In this compelling episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin welcomes Carolyn Dreyer, a mental health advocate, blogger, and host of the Through the Darkness podcast. Carolyn shares her journey from being a "backseat supporter" to openly advocating for mental health awareness, driven by her lived experiences with depression, anxiety, and trauma. She discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to start her blog and podcast, including the loss of a podcast host to suicide and her desire to heal for her son. Carolyn delves into her struggles with unhealed trauma, surviving a suicide attempt, and navigating abusive relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and breaking generational cycles of unhealed parenting.

The episode explores practical strategies for managing mental health, such as setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and prioritizing self-care. Carolyn and Collin also touch on societal pressures, the challenges of finding effective therapy (like OCD-specific treatments), and the value of community resources. With humor and vulnerability, they discuss the balance between seeking help and maintaining independence, offering hope to listeners that recovery is possible with patience and persistence. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for anyone struggling to seek support early and embrace their mental health journey.

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