Category Archives: Keep yourself first

The Truth About Healing: Accountability is Key

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THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, Let’s Heal Together.

We’re living in a time where so many people are trying to navigate the world with a mix of fear, confusion, optimism, and, above all, an unspoken desire for healing. It’s as if we’re all walking around carrying invisible weights that no one can see but we all feel. Sometimes, it feels easier to go numb, to repress the pain we’ve experienced, to hide behind a mask of everyday life. But what if the most important thing we could do for ourselves was face the pain head-on, be honest with ourselves, and begin the long, messy process of healing?

I’ve learned that healing isn’t pretty. It isn’t easy. And it certainly doesn’t come with any guarantees. But one thing is for sure—it’s necessary. We are all healing from something—whether it’s childhood trauma, relationship struggles, the scars of past mistakes, or something more recent. But that doesn’t mean we can’t show up for others in their healing journey, or that we should expect others to do the same for us. The truth is, you don’t have to be “perfect” or “healed” to be there for someone else. But you do need to be real with yourself. The journey of healing is personal, unique to each individual, and at times incredibly painful, but it is also life-changing in ways we can’t even begin to imagine.

For a long time, I ran from my trauma. I didn’t want to face it. I didn’t want to feel the pain, the shame, or the fear. But life has a way of pulling you into a place where you can’t escape it. And for me, that moment came when I had an unexpected and major surgery at the age of 24. I had a whole future ahead of me, but suddenly, I was staring at my own vulnerability and mortality. The recovery was long, brutal, and full of obstacles I didn’t expect.

When I think back on that time, I realize that it wasn’t just the surgery that left me broken. It was the years of repressed trauma that I had been carrying, burying under the surface. It wasn’t until I was forced to slow down, to rest, and to face the pain that I realized how much I had been avoiding. I thought I was doing okay, but deep down, I knew I was hiding from things that had happened to me—things I didn’t want to confront.

It wasn’t just physical pain I had to deal with—it was emotional pain, generational trauma that had been passed down in subtle ways over the years, manifesting in unhealthy coping mechanisms. For me, it was opioids. A seemingly innocent prescription after my surgery when I was a child turned into a problem that I didn’t realize for multiple years, that coping isn’t using a vice to continue to numb.  I have a difficult relationship with pain whether it be physically or emotionally. But when I realized I was steering the car load I was in, I could turn left or right, and it was time to make that choice. I could let the numbing and addiction define me, or I could take control of my life again. I found my small support system and I made the decision to fight back, to reclaim my life but that decision was hard and I have taken 10 steps forward and 10 steps back multiple times.

And that’s when it all hit me: healing is important—and it’s not just about dealing with the obvious pain. It’s about confronting the emotional and mental scars that we often don’t even know we have. Trauma doesn’t just affect the body; it seeps into our minds and hearts, and it becomes harder and harder to heal if we don’t face it. In July of 2022, I made the decision to face those scars and finally begin the process of healing. The first year, I journaled, meditated, used my spirituality, and my support to start working through, after about 10 months, I found a therapist, someone who helped me understand that healing doesn’t look the same for everyone and that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

The Ugly Truth of Being Honest with Yourself

While healing, I have graduated with my bachelor’s degree, started my master’s degree with additional doctorate classes to get ahead, got married, moved into my own place, and suffered another injury to both my knees recently.  Let me tell you first hand – there are days when the road to healing feels too long, too painful, and too exhausting. And yes, there are times when I’ve wanted to give up. But I’ve also learned that healing is not linear—it’s a messy, unpredictable journey. There will be times when you fall off the wagon, when you question your progress, when you want to turn back and hide and those days you just need to give yourself a break with extra love and take deep breathes – knowing this is temporary. But what I’ve learned is that accountability is the key to moving forward – which can be extremely uncomfortable. You can’t fool yourself, and the more you deny your truth, the more it will eat away at you.

The hardest thing about healing is looking in the mirror and seeing yourself for who you really are. It’s not about the version of you that you want to be or the version others expect. It’s about accepting the truth of your life, your choices, and your history but knowing you were perfectly made and nothing that has happened defines who you are or the changes you make to be a better person.  When you do that, when you can truly look at your scars and say, “This is part of me, but it does not define me,” that’s when the real healing begins.

