When Siblings Hurt: Same house, different parenting, different 'traumas'
Do you ever talk with your siblings and wonderβ¦ βWere we even raised by the same parents?β Youβre not alone.
In this deeply insightful episode, we unpack the emotional truth that even when siblings grow up under the same roof, their experiences of childhood can feel worlds apart. Birth order, parental stress levels, evolving attachment styles, and even unspoken family trauma can shape each childβs story in vastly different ways.
We talk about how these differences can impact sibling connection into adulthoodβwhy some brothers and sisters grow closer over time, and others drift apart. And more importantly, how we can start to build empathy for one anotherβs memories, even when they clash with our own.
This is not about blaming parents. Itβs about validating your experience, understanding the psychology of family systems, and finding peace with the complexities of your past.
β¨ Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotional content related to family trauma and differing childhood experiences.
π§ Tune in to understand:
β How birth order and parenting stress change attachment
β Why your siblingβs truth may feel foreign to yours
β How to reconnect when your stories donβt align
π¬ Letβs open this conversation.
Tag a sibling. Share your story. Youβre not alone.
https://www.mentallystrongmums.com/
#MentallyStrongMums #SiblingTrauma #FamilyDynamics #BirthOrderMatters #ChildhoodHealing #AttachmentStyles #TraumaRecovery #ParentingJourney #EmotionalHealth #BreakTheCycle
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23:03
The 4 Behaviours That Predict Divorce β And How to Save Your Relationship
In this powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we unpack the groundbreaking research of world-renowned psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman. After studying thousands of couples over decades, they identified four toxic communication patternsβwhat they call The Four Horsemenβthat predict divorce with over 90% accuracy. But hereβs the good news: weβll also explore the antidotes. Learn how to repair, reconnect, and build a lasting bondβwhether youβre married, dating, or navigating co-parenting as a single mum.
π 90% of divorces can be predicted by 4 behavioursβand most of us have done at least one of them.
This week's episode is a must-listen if you're in a relationship, navigating co-parenting, or dating again. We're diving into The Gottmansβ research on The Four Horsemen of Divorceβand how to stop them before it's too late.
π§ Listen now. Save your relationship. Protect your peace.
#MentallyStrongMums #GottmanInstitute #RelationshipTips #DivorcePrevention #MarriageMatters #DatingAfterDivorce #EmotionalHealth #CommunicationSkills #TherapyTools #CoParentingLife
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26:22
PMDD: The Hidden Hormonal Disorder Affecting Millions
In this compelling episode of Mentally Strong Mums, we bring PMDD out of the shadows. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder isnβt just βbad PMSββitβs a debilitating, hormone-driven mood disorder that affects 3β8% of menstruating women, yet remains drastically underdiagnosed.
π§ We unpack:
What PMDD really is
Why it mimics anxiety, depression, or even bipolar disorder
How it affects relationships, parenting, work, and self-worth
Why most women go undiagnosed for years
Real symptoms, real science, and real support options
Treatment options: from lifestyle to medication to therapy
How to advocate for yourself (or someone you love)
Whether you're living with PMDD, suspect you may be, or want to understand it to support a loved oneβthis is the episode that every woman and every mother needs to hear.
π More resources, downloads & help at: www.mentallystrongmums.com
β οΈ Content warning: Discussion includes sensitive topics such as mood instability, suicidal ideation, and hormonal health.
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27:40
Money Mindset for Mums: Breaking the Cycle of Scarcity
β¨Why Heartbreak Hurts So Bad: The Science Behind Love, Loss & Healing
In this raw and powerful episode of Mentally Strong Mums, Elena explores what really happens to your mind and body when a relationship endsβespecially when it wasn't your choice.
From hormone crashes (dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol) to immune system suppression and even Broken Heart Syndrome, we unpack the neuroscience, psychology, and biology of heartbreak.
Youβll learn:
Why heartbreak triggers the same brain regions as physical pain
How our mammalian bonding system works (and why detaching is so hard)
The gender differences in processing love and grief
Why heartbreak mimics addiction withdrawal
What to do when you're spiraling after loss
How to begin healing from an evidence-based, empowering perspective
If you're navigating a breakup, separation, or feeling grief from lost connection, this episode is your compassionate science-based guide.
π For more support visit: mentallystrongmums.com.au
π² Follow Elena on Instagram: @mentallystrongmums
Listener note: This episode includes discussion of emotional trauma and biological symptoms of heartbreak. Please take care when listening.
Join our community of mentally strong mums who are dedicated to being their best selves - while raising confident, resilient children. Being a mum is tough, but being a mentally strong mum takes it to another level. I provide resources and support for moms who want to heal their past, nurture their children, and build healthy relationships.
My podcast offers a safe space for honest conversations about mental health and self-love. I am a qualified & experienced therapist in Private Practice supporting mothrs every day. I have university degrees in social work and psychology to create a trauma-informed approach that helps you become the best version of yourself.
π Tools for mental health
π Resources on parenting techniques
π Supportive community of like-minded mums
πͺ Gain valuable insights from mental health professionals
πͺ Empower yourself and your kids to be mentally strong
π Develop resilience skills
π Build emotional intelligence
https://www.mentallystrongmums.com/