Consider Yourself Hugged

Welcome back! Today Michelle and I have spent the last few months diving deep into AI—how it works, how we can use it, and what impact it has on our mental and emotional well-being. AI is everywhere, and whether we like it or not, it’s influencing our daily lives. But can it actually support emotional health? Or does it take away from real human connection? In this episode, we share our personal experiences using AI for everything from journaling to simplifying life—and how we balance it with staying present in our relationships. We also include a short clip from James Barnes (Jamie, my son 😊), who has extensive experience in AI development, to give insight into some of the biggest misconceptions and benefits of AI. If you’ve ever felt hesitant (or even scared!) about AI, or you’re just curious about how it could make life easier, this conversation is for you! Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Michelle and I started off trying to be super organized, but AI is such a HUGE topic that we found ourselves wandering down different rabbit holes! So, today’s episode is all about laying the groundwork—what AI is, how it can actually help with mental and emotional well-being, and why you don’t need to be afraid of it taking over your life. 😆 We also sprinkled in some fun AI-generated jokes, absurd wellness tips, and a guessing game where AI shocked us all by figuring out Michelle’s mystery object (you'll have to watch to see what it was!). So buckle up, because we’re about to take a lighthearted but informative dive into the world of AI! 🚀 Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Today, Michelle and I are diving into The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath—one of the most hauntingly personal books on mental health, identity, and societal pressure. From the weight of expectations on women to the stigma surrounding depression and treatment, this book is filled with themes that still hit home today. But, as ChatGPT pointed out when I was researching, Michelle and I tend to approach heavy topics with a lighter touch—so we’ll do our best to balance depth with relatability in today’s conversation. 📖 In this episode, we explore: ✔️ The Bell Jar metaphor—what it teaches us about depression ✔️ Esther Greenwood’s journey—from New York to a psychiatric hospital ✔️ Societal expectations for women in the 1950s vs. now ✔️ Key quotes and moments that left an impact ✔️ How mental health treatment has evolved since Plath’s time ✔️ Lessons we can take from this book to better understand ourselves & others We also share some personal reflections, unexpected moments of humor, and insights from our own experiences with mental health. See show notes at: Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welcome back! Today Michelle and I dive deep into compassion fatigue, exploring how it impacts our mental health and well-being. We discuss symptoms, risk factors, and practical strategies we’ve found helpful in preventing or managing emotional exhaustion. We also introduce an alternative perspective on compassion fatigue and highlight the importance of self-care. 🛑 Key Topics: What is Compassion Fatigue? 💙 The emotional toll of constant caregiving 🩺 Symptoms and warning signs 🚨 Is it really compassion fatigue or empathy fatigue? 🤔 The impact of unprocessed emotional exhaustion 😞 How we can recover and build resilience 💪 Insights from the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology 🌿 💡 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Understanding Compassion Fatigue It stems from prolonged exposure to others' suffering 💔 It leads to emotional exhaustion, numbness, and detachment 😓 It’s common among caregivers, healthcare workers, and those in helping roles 🤝 Read more in show notes at Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

💡 Feeling drained, exhausted, or unmotivated? Burnout is real, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into: ✅ What burnout is (hint: it’s NOT just stress) ✅ Who’s most at risk (it might surprise you!) ✅ How to recognize and prevent it before it takes over ✅ Our personal burnout experiences & strategies that helped ✅ Self-assessments and resources to help you check in with yourself More in show notes at: Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Chatter: Understanding & Managing Your Inner Voice Welcome back! Today, we'll discuss Chatter by Ethan Kross, a book that dives deep into the nature of self-talk, how it can spiral into negativity, and practical strategies for quieting that inner critic. We'll explore how the book's concepts apply to our own experiences with anxiety, depression, and mental well-being. Key Takeaways from Chatter 📖 What is Chatter? Chatter refers to cyclical, negative self-talk that fuels anxiety, self-doubt, and stress. Our inner voice can be helpful for problem-solving and motivation, but when it turns into chatter, it can be destructive. 🧠 Understanding Self-Talk & Chatter Our brains process thoughts at a staggering 4,000 words per minute! Studies show that what we think about impacts our happiness more than our actual experiences The book provides 12 evidence-based strategies to reduce chatter. For more, see show notes at: Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welcome back, friends! This week, Michelle and I are recording from the beautiful (and snowy) Orange Beach, Alabama, during our first annual (hopefully) women’s retreat. It’s been an incredible mix of relaxation, brainstorming, and… well, some adventures we didn’t quite plan for. Who knew sticky notes and snow could be so memorable (you’ll have to watch/listen to hear THAT story! 🤣)! But this episode isn’t just about sticky notes or Alabama snow (the first since the 1800s, by the way!). Today, we’re diving into the latest book from our mini book club: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix. Listen for more. Show notes with more details at: Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welcome Back! We’re so glad you’re here for another episode of our book club series. This week, Michelle and I are diving into another powerful and thought-provoking book, and we can’t wait to share our thoughts with you. As always, we’ll sprinkle in some fun and laughter because, let’s face it, life can be messy and unpredictable—but that’s what makes it beautiful. Take a moment to grab your coffee, tea, or favorite drink (Michelle’s been sipping on soda while I’ve been stretching out my "super skinny" Caramelicious from Scooters over several days). Let’s settle in and talk books, faith, and everything in between. Book Club Overview: This week’s focus is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Last week, we discussed From Here to the Great Unknown, and next week, we’ll dive into The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. The transition from a Christian inspirational memoir to a quirky vampire-themed novel feels like emotional whiplash, but that’s part of the fun, right? Expect some laughs and deep conversations as we navigate these very different genres. Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/thehidingplace-bookclub2 Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welome! Hi, friends! Today we’re diving into Lisa Marie Presley’s book From Here to the Great Unknown. Michelle is taking the lead on this episode, but I just finished the book on Audible a couple of days ago and absolutely loved it. We’ll explore the heart-wrenching yet beautiful journey of Lisa Marie’s life, her relationships, and the legacy she left behind. Stick around until the end because we’ll be sharing some exciting updates on the upcoming books in our mini book club series. Hint: Our next read is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. It's a bit longer, so we encourage you to start soon! Find out more in the show notes at: (post by 7 am CST 1/15/25) Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Hug 192 Page Turners and Life Changers: Lessons from Our Favorite Books! by Tami West

