From Anxiety to Empowerment: Ilise Talks Social Media, Empathy, and Mental Health Truths

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, we sit down with Ilise Litwin—therapist, author, podcaster, and unapologetically authentic human—to explore how navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and toxic relationships can lead to personal empowerment. Ilise opens up about the healing power of empathy, the toll of social media on mental wellness, and what it means to truly show up for yourself.

We’re not just any podcast—we’re the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and we’re proud to have over 1 million downloads. Your voice matters to us! Please share your thoughts or leave us a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote from the Episode: “You can be me-centric without being selfish. You can still give to others, but the focus should always come back to you.” — Ilise Litwin

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What This Episode is About:

This episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a raw and empowering look at what it means to navigate mental health in a world that often tells us to “just keep going.” Our guest, Ilise Litwin, joins us to explore how anxiety, trauma, social media fatigue, and emotional burnout can evolve into tools for personal growth when we stop pretending to have it all together.

With humor, heart, and unfiltered honesty, Ilise shares her story of reinvention—from working in locked psychiatric units to building a life grounded in radical self-care and the freedom to be playful again. We explore what it means to be empathic in a chaotic world, how boundaries can protect our joy, and why reconnecting with your inner child might just be the best therapy of all.

Whether you’re a parent juggling too much, someone struggling with anxiety, or simply feeling burned out, this episode will inspire you to redefine what it means to heal—and to do it on your own terms.

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Meet Our Guest – Ilise Litwin

Ilise Litwin, aka "The Fiery Redhead," is a bold and dynamic podcaster, author, motivational speaker, and therapist. A graduate of the University of Florida with credentials as a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Ilise spent years working in acute psychiatric units, where she helped patients build coping skills to reintegrate into life.

Her podcast Wide Open Spaces blends edgy storytelling with mental health truths, sparking honest conversations that challenge societal norms. Her book, Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery, distills her podcast’s most impactful moments into a transformational guide. Ilise is known for her transparency, authenticity, and empowering message that healing begins with truth.

• Website: https://wideopenspaceswithilise.com
• Podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/102097171634382
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideopenspaceswithilise
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilise-litwin-3a04051b7/

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Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy is powerful, but protect your peace. Being empathic is a gift, but it can become a burden without healthy boundaries.
2. Anxiety is not a flaw. It's often a result of external pressure or biology, not a failure. Learn to adjust your coping tools.
3. Joy is healing. Reconnecting with your inner child through play, laughter, and creativity can be a powerful form of mental self-care.

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Actionable Tips:

1. Set a Social Media Detox Routine. Schedule weekly screen-free days and use automation to reduce emotional overload.
2. Reclaim Playtime. Draw, dance, wear costumes, or revisit childhood hobbies to reconnect with joy.
3. Visualize Boundaries. Use mental imagery (like protective bubbles) to manage emotional overload and stay grounded.

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Chapters & Timestamps:

• [00:03:19] – Choosing authenticity over approval
• [00:06:30] – Mental health professionals are human too
• [00:10:27] – The anxiety of social media and how to manage it
• [00:17:14] – Empathy burnout and boundary-setting
• [00:20:22] – Redefining “me-centric” as healthy, not selfish
• [00:25:14] – Parenting, play, and presence
• [00:31:25] – Reconnecting with passions and creative joy
• [00:36:00] – Protecting your peace in a chaotic world
• [00:41:03] – Daily rituals and nature as self-care
• [00:43:16] – How to find Ilise and her work

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References:

• Wanderlust Within: A Journey to Self-Discovery by Ilise Litwin
• Ilise's podcast: https://wideopenspaces.podbean.com
• Mental health resource: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

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Audio Editing by NJz Audio