This is where generational trauma comes in. Whether we like it or not, we all carry the weight of our ancestors’ pain, mistakes, and unresolved issues. These patterns often repeat themselves, quietly influencing how we live, how we love, and how we heal. Breaking those cycles takes immense courage, and it requires that we take a hard look at ourselves and our past.

But here’s the thing: healing doesn’t happen alone. No one can do it alone. We need each other. We need the support of those around us, and we need the guidance of professionals. Therapy was a game-changer for me.  And you know why they are a game-changer because they are here to serve us and our needs – not to tell but to help find yourself and strength again.  Let’s be frank many cultures and stereotypes put a damper on seeking help but without trying, giving it a REAL chance, and being fully ready to change with accountability – we will never heal the generational traumas of yesterday. I honestly thought I could do it all on my own, that I had the strength to push through my own trauma. But it wasn’t until I found a therapist who helped me understand that healing is a journey, not a destination that I began to truly heal. And healing doesn’t have a time limit—it’s a lifelong process. It’s not about getting “over it,” it’s about learning to live with it, to integrate it into who we are and continue moving forward.

I want to open the floor to you—if you’re reading this, I know you’ve probably been through your own struggles, your own battles with trauma. Maybe you’re feeling like it’s too much to handle or like you’re never going to be okay. But I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. Your journey is valid. Your pain is valid. Your healing is important. And while it may be difficult, it is worth it. Let’s create a space where we can be honest with each other, where we can talk openly about our struggles, and where we can support each other on the journey to healing.

You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of peace. You are worthy of a life beyond the trauma. And that’s a truth worth fighting for.

If you’ve struggled, if you’ve been through your own battles with mental health or addiction, or if you’ve started your own healing journey—I want to hear from you. This is a safe space. Let’s share our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. Healing doesn’t look the same for everyone, but we’re all in this together.  If you feel our place is a right fit for you to start your journey, please don’t be shy and let us help you as I had to learn to help myself with my own journey.  But before or during finding your needs – please share your story because I want to hear from you.

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With love ,

Your Friend Brianna – AKA Bri

Let this song remind you of your strength to know, You are not alone, and we all deserve to heal.

References

American Psychological Association. (2021). Trauma and the brain: How trauma affects the brain and body. Retrieved from www.apa.org

Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

Dale, P., & Landon, R. (2018). Healing from trauma: How to build resilience and reclaim your life. HarperCollins.

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Van Der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

The Journey

Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Keep yourself first, Mental Health, , ,

Greetings and Welcome!

My name is Bri, but here, I go by Monique. Many of you may recognize my voice or know me as the first point of contact when you call our office, alongside our receptionists. Today, I want to take a moment to properly introduce myself, share a bit about my story, and explain why I’m here.

I work here because one of my life’s core goals is to help others in ways I didn’t receive help growing up. In the book of Genesis, it says we are the peacekeepers of this world, and I strive to live by that principle. A close friend once shared that perspective with me, and I’ve fully embraced it. I have a deep empathy for people because my own experiences have shaped me in ways that make me want to serve others. I grew up in a loving home, but it was also filled with challenges. My childhood wasn’t easy, and I had to learn to navigate life mostly on my own. I wasn’t taught emotional maturity or how to ask for help, fearing I’d burden others. I overworked myself, taking on responsibilities for my family and ignoring my own needs. I thought that growing up faster would solve everything, but in doing so, I missed out on much of my childhood.

At 17, I experienced the consequences of a poor decision that would forever change my life. I went to a party against my mom’s wishes, and that night, I suffered a severe head injury, slipping into an induced coma. Only thanks to a true friend who called my mom and performed CPR did I survive. That moment made me realize how fragile life is and how crucial it is to make better choices.

Even after that, I still struggled. Peer pressure, self-worth issues, and bullying plagued me. I worked hard to maintain good grades and played two sports, but my inner battles continued. In my early twenties, I moved to Georgia to start over with family, but eventually, I returned to Michigan to rebuild my life. It was there I found the love of my life, who is now my wife. I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and have learned that self-acceptance is a lifelong journey.

