Welcome to the Aware and Prepared podcast

where I, Mandi, a trained domestic violence victim advocate helps those feeling vulnerable learn emotional self defense and how to be street smart.


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You deserve to live in peace and safety! Hear safety tips that will help us enjoy empowered lives. Let’s leave worry behind so we can be savvy, aware, and prepared

Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)

Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)

Depression as a Trauma Response: How to Support Yourself & Others (Part 2)Mandi Pratt
Published on: 11/02/2026

In this continuation episode, forensic psychologist Ashley Wasserburger explores the depressive face of trauma, the final of four trauma responses discussed in this series. Ashley breaks down how depression manifests as a trauma response, addressing common misconceptions like viewing depressed individuals as lazy or unreliable. She explains how overwhelming daily tasks become, why people isolate despite craving connection, and the masks they wear to avoid feeling like a burden. The conversation covers practical support strategies including breaking tasks into manageable steps, celebrating small victories, and providing tangible help without judgment. The conversation touches on cognitive distortions, the five Cs for addressing intrusive thoughts (catch, control, challenge, change, cherish), and the importance of reframing negative self-talk with curiosity rather than forced positivity. Ashley emphasizes that trauma responses are normal adaptations, NOT character flaws, and discusses how our brains physically change to help us survive, requiring patience and self-compassion as we learn to feel safe in healthy environments.

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Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger and Finding Safety Together

Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger and Finding Safety Together

Collective Harm in America: Trauma, Grief, Anger and Finding Safety TogetherMandi Pratt
Published on: 04/02/2026

How do we take care of ourselves when we are seeing violence, heartbreak, and fear unfold across the United States every day? It feels helpless! Hear Mandi and Dr. Keean talk honestly about collective harm in America and how it impacts our nervous systems, our emotions, and our sense of safety. They explain why forcing positivity during painful times can disconnect us from reality and why fear, anger, grief, and disbelief are natural and healthy responses, not signs of weakness. Together, they explore how trauma lives in the body, why current events can trigger past experiences, and how movement, community, intuition, and speaking up help release pressure from the nervous system. This conversation offers validation for survivors and anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, reminding listeners that healing does not come from silence or shutting down, but from connection, self trust, and allowing our emotions to move through us, especially now in early 2026.

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Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger

Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and Anger

Trauma Responses Explained: Understanding Perfectionism, People-Pleasing and AngerMandi Pratt
Published on: 28/01/2026

Mandi and Forensic Psychologist, Ashley Wasserburger, explain how behaviors like perfectionism, anger, and people-pleasing are often trauma responses, not personality flaws. They break down the different “faces of trauma” and share why curiosity, patience, and safety matter more than judgment. This conversation helps normalize trauma adaptations and reminds listeners that healing begins when people feel safe, supported, and empowered with choice. Subscribe to the show so you hear Part 2 next week!

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