript here

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.