Hey friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it? Last time we recorded, it was right before Christmas, and now it’s just before New Year’s. If you’re listening to this on the day it comes out, it’s officially New Year’s Day. Cheers to fresh starts! Let’s be honest—resolutions can be tricky. Did you know 80% fail by February, and only 8% of people actually achieve them? Here’s why: 1. Goals are often too vague or unrealistic. 2. People rely solely on willpower—and let’s face it, that’s exhausting. 3. No clear plan or system to follow. 4. They’re based on societal pressure rather than personal values. Today let's dive into how to do it better! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/are-you-ready-for-change-in-the-new-year-final-holiday-mental-health-guide. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Very short and sweet today - we just want to express last minute thoughts about the day and wish those of you who celebrate a Very Merry Christmas! Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.co

🎙️ Welcome Back to Consider Yourself Hugged! In this episode, we continue our Holiday Mental Health Guide series with Part 5: Expectations, Family, Food, & Alcohol. The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, but for many, it's a source of stress and emotional strain. Today, we’re tackling four common holiday challenges that impact mental health and well-being. Show notes post by 7 am CST 12/18/2024. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Today is a repeat of a 2021 holiday episode on grief. It was so popular that it made sense to reshare. Enjoy!!

Hug 187 What's Been Your Favorite Thanksgiving?: Holiday Mental Health Guide Part 3 by Tami West

Hi friends!This week, Michelle and I are back with Part II of our Holiday Mental Health Series, and we’re diving into anxiety. If the holidays bring you feelings of overwhelm, financial stress, or family drama, you’re not alone—and we’ve got you covered. What We Talk About Today: Anxiety and Holidays Can Go Hand in Hand Michelle and I started by sharing some eye-opening stats on how common holiday anxiety is. Did you know: 52% of people feel more anxious during the holidays. 66% experience financial stress. 24% of folks with mental health challenges say the holidays make it worse. 63% even said the holidays are more stressful than tax season! It’s no wonder so many people struggle to feel holly jolly! We also talked about some reasons behind the stress: Increased Social Demands: Parties, gatherings, and the pressure to be “on” can feel overwhelming. Financial Strain: Buying gifts, hosting meals, and traveling can stretch anyone’s budget. Family Dynamics: Old tensions and unresolved conflicts often resurface. Loneliness: The holidays can amplify feelings of isolation, even when you’re in a crowded room. Unrealistic Expectations: Those Hallmark movie moments? Yeah, they don’t exist in real life. Our Quirky Holiday Anxiety Quiz Okay, let’s talk about the quiz! It was such a fun way to gauge where we are on the holiday anxiety scale. Michelle scored an 11, which put her solidly in the Holiday Hero category (I mean, of course, right?!). Meanwhile, I got a 16—a Festive Fence-Sitter. Here’s the breakdown: Holiday Hero (10–15 points): You thrive during the holidays! You’re the life of the party and keep the festive spirit alive. Festive Fence-Sitter (16–24 points): You love the holidays, but they can feel like a lot. Boundaries and balance are your best friends. Tinsel-Tied (25–30 points): The holidays? More like holi-daze. It’s time to simplify, breathe, and take care of YOU. If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, check out the link below with all the activities we promised! Show notes at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/navigating-anxiety-holiday-mental-health-guide-part-2. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Hey friends! Today, Michelle and I are diving into a topic that’s often swept under the holiday rug: depression. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also intensify feelings of sadness, loneliness, and stress. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about what holiday depression can look like, how to recognize it, and ways to navigate it. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to offer you some understanding, support, and maybe even a little laughter along the way. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Hey everyone! Welcome to our final Positive Psychology episode/celebration! In this final episode of our Positive Psychology series, we look back at the journey we’ve taken, exploring the key insights and transformative lessons from each module. This episode brings together the core themes and strategies, offering a holistic view of how positive psychology can enhance our well-being, resilience, and joy. We’ll also share some personal reflections, including our top five tools that had the most impact, and the lessons we’ve taken to heart. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook.com/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Welcome back! Today we dive into the topic of mindfulness and what it really means to live in the present moment. We discuss why it’s so hard to stay focused on the here and now and explore how becoming more mindful can transform the way we experience life. Have you ever found yourself caught up in the past or worrying about the future? Today, we’re going to break down how mindfulness can help free you from those distractions. Show notes with activity sheet at https://www.tamiwest.com/post/present-moment-mindfulness-positive-psychology-part-8. Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources: General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ About AA: https://www.aa.org/ Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Connect with me: https://www.tamiwest.com/ facebook/tamiwestseminars tamiwest@tamiwest.com