Ever been told "it's all in your head" by a doctor?

Yeah, us too. In this episode, we're getting real about medical gaslighting, perimenopause symptoms that get dismissed, and why we're done apologizing for taking care of ourselves.

We talk about:

• Why doctors still don't take women's health seriously (and what to do about it)

• Perimenopause, hormones, and the tests that don't exist

• Teaching our ADHD kids to advocate for themselves in school

• Secret naps, productivity guilt, and why your worth isn't tied to your to-do list

• ADHD hacks that actually work (spoiler: keep your shoes on)

This is two moms, two cities, same frequency—navigating ADHD, burnout, and a healthcare system that wasn't built for us. No filter, no apologies.

Resources:

Mind Circuit App - tiny moments of calm when your nervous system needs support

Available in App Store & Google Play

Hosts: Erin & [Co-host name]

Part of: Notes to My Nervous System podcast

In this episode of Notes to My Nervous System, Erin Vandermore (therapist and creator of the Mind Circuit app) welcomes guest Liz Martin @northcarolizzy for a vulnerable conversation on trauma, resilience, and the reality of living with Bipolar Disorder.

Liz opens up about a harrowing physical attack by a friend, the grief of losing her father and her dog, and the challenge of navigating a mental health crisis during Hurricane Helene. Together, Erin and Liz explore the physiological impact of trauma on the nervous system and the practical tools used to find the way back to "safe."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Anatomy of Trauma: Liz recounts her experience at Chick-fil-A and the "ripple effect" of a sudden violent event.

• Navigating Bipolar Disorder: Breaking down the stigma, the importance of medication, and managing manic episodes.

• Healing Tools: The concept of "Mental Maps" and visualization techniques to replace traumatic memories.

• Reclaiming the Narrative: Why Liz chose to share her journey on social media to empower others.

• The Power of Forgiveness: How letting go of anger became a survival strategy.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Mind Circuit App: Science-based tools to calm your nervous system.

• Helene Network: Free therapy sessions for those affected by the storm (DM Erin for info).

• Mental Maps: Visualization techniques for trauma recovery.

Connect with Us:If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people navigating their own nervous system journey.

Mind Circuit⁠⁠⁠is your pocket-sized support system for emotional balance and stress relief.With guided breathing, mood tracking, bilateral stimulation, and affirmationsbacked by neuroscience, it helps you calm your mind and reconnect with yourbody anytime you need it

⁠⁠⁠DownloadNow⁠⁠⁠:Google Play →⁠⁠⁠https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠DownloadNow⁠⁠⁠at App Store →⁠⁠⁠https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us: Instagram →@mindcircuitapp

YouTube → @MindCircuitApp

Website →⁠⁠⁠https://mindcircuit.org⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠@Mindcircuit

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or quietly convinced that something is wrong with you, you’re not alone.

Many of us were taught — directly or indirectly — that growth requires self-criticism. That kindness toward ourselves has to be earned. That rest comes after we do enough.

But from both lived experience and neuroscience, we know this isn’t how healing actually works.

In this episode of Notes to My Nervous System, I spoke with meditation teacher and author Kimberly Brown about mindfulness, loving-kindness, and what self-compassion really means when life feels heavy.

Kimberly shared a message she would give her younger self — and one so many of us need to hear now: There’s nothing wrong with you.

For years, she described trying to fix herself, feeling frustrated and angry at who she was. Mindfulness didn’t magically erase struggle — but it helped her stop turning pain inward.

We explore:

• Why self-compassion isn’t selfish or complacent

• How self-criticism quietly fuels burnout and nervous system overload

• A simple, accessible three-step path to self-compassion: notice, pause, practice

• How loving-kindness (metta) meditation supports emotional regulation and resilience

• Why just a few minutes a day of mindfulness can make a meaningful difference

• Meditation tips for busy people, parents, and anyone who struggles to sit still

Kimberly also shares insights from her books — including Steady, Calm and Brave, Navigating Grief and Loss, and Happy Relationships — all centered on using mindfulness and loving-kindness to support ourselves and our relationships through difficult seasons.

This conversation isn’t about fixing yourself.

It’s about remembering that kindness doesn’t need to be earned — and that a regulated nervous system grows best in an environment of safety, not shame.

You can find Kimberly and her work at meditationwiththeheart.com, where she offers classes, one-on-one support, and a free weekly newsletter with guided meditations. IG: @kimberlyjbrown FB: @meditationwithheart

If your nervous system has been tired lately, this episode is a gentle place to land.

⁠⁠⁠👉 Mind Circuit⁠⁠⁠ is your pocket-sized support system for emotional balance and stress relief. With guided breathing, mood tracking, bilateral stimulation, and affirmations backed by neuroscience, it helps you calm your mind and reconnect with your body anytime you need it

⁠⁠⁠DownloadNow⁠⁠⁠ :Google Play →⁠ ⁠⁠https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Download Now⁠⁠⁠at App Store →⁠ ⁠⁠https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us: Instagram →@mindcircuitapp

YouTube → @MindCircuitApp

Website →⁠ ⁠⁠https://mindcircuit.org⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠@Mindcircuit