As the holidays approach, I’ve been reflecting on the connection between mental health and the stress that many experience during this season. After diving into some research from the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it’s clear that holiday stress impacts a significant portion of the population, 64% report feeling stressed, and for 38%, that stress intensifies specifically because of the holidays.

That’s why I’m revisiting an earlier episode featuring Jennifer Fraser, author of The Bully Brain.

Tune in to hear Jennifer’s personal story and the strategies she recommends for mental well being.

This episode is a soul-stirring episode of "Limitless Healing with Colette," where Colette speaks with Jennifer Fraser PhD on the profound journey of healing and empowerment.

Jennifer shares her deeply moving narrative and groundbreaking insights into brain health. In this episode, Jennifer delves into her personal ordeal with trauma, recounting the challenges she faced and the strides she's made in reconnecting with her past to foster a healthier, more integrated self.

Jennifer and Colette explore the disturbing dynamic of how adults, unwittingly or not, protect abusers, and how perpetrators exploit empathy to serve their own ends.

Jennifer brings her expertise in neuroscience to the table, discussing how genetics, environment, and epigenetics play into abusive behaviors and the hope that lies in rehabilitating "hurt brains."

Episode Highlights:

02:20 Jennifer's brother's learning disability experience shapes her brain interest

06:06 Jennifer turned to science to understand abuse

10:30 Jennifer's trauma memories were triggered when she uncovered her son's abuse

12:40 Questioning behavior when child abuse allegations arise

17:33 Genetics play a role, but environment factors are very influential

19:46 Internalized negativity can trap us in helplessness

22:01 Neuroscience reveals brain's reaction to split personality

31:32 Difficult for kids to recognize adult abuse

34:02 Be vigilent as abusers can appear kind and smart

37:46 How to identify abusers, through questioning, asking for evidence and sharing with others

40:39 You can heal a hurt brain: Neuroscience confirms benefits of exercise and mindfulness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulliedbrain/

Website: https://bulliedbrain.com/

Book: The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=THE+BULLIED+BRAIN

Brain Training: Brain HQ: https://www.brainhq.com/

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

Thank you for listening to the Limitless Healing podcast with Colette Brown! It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love!

In Health,
Colette