Why the Strongest People Are Quietly Breaking | Grind It Up Podcast Ep. 42
I almost died in 2023 with a 4.2 hemoglobin level while carrying trauma. In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast (#42), we expose the silent crisis of mental health and heavy grief.
Mental health professional and author Nikki Edwards joins the hosts to discuss the heavy, invisible burden of being the 'strong one.' From her own near-death experience to the painful loss of her mother, Nikki shares how silent grief and compassion fatigue can physically destroy your body. We dive deep into the rising suicide rates among Black men, the dangers of laced street drugs, and how to heal without losing yourself.
Whether you are a healthcare worker facing burnout, someone dealing with childhood trauma, or currently navigating the dark waters of grief, this conversation offers actionable steps toward emotional wellness. Learn why being strong doesn't mean suffering in silence and why finding a therapist is a crucial step to survival.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:55 - What is Trauma vs Childhood Abuse Explained
05:47 - How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare
08:18 - Healthcare Burnout: Managing Mental Health at Work
12:30 - Black Men Mental Health & Suicide Rates
17:43 - What Is Compassion Fatigue? Signs of Job Burnout
19:33 - Mental Health Professional Therapy Session
22:27 - Police Mental Health Training Explained
29:01 - Social Worker Parenting & Mental Health
30:28 - Is Mental Illness Curable? Schizophrenia Explained
32:43 - How COVID Changed Mental Health Conversations
37:39 - Overcoming Grief and Trauma: A Survivor's Guide
41:22 - Dealing With Grief and Caregiver Burnout
45:34 - How to Deal With Grief and Stage 4 Cancer Battle
52:24 - Signs of Silent Grief and Trauma Explained
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--- Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming. In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters! Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥 Support cancer fighters in need! The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope. Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️ --- Connect with the crew & never miss a beat: 🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com 👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast 📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/ Listen to the Podcast: ▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts 🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2 🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132 Follow us on Social: ✖️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/GrindItUpPOD 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grindituppod 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/GrindItUpPOD 🗣️ Discord: https://discord.com/invite/6bQh4a8w4p ▶️ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7748108 ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrindItUpPOD 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@grindituppod