Along the way, I faced more hardships as well do often enough, but for me it included family struggles and a car accident that led to surgery and a long recovery. During this period, I discovered my passion for psychology, I received my Bachelor’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology this past June, fun words that basically means study of the human behavior in the workplace and I started Grad School this past August. I realized that helping others through their healing journeys was my calling whether you work or a client of a facility.

In my own recovery, I did much of the work alone before seeking professional help. I turned to journaling, crying, and even screaming into pillows (I had a lot of tension inside, LOL). But what truly facilitated my healing was meditation. At first, I tried it out of sheer desperation, but soon, it became a vital practice in my life. Meditation, mindfulness, and focusing on my mental well-being became the foundation of my healing process. I began with just a few minutes a day, and I quickly saw how it helped me gain clarity, make better decisions, and emotionally heal. Meditation wasn’t just about finding peace—it helped me reconnect with myself and learn how to move forward, no matter how heavy the journey felt.

Meditation isn’t just about finding inner peace; it’s about embracing discomfort and working through it. It taught me to accept my struggles, face my past, and keep moving forward. Over the past three years, mindfulness has been my anchor, even during setbacks.

Click here and start your first 5 minute guided meditation.

I’ve also learned the importance of self-forgiveness and letting go of past hurts. This is why I’m taking this moment to offer a public apology to anyone I may have hurt. I’m also learning to forgive those who’ve hurt me. Letting go of resentment has been freeing and allowed me to grow.

When you are ready,  Click here check out our staff and we would love to help, please call at 734-729-3133.

I’m here because I believe in helping others on their own healing journeys. We all have stories, and I’m committed to being part of yours. Whether through individual or couples counseling, I’m here to support you in your path to a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m always here to listen, support, and help however I can.

I hope to hear all your stories. Please comment below.

With love and gratitude,

Bri a.k.a Monique

The Brain: Pain Perception & Gut Health

depression, Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Keep yourself first, Mental Health, Plymouth, , ,

The Brain and Pain Perception

The human brain our organ responsible for processing and interpreting pain signals, lacks pain receptors (nociceptors) itself. This fact has been demonstrated through various medical procedures, such as brain surgery, where patients remain awake while their brain is manipulated without experiencing pain. Understanding how the brain perceives pain while remaining devoid of pain sensitivity itself is crucial for understanding its role in mental health and the emerging connection between brain function and gut health.

Why Doesn’t the Brain Have Pain Receptors?

Pain receptors (nociceptors) are specialized nerve endings that detect harmful stimuli, including mechanical damage, temperature extremes, and chemical irritation. These nociceptors are found in abundance in many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and internal organs. However, they are conspicuously absent in the brain’s parenchyma—the functional tissue of the brain, composed of neurons and glial cells.

The absence of nociceptors in the brain is believed to be evolutionarily advantageous. Pain serves as a warning system, alerting an organism to potential tissue damage so that corrective action can be taken. In many body regions, this function is critical. However, the brain, being encased within the skull, is less susceptible to mechanical damage and more protected. The meninges (the protective membranes surrounding the brain) and the blood vessels within them do contain nociceptors, which explains why conditions like meningitis, brain hemorrhage, or migraines cause pain. The pain associated with these conditions originates from the meninges, not the brain itself (Tracey, 2017).

How the Brain Processes Pain
Although the brain itself does not feel pain, it plays a central role in processing pain signals from other parts of the body. Pain signals travel from the site of injury via the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and eventually to various regions of the brain. The most critical areas involved in processing pain include:

Thalamus: Acts as a relay station, sending pain signals to the appropriate regions of the brain.

Somatosensory Cortex: Involved in the sensory perception of pain, including its location, intensity, and quality.

Limbic System: Responsible for the emotional response to pain. This is where pain becomes distressing or unpleasant.

Prefrontal Cortex: Involved in the cognitive appraisal and interpretation of pain, influencing how we perceive pain over time (Bushnell et al., 2013).

Click here more info on pain in the brain.

Pain and Mental Health

Chronic pain can have profound effects on mental health. The same areas of the brain that process pain are also involved in mood regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive function. Therefore, persistent pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress. The limbic system, particularly the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a crucial role in this relationship. These areas regulate both emotional responses and pain perception, explaining why emotional distress can exacerbate physical pain and vice versa (Apkarian et al., 2009).

