12 We're Taking a Pause (and Here's Why)

SUMMARY

Patricia Young (she/her) shares that the podcast is being paused as Alex (they/them) steps back to focus on healing and recovery. She opens up about the grief, uncertainty, and emotional toll that can come with chronic illness, especially when capacity changes and familiar routines are no longer sustainable. This episode offers validation and compassion for neurodivergent and chronically ill listeners navigating limitations, identity shifts, and the challenge of honoring their bodies in uncertain seasons

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The podcast is being paused to prioritize health and capacity
Chronic illness can make consistency and planning difficult
"Pushing through" often isn't sustainable for chronic conditions
Flare-ups can be unpredictable and deeply disruptive
There is real grief in losing previous levels of functioning
Identity can feel shaken when you can't do what you used to do
The unknown ("Will this last forever?") can feel especially scary
Uncertainty can trigger anxiety and future-tripping
Honoring your body requires slowing down and listening deeply
Self-compassion is essential—but not always easy
Taking a step back is a form of care, not failure
Capacity is not fixed—it can shift over time
Support systems (including community and listeners) matter
It's okay to pause creative projects during hard seasons
There are still ways to stay connected (like Patricia's other podcast or working together)

SOUNDBITES

"You can't push through chronic illness—it just doesn't work that way."

"There's a lot of grief in not being able to do what you used to do."

"It can feel like this moment is going to last forever."

"Being in the unknown is really, really hard."

"Taking a step back is about prioritizing health."

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

Alex McLaughlin (they/them) has a Master's in Social Work, and is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) on Wahpekute land (colonized as MN). Alex is an AuDHDer, PDAer, Queer, non-binary, fat, chronically ill, disabled, & a multi-racial (1/8th Chinese & white passing) human with lived experience of OCD. As a late diagnosed adult, Alex has felt different and embraced their quirky, eccentric nature—what they now recognize as undiagnosed AuDHD. This lifelong experience of masking and curiosity about people inspired their passion for understanding and serving others, ultimately shaping their path today.

Alex provides neurodivergent and Queer-affirming therapy and Autism and ADHD assessments on Wahpekute land (colonized as Minnesota). Their work is grounded in intersectional feminism, ecological systems theory, and a commitment to decolonizing mental health care. They support clients in exploring how interconnected systems shape their experiences, while fostering resilience, empowerment, and self-understanding—especially for Neurodivergent, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC/POGM, and disabled communities. Trained in ERP, I-CBT (including ND-affirming I-CBT), sand tray therapy, TF-CBT, and somatic approaches, Alex also brings lived experience and is pursuing IFS to deepen their parts-informed practice.

Coaching, consulting and training coming soon! Head here to be notified when this practice opens!

Head to Alex's website here to connect further: Here

Patricia Young (she/her) has a Master's Degree in Social Work, and was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more here!

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