Welcome to the second episode of the Becoming Anchored podcast, where your hosts, Lauren Jackson and Laura Deneen, both licensed therapists based in Brentwood, Tennessee, delve into the nuanced world of friendships in adulthood. Our mission is to build a supportive community that fosters open discussions about mental health and its impact on our day-to-day lives, covering everything from anxiety and depression to life transitions, eating disorders, grief, and beyond.
In this episode, we take a closer look at navigating friendships in adulthood, blending our professional insights with personal experiences. We explore the complexities of forming and maintaining friendships as adults, addressing common challenges and emotions such as loneliness, shame, and the importance of quality over quantity in our relationships.
Here are six key takeaways from this episode:
- The Complexity of Adult Friendships: We discuss how forming and sustaining friendships changes as we transition into adulthood, underscoring the various factors that contribute to these dynamics, including geographical moves, life transitions, and evolving personal interests.
- Emotional Challenges: The episode delves into the feelings of shame and loneliness that often accompany struggles in adult friendships, offering compassion and understanding to listeners who might be experiencing similar emotions.
- Quality Over Quantity: Highlighting the shift in perspective many adults experience, from valuing the number of friends to prioritizing deeper, more meaningful connections. We discuss how this transition can lead to more fulfilling and supportive relationships.
- Permission to Let Go: We talk about giving ourselves permission to let friendships evolve naturally, acknowledging that not all relationships are meant to last forever, and how this acceptance can alleviate pressure and lead to healthier social circles.
- Affirmation for Friendships: Offering words of encouragement to trust our intuition in discerning the quality of our friendships, allowing ourselves to find peace and joy in true companionship.
- Practical Homework: Encouraging listeners to reflect on their current friendships, considering which ones nourish them and which might need reevaluation. We challenge you to step out of your comfort zone to foster new connections, perhaps by joining a new group or activity.
Launching this podcast has been an exciting journey for us, and we are eager to walk alongside you as we explore the vast landscape of mental wellness together. Remember, exploring the dynamics of friendships and seeking out connections that support and uplift you are integral steps on the path to becoming anchored in hope and mental wellness.
Thank you for tuning in to our second episode! We look forward to sharing more insights and fostering discussions on how we can all become more anchored in hope and mental health.
Lauren and Laura from the Becoming Anchored podcast are passionate about offering more than just insights and advice through their podcast. To extend their support beyond the airwaves, they've curated a selection of thoughtfully designed merch that resonates with the podcast's mission of mental wellness and hope. Additionally, for those seeking personalized guidance on their mental health journey, the team offers professional therapy services tailored to meet your individual needs, fostering a path to healing and growth. Embrace the Becoming Anchored community fully by subscribing to our podcast, where you'll find a wealth of resources, inspiration, and support. Connect with us for therapy services, explore our merch to carry a piece of this journey with you, and ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing today.