Advertise on podcast: The Balanced Badass Podcast®

Employee engagement just hit a 10-year low, dropping from 36% to 31% since 2020. That’s 8 million workers who’ve checked out. But here’s what the headlines miss: role clarity collapsed, feeling cared about plummeted, and organizations are responding with “practice gratitude” instead of fixing anything. In this episode, we’re breaking down what Gallup’s new data really reveals about systemic workplace dysfunction, why younger workers are getting crushed, and what you can actually control when conditions are deteriorating. It’s not you. It’s the system. Link to article: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/701486/employee-engagement-declines-2020-peak.aspx Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Back in August, I posted a viral video about workplace mobbing and received overwhelming support from people who could finally put their experiences into words. Recently, another creator copied my content word for word, highlighting the issue of content theft.  This incident made me reflect on how similar situations happen at work, where ideas are stolen without clear attribution. I discuss the importance of making your ideas traceable, providing context, and using documentation to protect your intellectual contributions.  The takeaway: adapt to protect your ideas and ensure they are recognized where it matters. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Your personal brand is being built right now, whether you're intentional about it or not.  In this episode, media host and brand strategist Corey Andrew Powell joins me to explore how clarity, consistency, and connection shape the way the world sees you. Corey shares why your seemingly ordinary story holds more power than you think, and how to stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable. You'll hear about the soggy grilled cheese that tanked a brand for 30 years, the privacy setting error that ended a teaching career, and the hot chocolate stand story that transformed a business leader's entire approach to competition. Plus, we tackle how to balance authenticity with professionalism across all platforms. This conversation is for anyone juggling multiple passions, navigating career pivots, or ready to stop playing small and start owning their unique voice unapologetically. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. To connect with Corey: Website (https://www.coreyandrew.com/)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyandrewpowell/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coreyandrew/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@conversationswithcorey)Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Think quitting your job will erase burnout? Think again. In this episode, we dig into the lingering effects of burnout even after you’ve left a toxic work environment.  Learn about burnout aftershocks, rebuilding your sense of safety, and the slow, steady path to true recovery.  We’ll explore how to recognize and rewire your burnout DNA, reclaim your value, and design your work-life balance with intention. Featuring tips on setting boundaries, mental conditioning, and building a supportive network, this is your guide to transforming burnout into sustainable success. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Ever felt like your boss is unintentionally making your life a living nightmare?  In this episode, we get into how leadership habits and structural systems fuel burnout. Discover why it's not about you being weak, but about navigating and managing the power dynamics at play.  Learn strategies to protect your sanity, communicate effectively, and regain your energy in a chaotic work environment.  Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Join Tara as she chats with Jesse, aka "Your Unfiltered BFF" on TikTok, who is known for her raw and hilarious takes on corporate life and HR nonsense.  Jesse shares her journey on social media, unexpectedly becoming a voice of reason for many frustrated employees. Discover how small daily injustices and performative HR policies can undermine corporate culture and why unfiltered honesty is in high demand.  Jesse offers insights on how companies can improve employee experience and maintain authenticity. If you’ve ever felt alone in your corporate struggles, this episode is sure to resonate! Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic. To connect with Jesse, follow her on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@yourunfilteredbff. Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

In today's shorter episode, I'm sharing some personal thoughts on dealing with the emotional weight of recent events, including a mass shooting close to home and the constant barrage of political noise.  We get into the concept of emotional spillover, why you're feeling extra stressed at work, and how to create temporary normals to cope. Forget "business as usual"; let’s talk about giving yourself permission to be human, finding that balance, and bouncing back slowly when life gets heavy.  Whether it's dealing with community grief or just trying to survive the daily stressors we all experience, I've got some tips to help you manage.  Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Ever been dropped into a surprise Monday morning meeting with bad news? In this episode, we're spilling the tea on surviving (and thriving) in a resource-strapped job where budgets are frozen and headcounts are shrinking.  We'll break down practical strategies to stay effective without burning out, including the five Cs framework to diagnose your constraints, how to advocate for what you need with data (not drama), and smart ways to protect your wellbeing.  Whether you're staying put or planning your next move, this guide is your lifeline.  Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

