Practical Solutions for PTSD | Anxiety Symptoms, Seasonal Depression, Isolation, Stress, Guilt, Boundaries, Loneliness

“It’s just stress.” “It’s just anxiety.” “Other people have been through worse.” “I should be able to handle this.”
Sound familiar?
When you’re already dealing with PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, stress, isolation, guilt, or loneliness, it’s easy to minimize what hurts. You keep functioning. You do the next right thing. You take care of everyone else. But underneath it all, you may be emotionally shutting down, feeling like you’re drowning, or wondering why you can’t just handle it.
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens explores the hidden guilt and shame that can come from believing your pain isn't “worthy” enough to talk about. Because pain isn't a competition. You don't have to have the worst story in the room to say, “This hurt me.”
You'll discover why minimizing your pain can keep you stuck, how to stop judging yourself for having a human response to something difficult, and why sharing your pain takes courage and discernment.
You don't have to tell everyone your story. You need people you trust to honor your pain without minimizing, comparing, fixing, or judging it.
And most importantly:
You don't have to prove that your pain is bad enough before you're allowed to acknowledge that it hurts.
Sometimes you don't need someone else to tell you your pain is worthy.
You need to stop requiring yourself to earn the right to hurt.
LINKS:
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
KEYWORDS:
PTSD
anxiety symptoms
stress
depression
seasonal depression
guilt
loneliness
isolation
emotional pain
shame
trauma recovery
emotional overwhelm

Everything feels like too much? You may be closer to your emotional limit than you realize.
When stress, anxiety symptoms, PTSD, overwhelm, isolation, guilt, loneliness, and seasonal depression pile up, your stress bucket can fill before you even realize you're running on empty. You may still be functioning, showing up, and taking care of everyone else while underneath the surface you're thinking, “I can't handle one more thing.”
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens reveals 3 signs your stress bucket is already full and how to recognize emotional overload before it turns into burnout.
You'll discover why:
Small things can suddenly feel HUGE
Everything can start feeling urgent
You can rest without actually recovering
Guilt and people-pleasing can quietly fill your stress bucket
Isolation and loneliness can make overwhelm even heavier
Stress and anxiety symptoms can make it harder to focus, connect, and enjoy the things you once loved
Most importantly, you'll learn how to recognize when your emotional capacity is maxed out and identify what you can remove, postpone, or release before your bucket overflows.
You don't have to wait until you're burned out to admit you're overwhelmed. Sometimes the next step isn't doing more.
It's making room.
LINK: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
KEYWORDS: 
stress
anxiety symptoms
emotional overwhelm
overwhelmed
emotional exhaustion
burnout
guilt
stress management
PTSD
PTSD symptoms
anxiety
seasonal depression
mental health
boundaries
 

Do you second-guess every decision or feel like someone else is more qualified? PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, and stress can leave you doubting yourself and wondering if your voice still matters.
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens continues the Not Broken. Equipped. series by exploring the character strength of Leadership. Discover why leadership isn't about titles or control. It's about influencing others through courage, compassion, and everyday choices.
You'll learn how trauma impacts confidence and decision-making, why anxiety fuels overthinking, how depression steals your sense of purpose, and four practical ways to rebuild confidence by leading with your values.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply functioning but barely, this episode will remind you that your life still has influence, and one faithful next step can make a lasting difference.
You'll learn:
How leadership supports PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, and seasonal depression
Four simple ways to grow healthy leadership every day
How to lead with confidence instead of fear
LINKS: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Take the free, Values in Action Survey and discover your Signature Character Strengths: 24 Character Strengths List | VIA Institute
Not Broken. Equipped Series: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Map8J-WkTf4VmqpvfEnnDSOh_txnnqeCf1xecS3OB6c/edit?usp=sharing
Keywords: PTSD, PTSD recovery, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, stress, guilt, isolation, boundaries, Positive Psychology, resilience, confidence, purpose, leadership, decision-making, emotional wellness, overcoming anxiety, overcoming depression.

