Unpacking Me

The deepest betrayal isn’t always someone else walking away — it’s when we abandon ourselves. In this episode, we unpack what happens when survival, people-pleasing, or fear push us to silence our own needs, ignore our truth, and shrink to keep others comfortable. Together, we explore how self-abandonment takes root in trauma, the toll it takes on our sense of worth, and the path back to choosing...

Unpacking Me: The Parts of Trauma No One Talks About Sometimes, denial feels easier than truth. In this episode, we unpack how trauma can make denial look “sexy” — convincing us to stay in relationships, roles, and situations that no longer serve us. We explore why the brain leans on denial as protection, how it masks pain with false comfort, and what it costs when we trade authenticity for surviv...

Too often, individuality gets twisted into “disrespect” when you don’t comply with someone else’s expectations. In this episode, we unpack the shame tactics used to silence authenticity, the weight of shrinking yourself to fit, and why honoring your own voice is an act of self-respect. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your presence in our...

When your authentic self is seen as defiance, shame becomes a tool to force conformity. In this episode, we explore how families, partners, and communities can twist individuality into “disrespect,” the emotional cost of living for others’ approval, and the courage it takes to reclaim your own voice. Thank you for tuning in to Unpacking Me! We appreciate each and every one of our listeners. Your p...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts and emotional pain. Listener discretion advised. If you’re in crisis, please reach out: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call/Text 988, 988lifeline.org), Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741 in U.S. & Canada, crisistextline.org), or Wildflower Alliance (Call/Text 888-407-4515, wildfloweralliance.org). We explore the quiet space be...

In this raw and reflective episode, we dive into the emotional labor of pretending to be okay when you're anything but. "Faking Joy" explores how trauma survivors often learn to wear happiness as a mask—smiling through pain, showing up for others while silently falling apart, and becoming experts at emotional camouflage. We unpack the deep-rooted survival patterns behind this perfor...

In this powerful episode, we explore how the pressure to appear "good," "proper," and "respectable" can silence our truth and erode our mental health. Respectability politics—especially in marginalized communities—often teaches us to suppress emotions, avoid conflict, and present perfection to gain acceptance or safety. But at what cost? We unpack the hidden toll this...

In this episode, “Alcohol, Parties, and Pain: Escaping vs Healing,” we unpack the hidden alcoholism and emotional avoidance that often go unspoken in marginalized communities. From the outside, the parties, drinking, and turn-up culture may seem like fun—but underneath is often a deep well of unhealed trauma and generational pain. We explore how alcohol becomes a normalized coping mechanism and wh...

What happens when we keep pushing through pain instead of listening to it? In this episode, we explore the deeply rooted connection between trauma and chronic illness — from fibroids and diabetes to autoimmune disorders. We unpack how unprocessed trauma can live in the body, shaping our health in ways that are often dismissed or misunderstood. This is a conversation about more than just symptoms;...

In this powerful episode, we break the silence surrounding sexual abuse and the culture of secrecy that often protects perpetrators instead of survivors. Together, we explore the unspoken rules, family dynamics, and cultural pressures that silence victims and enable generational harm. From the weight of shame to the fear of not being believed, we unpack how silence becomes a weapon — and why speak...

Wearing The Mask: How Perfectionism Is Killing Us Slowly The pressure to achieve as survival—and its mental cost. Perfectionism isn’t just about high standards—it’s a survival strategy, especially for those raised in environments where being “perfect” felt like the only way to stay safe, be accepted, or prove their worth. In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight of performance, the burnout...

Jealousy, or Something Deeper? The Truth About Anxiety and Depression Translating misunderstood mental health labels into real issues. Is it really jealousy—or is it depression in disguise? In this episode, we explore how emotions like sadness, irritability, or withdrawal are often mislabeled as jealousy or “hating,” especially within marginalized communities. But what if what you're seeing i...

Caribbean Parenting Styles and the Hidden Wounds They Leave  In this powerful episode, we take a deep dive into Caribbean parenting, exploring the normalized use of authoritarian discipline, physical punishment, and emotional neglect. What are the unspoken wounds left behind by a culture of "tough love"? And how do these early experiences shape our sense of self, safety, and connection a...

In this episode, we unpack the damaging belief that strength means staying stoic and emotionally numb. Why are vulnerability and emotion still seen as weaknesses, especially for men and those expected to "hold it all together"? We explore the roots of this cultural myth, how shame gets attached to emotional expression, and what real strength actually looks like. Join us as we deconstruct...

Family Doesn’t Always Mean Safe – Breaking Generational Trauma- Addressing toxic loyalty and family betrayal.  What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you become the source of your pain? In this episode, we explore the difficult truth that family doesn’t always mean safety. From toxic loyalty to betrayal masked as love, we unpack the emotional weight of staying silent for the sake...

Unpacking Me: Why Pray It Away isn't Enough- Faith and Mental Health Have you ever felt the pressure to simply "pray away" your emotional struggles? This episode of Unpacking Me tackles the often-unspoken stigma that faith alone can cure mental health challenges. We explore the complexities of emotional wounds, discuss why this perspective can be invalidating (it's not always d...

Welcome to Unpacking Me , a podcast where we get real about the experiences that shaped us—the good, the bad, and the messy. In this first episode, we’re opening up about why we started this journey, the meaning behind the podcast, and the personal struggles that led us here. Join us as we dive into the baggage we’ve carried, the healing we’re working toward, and the conversations we wish more peo...

Welcome to "Unpacking Me: The Parts Of Healing No One Talks About," where therapists Nicky and Mernelle explore the often overlooked aspects of personal growth and self-discovery.  Join us for candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights as we shed light on the diverse dimensions of healing beyond therapy sessions. Whether you're on your own healing journey or curio...