When Relaxing Feels Impossible: Healing from Complex PTSD

When Relaxing Feels Impossible: Healing from Complex PTSD

Author: Mandi Pratt October 13, 2025 Duration: 9:42
Ever find it hard to relax like your body doesn’t know how to come down from survival mode? You’re not alone! In this solo episode, I’m wrapping up our Complex PTSD Series by sharing some additional final thoughts on what trauma has looked like in my own life, including: - How trauma may contribute to early menopause - Difficulty processing emotions - The inability to relax - Reflections on hypervigilance, numbness, and learning self-compassion Hear practical way...

Hosted by Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate, Aware And Prepared comes from a place of hard-won experience. Mandi’s own life took a dramatic turn years ago when the FBI arrived at her door with news that her abusive ex-partner was wanted for multiple bank robberies, a story that played out publicly in the news. That moment, rooted in a past of domestic violence, sparked a transformation from feeling vulnerable to becoming empowered. This podcast is the result of that journey. Mandi now focuses on teaching women and other vulnerable populations practical, street-smart skills for safety and situational awareness. Each episode blends personal reflection with actionable advice, moving beyond theory to discuss real-world applications. The conversations here span personal health, mental resilience, physical fitness, and the cultural dynamics that impact our daily security. It’s not about fear, but about building confidence through preparedness. Tune in for honest talks that acknowledge life’s complexities while offering tangible steps toward stronger, more aware living. You’ll find a unique mix of advocacy, personal storytelling, and essential guidance in every episode of this podcast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Aware And Prepared
Podcast Episodes
How to Leave Abuse Without Leaving Your Pet Behind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:18
How many pet parents do we have here? Don’t our pets provide so much unconditional love and help us heal through heartbreaks and difficult times? Mandi shares an important update about RedRover and their Purple Leash Pro…
Beyond Talk Therapy: Healing Through Nervous System and Somatic Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
What if you’ve tried talk therapy for years but still feel stuck? Listen in as therapist, Catherine Lucey, LMFT, and host Mandi Pratt unpack the healing practices that go beyond talk therapy bringing the body (not just t…
Complex PTSD Awareness: My Journey From Surviving to Finding Peace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
September is Complex PTSD Awareness Month, and in this solo episode I share an authentic part of my journey as a survivor of narcissistic and sociopathic abuse — including the long years of post-separation abuse that fol…
How To Turn Off Instagram Location Map and other Location Tracking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:02
Careless or clueless? Tech often rolls out new features without thinking about safety—and Instagram’s new Location Map is no exception. In this episode, Mandi shares how to: Turn off Instagram Location Map on iPhone & An…
Don’t Make This Mistake: Words That Hurt (and Heal) Abuse Survivors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:02
“Why didn’t she leave?” It may sound harmless, but this one question shifts blame onto survivors and lets perpetrators off the hook. The truth is, language shapes how we view abuse — and the words we use can either hurt…
Tips For Men To Help With Women’s Safety: From Bystander to Ally [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
Learn (& share!) ideas for how men can be allies in public spaces—because the truth is, sometimes it’s the small choices that make the biggest difference. 💡 By the end of this episode, you’ll know: How to recognize momen…