Burnout isn't just about doing too much. It's often the result of chronic stress, perfectionism, and living in survival mode.
In this special two-part conversation, Lori Owens welcomes former nurse and holistic health coach Shan Wright to explore the connection between PTSD, anxiety symptoms, stress, burnout, chronic inflammation, and emotional health. Together, they discuss how perfectionism, people-pleasing, poor boundaries, and unresolved stress can affect both your mind and body.
You'll learn practical, holistic strategies to calm your nervous system, reduce stress, build healthier communication and boundaries, and support lasting healing. They also explore how faith, identity, and grace can help you move beyond guilt, loneliness, and isolation toward greater peace and resilience.
If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression (SAD), stress, guilt, loneliness, isolation, or burnout, this two-part series offers practical tools and hope to help you heal from the inside out.
SHOW LINKS: 
https://www.theshanwright.com/
Beat Nurse Burnout Podcast
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Keywords
PTSD
anxiety symptoms
chronic stress
burnout
perfectionism
stress management
inflammation
nervous system regulation
holistic health
emotional healing

Burnout isn't just about doing too much. It's often the result of chronic stress, perfectionism, and living in survival mode.
In this special two-part conversation, Lori Owens welcomes former nurse and holistic health coach Shan Wright to explore the connection between PTSD, anxiety symptoms, stress, burnout, chronic inflammation, and emotional health. Together, they discuss how perfectionism, people-pleasing, poor boundaries, and unresolved stress can affect both your mind and body.
You'll learn practical, holistic strategies to calm your nervous system, reduce stress, build healthier communication and boundaries, and support lasting healing. They also explore how faith, identity, and grace can help you move beyond guilt, loneliness, and isolation toward greater peace and resilience.
If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression (SAD), stress, guilt, loneliness, isolation, or burnout, this two-part series offers practical tools and hope to help you heal from the inside out.
SHOW LINKS: 
https://www.theshanwright.com/
Beat Nurse Burnout Podcast
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Keywords
PTSD
anxiety symptoms
chronic stress
burnout
perfectionism
stress management
inflammation
nervous system regulation
holistic health
emotional healing

Feeling hopeless, stuck, or overwhelmed by PTSD, anxiety symptoms, seasonal depression, or stress? Hope can be rebuilt.
After trauma, anxiety, or depression, your brain can become focused on what could go wrong instead of what could go right. But hope isn't something you either have or don't have. It's a skill you can strengthen.
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens shares a simple positive psychology exercise that takes less than five minutes and helps retrain your brain to notice possibility, build emotional resilience, and take the next step forward.
You'll learn how trauma affects your view of the future, why anticipation builds hope, and one practical question to help you move from feeling stuck to finding possibility.
If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety symptoms, stress, depression, guilt, or isolation, this episode gives you a simple tool to reconnect with hope.
LINKS: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Keywords: PTSD, anxiety symptoms, seasonal depression, stress, guilt, loneliness, isolation, boundaries, positive psychology, hope, emotional resilience, trauma recovery.

Is your inner critic holding you to a standard you'd never expect from anyone else?
When you're living with PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression (SAD), stress, guilt, or isolation, it's easy to believe every decision has to be perfect. But true fairness isn't about perfection. It's about responding with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, especially toward yourself.
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori Owens explores the character strength of Fairness (Justice) and how it can help you quiet self-criticism, break free from endless second-guessing, and make values-based decisions with greater confidence.
You'll discover:
Why fairness begins with how you treat yourself
How trauma, anxiety, and depression can distort your sense of justice
Practical ways to replace guilt with self-compassion
Four simple strategies to strengthen fairness in everyday life
How living according to your values can reduce stress and build emotional resilience
If you're ready to stop chasing perfection and start making healthier, more balanced choices, this episode will give you practical tools you can begin using today.
🎧 Subscribe to Practical Solutions for PTSD for weekly, trauma-informed strategies to overcome PTSD, anxiety symptoms, stress, depression, seasonal depression (SAD), isolation, loneliness, and guilt using positive psychology, neuroscience, and practical, faith-friendly encouragement.
LINKS: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Take the free, Values in Action Survey and discover your Signature Character Strengths: 24 Character Strengths List | VIA Institute
Not Broken. Equipped Series: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Map8J-WkTf4VmqpvfEnnDSOh_txnnqeCf1xecS3OB6c/edit?usp=sharing
KEYWORDS: PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, seasonal depression, SAD, stress, guilt, loneliness, isolation, fairness, justice, self-compassion, positive psychology, emotional resilience, trauma recovery, character strengths, values-based living, mental health, practical solutions for PTSD, overcoming anxiety, overcoming depression

