**Podcast Summary: “Mean Girls, Bullies & Mental Health”
Title: Tall Blonde
Host: Sarah Lauren
Episode: Mean Girls, Bullies & Mental Health
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Presented by: MBHTV
Introduction
In the episode titled “Mean Girls, Bullies & Mental Health” from the podcast Tall Blonde, host Sarah Lauren delves deep into her personal experiences with bullying, depression, anxiety, and her journey toward self-love and mental well-being. This episode serves as a candid exploration of the challenges faced during high school and the ongoing battle with mental health issues, offering valuable insights and coping strategies for listeners.
Early Experiences and High School Struggles
Sarah begins by sharing her tumultuous high school years, highlighting the intense bullying and verbal abuse she endured. She recounts how befriending older students often led to hostility from her peers.
“In high school, I was verbally told a lot of negative things about myself. I am, you know, not this, not that. I'm not worthy. I can't go to certain things.”
— Sarah Lauren [04:15]
She describes specific incidents where bullies targeted her emotionally, such as being shoved into a corner at a party, which led to significant emotional distress and eventually, her withdrawal from school.
“I was at that point, I didn't know it was verbal abuse and things. I thought it was just verbal and some turn physical, but I didn't know it was that.”
— Sarah Lauren [07:30]
Mental Health Challenges: Depression and Anxiety
The host openly discusses her struggle with depression, a condition she only recognized after enduring years of emotional turmoil. Sarah emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help.
“I thought that the tunnel was the end. And I want to make you guys aware that it's not.”
— Sarah Lauren [02:45]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah experienced heightened anxiety, exacerbating her feelings of isolation as an extroverted person who thrives on social interaction.
“I felt that feeling where it's heavy chest and your heart starts racing. You feel like you can't take a deep breath.”
— Sarah Lauren [08:20]
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies
Sarah shares several techniques that have helped her manage anxiety and depression, offering listeners practical tools to improve their mental health:
-
Breathing Techniques:
- Placing her right hand on her heart to simulate a comforting hug and focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing.
“Put my right hand on my heart and I just breathe, breathe in 1 out 1, in 2 out 2, in 3 out 3 until I can't anymore or until I'm feeling a little bit calmer.”
— Sarah Lauren [09:30] -
Grounding Exercises:
- Lying on the floor to reconnect with the present moment.
“Lying on the floor and being one with the world and knowing that I'm here, I'm okay.”
— Sarah Lauren [09:45] -
Mindfulness and Meditation:
- Utilizing guided meditations to stay present and alleviate anxious thoughts.
“It tells you to feel, you know, where you're sitting or you're standing, the bottoms of your feet, the bottoms of your butt, your back.”
— Sarah Lauren [10:10]
Importance of Support Systems
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the role of supportive relationships in overcoming mental health challenges. Sarah credits her family and close friends for providing the necessary support that helped her navigate through her darkest times.
“My family, God bless them, I have the best mother and father and sister and brother in the entire world.”
— Sarah Lauren [09:50]
She also highlights the importance of therapy and medication in managing her anxiety, emphasizing that seeking professional help is a strength, not a weakness.
“I'm on medication for it as well because when I explained it to my therapist, she did tell me it was anxiety and it's something that was affecting my life.”
— Sarah Lauren [10:00]
Self-Love and Personal Growth
Towards the latter part of the episode, Sarah discusses her journey toward self-love and the practices that have fostered her personal growth:
-
Creating a “Happy List”:
- Compiling activities and people that bring her joy to combat negative emotions.
“I made a list on my phone so that I could have it everywhere I go. And I do what makes me happy.”
— Sarah Lauren [10:40] -
Fitness and Physical Health:
- Engaging in regular workouts as a form of therapy and self-care.
“Working out is therapy in itself. But also doing that and working towards goals and achieving those goals or just seeing it in the mirror is so satisfying.”
— Sarah Lauren [11:15] -
Spending Time Outdoors:
- Utilizing fresh air and sunlight to improve her mood.
“If you are mad, angry, whatever, sad, anxious, go outside and feel the sun on your body, feel the air.”
— Sarah Lauren [10:55] -
Establishing Safe Spaces:
- Identifying people and environments where she feels secure and understood.
“Find a safe space where you can be so open and honest and talk through what you're feeling.”
— Sarah Lauren [11:40]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In her concluding remarks, Sarah reinforces the message that everyone faces struggles, and being kind to others can significantly impact both their lives and your own. She underscores the ongoing nature of self-love and personal development, encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental health.
“Self-love is a journey and it's not a sprint. It is a marathon.”
— Sarah Lauren [12:30]
Sarah closes the episode by inviting listeners to engage with her, provide feedback, and suggest topics for future discussions, fostering a sense of community and support among her audience.
“If you are going through something, a hard time or a mental health issue or a scare or something traumatizing happening in your life... I am here for you.”
— Sarah Lauren [12:10]
Key Takeaways
- Acknowledgment of Struggles: Recognizing and admitting mental health issues is crucial for healing.
- Support Systems: Family, friends, and professional help play a vital role in overcoming adversity.
- Coping Strategies: Implementing practical techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness can alleviate anxiety and depression.
- Self-Love: Building self-esteem and self-love is a continuous journey that requires intentional actions and practices.
- Kindness: Being kind to others not only helps them but also enhances your own well-being.
Notable Quotes
- “You are not alone that it doesn't end in the horrible spot. You need to go through some darkness to get to the end of the tunnel and see that light.” — Sarah Lauren [00:30]
- “I have insecurities like everybody else. I wish I was skinnier, taller, this that, whatever it may be. But I am fully confident today on this coach to say I love who I am.” — Sarah Lauren [05:20]
- “Self-love is a journey and it's not a sprint. It is a marathon.” — Sarah Lauren [12:30]
Conclusion
In this emotionally charged episode, Sarah Lauren offers a raw and honest narrative of her battles with bullying, depression, and anxiety. Her vulnerability serves as a beacon of hope and a guide for listeners navigating similar struggles. By sharing her personal coping mechanisms and emphasizing the importance of support systems and self-love, Sarah provides valuable lessons aimed at fostering mental resilience and personal growth.