This episode is perfect for those who cringe at the thought of networking!  We talk about authentic relationship building, how to feel more connected in a disconnected world, and Devin's key strategies for keeping relationships warm. Hear how he landed on The Real World thanks to networking and learn practical tips you can implement immediately.  From selfless networking to leveraging LinkedIn features, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for expanding your career and impact. Tune in to discover why networking doesn't have to be dreadful and how it can genuinely change your life. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  To connect with Devin: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinlasker)Website (https://www.devinlasker.com/)Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Why are so many women working harder than ever but still underpaid? Career strategist and former recruiter Tessa Grashuis joins me to unpack the hidden world of salary compression — what it is, how it shows up, and why it keeps talented professionals stuck.  We talk about the smartest ways to negotiate at the offer stage, advocate for yourself inside your current role, and push back on outdated systems without blowing up your career. Tessa also shares what really happens behind the scenes in hiring and why persistence matters more than a single yes or no. If you've ever felt deflated asking for a raise or nervous about negotiating, this episode will give you both the insight and confidence to fight for what you deserve. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  To connect with Tessa: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessagrashuis/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@knowthycareer)Website (https://www.tessagrashuisagency.com/)Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Being a middle manager is tough. You’re stuck between the bosses and your team, trying to keep everyone happy while handling a lot of pressure.  In this episode, we talk about why leading from the middle is so hard, what causes burnout, and why middle managers are so important to every company. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at work or like your efforts go unnoticed, this episode is for you. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

In this episode, we get into the dangerous cultural norm of equating our worth with our work.  We've become people defined by our job titles and productivity, fostering burnout and identity crises. By exploring the roots of this work-centric ideology, we uncover how to separate who we are from what we do.  Let's find out how to reclaim our identities beyond our resumes and build burnout-resistant lives.   Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.    Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Feeling overwhelmed at work despite all your efforts? In this episode, we tackle whether your job is setting you up to fail with excessive expectations, lack of support, and unclear roles.  Discover the concept of the "everything job" and learn the 5 Cs driving burnout framework to identify unsustainable work conditions. Plus, get actionable advice on how to advocate for a more sustainable role using the 5 Ps of role design: Purpose, Priorities, Power, People, and Pace.  Whether you can't quit right away or need a paycheck, find out how to make your job work better for you. Tune in for a reality check that just might change how you see your job. Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.  Got something to say? Text me! Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

Ready to transform your living space into a holistic sanctuary?  In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Rivers, the founder of Brave Heron Studio, to chat about how your environment can impact your mood, mindset, and overall well-being. Nicole shares valuable insights on creating a space that supports healing and growth.  If you're into interior design, wellness, and making your home feel like a cozy hug, this convo is for you. Tune in and get ready to rethink your space! Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.    Nicole's complimentary Holistic Space Review: https://brave-heron.kit.com/holistic-space-review To connect with Nicole: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/braveheronstudio/)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fieldnotesbynicole/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrZteozoZtDsSJpIVb_mtA)Website (https://www.braveheronstudio.com/)Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.

In this episode, we explore the power of reconnecting with yourself to combat stress and burnout.  Jenni, the founder of the School for Mindful Eating and Movement, shares her journey from being a workaholic to finding balance through Yoga Nidra. Discover practical tips, including the 'three Rs' approach (Relaxation, Reconnection, and Reprogramming), to regain control and create a sense of inner peace.  Ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed, this conversation provides insights into building resilience through mindfulness, breathwork, and self-awareness.  Check out the detailed show notes (https://tarakermiet.com/podcast/) and leave your thoughts or questions about today's topic.    To connect with Jenni: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jeniferk99)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeniferk99/)YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@jennikallie)Website (https://www.jennikallie.com/)Got something to say? Text me! Need a little more balance and a lot more badass in your life? Check out my 1:1 coaching sessions designed to help you tackle your biggest challenges, manage stress, and create a personalized plan for success. Your first 30-minute session is free! Visit tarakermiet.com to get started.  Want to turn your dreams into reality? Check out my 7 Days to Crushing Your Goals mini-course! This course is packed with practical lessons and hands-on activities designed to help you define your “why,” leverage your strengths, and take decisive action. By the end, you'll have a clear plan and the tools you need to crush your goals. Visit tarakermiet.com/crushyourgoals to join the course and start making things happen!  Support the show ----- I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach, burnout strategist, and host of The Balanced Badass Podcast®. I help high-achievers and corporate leaders design careers that are successful and sustainable. Here, you’ll find tactical tools, leadership lessons, and burnout education that just makes sense. 👉 Start by taking my free Burnout Drivers Mini Assessment 😍 Join my community on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or TikTok (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected! 🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email. Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices! Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.