The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health
The relationship between gut health and mental health has garnered considerable attention in recent years. This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, is a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, involving neural, hormonal, and immune pathways.

One of the primary ways the gut influences the brain is through the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that extends from the brainstem to the abdomen. The gut microbiota, the trillions of microorganisms that reside in the intestines, can influence brain function by producing various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These chemicals are crucial for regulating mood, anxiety, and stress responses (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).

Serotonin Production and the Gut

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in regulating mood and emotion, often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical. While it is commonly associated with the brain, approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut (Yano et al., 2015). The gut microbiota play a significant role in this process by influencing the production and release of serotonin from enterochromaffin cells in the intestinal lining. Alterations in gut health, including dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria), have been linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety (Mayer et al., 2015).

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Mental Health

The gut microbiota can influence brain function through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs are produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by gut bacteria and have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety (Foster & Neufeld, 2013).

Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with depression often have altered gut microbiota composition. For example, decreased levels of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been observed in people with major depressive disorder. These bacteria are known to produce SCFAs and other metabolites that support brain function and reduce inflammation (Kelly et al., 2016).

The Influence of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is a critical component of the gut-brain axis. It serves as a communication pathway between the brain and the gut, allowing signals from the gut to influence brain function and vice versa. Research has shown that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. This may be because vagus nerve stimulation promotes the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, which help regulate mood (Bonaz et al., 2018).

Gut Health, Inflammation, and Mental Health

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the development of mental health disorders, particularly depression. The gut plays a critical role in regulating inflammation, as the intestinal barrier prevents harmful substances, such as bacteria and toxins, from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier becomes compromised—a condition known as leaky gut syndrome—it can lead to systemic inflammation (Maes et al., 2012).

Leaky gut has been linked to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function. These cytokines can alter neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and dopamine, and disrupt the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key regulator of the stress response. This inflammation-driven disruption of brain function is thought to contribute to the development of depression and other mental health disorders (Dinan & Cryan, 2017).

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Mental Health

Given the emerging role of the gut in mental health, there has been growing interest in the use of probiotics and prebiotics to support brain function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can confer health benefits when consumed, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Several studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis found that probiotics were associated with significant reductions in depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with mild to moderate depression (Ng et al., 2018). Similarly, prebiotics have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (Schmidt et al., 2015).

The brain’s lack of pain receptors underscores its unique role in processing pain without being subject to it directly. However, the brain’s intricate systems that handle pain perception are closely tied to mental health, emphasizing the impact that chronic pain can have on mood and emotional well-being. Additionally, the gut-brain axis represents an exciting frontier in understanding how gut health affects mental health. The bidirectional communication between the gut and brain, particularly through the vagus nerve and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. By focusing on gut health, including the use of probiotics and prebiotics, there may be new avenues for managing mental health disorders, especially those influenced by inflammation and chronic stress.

A balanced approach combining natural health practices, therapy, and medication management is essential for fostering a healthy lifestyle. Natural methods, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and stress-reduction techniques, support physical and mental well-being. When integrated with professional therapy and appropriate medication, these practices can enhance healing, improve emotional resilience, and promote long-term wellness. This holistic approach ensures optimal health by addressing both the body and mind’s unique needs.

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I hope you have a beautiful week.

With love,

Monique

 

 

References
Apkarian, A. V., Hashmi, J. A., & Baliki, M. N. (2009). Pain and the brain: The brain in chronic pain: Clinical implications. Pain, 6(2), 1-2.

Bonaz, B., Bazin, T., & Pellissier, S. (2018). The vagus nerve at the interface of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 49.

Bushnell, M. C., Čeko, M., & Low, L. A. (2013). Cognitive and emotional control of pain and its disruption in chronic pain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(7), 502-511.

ChatGpt. (n.d.-b). https://chatgpt.com/c/67169a93-e5ec-800b-b46c-70de287474c3

Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: The impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712.

Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). The microbiome-gut-brain axis in health and disease. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 46(1), 77-89.

Foster, J. A., & Neufeld, K. A. M. (2013). Gut-brain axis: How the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 36(5), 305-312.
Kelly, J. R., Borre, Y., O’Brien,