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
Is It Intuition or Overthinking? How to Know the Difference [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:54
Trust your gut feeling or rationalize it away? In day four of the Intuition Activation Challenge, Mandi explains how often we dismiss our intuitive thoughts by convincing ourselves they don't matter, but recognizing this…
Clear Mental Clutter: A Simple Way to Unlock Your Intuition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:22
The next step—writing or talking it out in this third episode of the Intuition Activation Challenge. Mandi shares how freeing up mental clutter can reveal hidden truths we might not even realize we’re holding onto. Wheth…
Trust Your Gut: The Secret to Making Confident Decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:00
Now we build upon the first step—slowing down—by tuning in and listening inward. In this second episode of the Intuition Activation Challenge, Mandi explains how our bodies often know the answer before our minds do and s…
How to Stop Second Guessing Yourself and Hear Your Intuition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:41
We explore the power of slowing down to hear our inner voice in this first episode (in a series of 5 episodes) of the Intuition Activation Challenge. Mandi shares why we often rationalize away red flags and how taking ju…
AI Companionship Beware: Privacy, Manipulation, and Addiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:45
AI companionship apps are skyrocketing in popularity, offering users virtual relationships that feel real. But beneath the surface, these apps raise serious concerns about privacy, emotional manipulation, and addiction.…
Finding Love After Abuse and Betrayal: How I Learned to Trust Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
“How do you trust again after betrayal, abuse, and heartbreak?” It’s a question so many survivors ask, and in this episode, Mandi and her partner open up about their journey of finding love after trauma. Mandi shares how…