Feeling overwhelmed by complicated health advice? What if better health started with one small step?
In this episode, Lori talks with Dr. Jihane Farrell, a cellular biologist and health coach, about simple, science-backed strategies to improve your health after 40 without extreme diets or complicated routines.
You'll discover why sleep is the foundation for better physical and mental health, how tiny habit changes create lasting results, and why healthy boundaries can reduce stress and support recovery from PTSD, anxiety symptoms, depression, and seasonal depression.
If you're struggling with stress, guilt, isolation, loneliness, or feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will help you focus on what matters most and take one practical step toward lasting change.
In this episode you'll learn:• Why sleep is your most powerful health tool.• How small habits outperform perfection.• The connection between boundaries, stress, and resilience.• Practical ways to improve your health one step at a time.
Practical Solutions for PTSD combines Positive Psychology, neuroscience, and faith-based encouragement to help you manage anxiety, strengthen communication and boundaries, and build a healthier, more resilient life.
LINKS: 
Lose Belly Fat After 40: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lose-belly-fat-after-40-weight-loss-healthy-meals-imbalanced/id1819511782
🤜🤛Join the free community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/losebellyfatafter40
📩 Sign up for weekly evidence-based tips in your inbox: https://jihanefarrellphd.kit.com/e30225ecd8Email me: info@drjihanefarrell.com
SHOW LINKS: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
KEYWORDS:Anxiety Symptoms, Stress, PTSD, Depression, Seasonal Depression, Health After 40, Healthy Habits, Sleep And Mental Health, Sleep Health, Resilience, Boundaries, Positive Psychology

100 episodes. One mission. Endless hope.
Can you believe we've reached Episode 100?
In this special milestone episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of Practical Solutions for PTSD to share what that very first recording was really like, how this podcast has grown, and what's next.
We'll celebrate the journey, reflect on lessons learned, hear how listeners have found hope, and explore the resources now available to help you overcome PTSD, anxiety symptoms, Stress, seasonal depression, isolation, loneliness, guilt, and build healthier communication and boundaries.
Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or you're just joining us, thank you for being part of this incredible community. Here's to the next 100 episodes of practical tools, healing, resilience, and hope.
In this episode:• The story behind Episode 1• How 100 episodes changed the journey• Resources to support your healing• A sneak peek at what's coming next
LINKS; 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
KEYWORDS: PTSD, anxiety symptoms, Stress, seasonal depression, isolation, loneliness, guilt, communication, boundaries, Positive Psychology, trauma recovery, emotional healing, resilience, mental wellness.

Summer is supposed to feel joyful... so why are you feeling more anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted? If you're struggling with anxiety symptoms, PTSD, seasonal depression, Stress, isolation, loneliness, guilt, or burnout while everyone else seems to be enjoying the season, you're not alone.
In this episode of Practical Solutions for PTSD, Lori explores how Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD), trauma, and nervous system dysregulation can impact your mental health. Learn why heat, disrupted sleep, changing routines, and increased social expectations can increase Stress, anxiety symptoms, and emotional overwhelm during the summer months.
Discover 7 practical, trauma-informed tools to help calm your nervous system, improve sleep, set healthy boundaries, reduce overwhelm, and create a summer routine that supports emotional resilience.
You'll learn how to recognize what nourishes you versus what depletes you, use grounding and gratitude practices, stay connected without overcommitting, and create simple rhythms that support healing from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic Stress.
Summer doesn't have to be a season you simply survive. With the right tools and awareness, you can build a calmer, more balanced relationship with your mind, body, and emotions.
LINKS: 
Boundary Setting Worksheet: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/podcast
Sign up for an Anxiety and Depression Breakthrough Coaching Sessionhttps://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com/breakthrough
Website: https://practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
Become an Insider by signing up for the weekly newsletter: insider.grwebsite.com
Join our Facebook community: (1) Overcome Depression & Anxiety - Use Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD | Facebook
Get in touch! info@practicalsolutionsforptsd.com
KEYWORDS:
Summer SAD
Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder
seasonal depression
anxiety symptoms
guilt
isolation
boundaries
PTSD
trauma
Stress
nervous system regulation
emotional overwhelm
mental health