In this weeks episode, SATC spotlights the important topic of how to cope with anxiety and depression while living with chronic illness. Amanda & Mel share their own experiences with mental health. We also interview therapist and expert, Beth Renov, who takes us through her personal experience with chronic illness and how she helps patients use exercises to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. This rollercoaster of an episode ends on a light note with new TV addictions and steaming hot goss. Topics: Winter storms in Texas (donation sites below) (1:20) Stress, life changes & entrepreneur struggles (7:00) Amanda's big announcement (8:00) Galentine’s weekend – To All The Boys I Loved Before: Always & Forever (10:21) Spotlight on Anxiety & Depression - Amanda & Mel’s Personal Experience (13:39) Therapy experience (14:20) Doctor gaslighting (17:42) Loss of identity with chronic illness and pain (19:41) Guilt and the feeling of being a burden (23:30) Relationships with significant others, friends & family (25:00) Breaking Points (26:25) Not giving up & turning points (28:56) Building a community & how to cope (33:28) Listener questions (nutrition connection to mental health, reducing inflammation, feeling emotions) (36:46) Interview with Beth Renov, LCSW (46:26) Beth’s Background & Experience (47:27) Autoimmune & Chronic Illness (55:24) Fight or Flight, Body/Mind Connection (58:07) Trauma Loop Escape, Safe Space Exercise (59:38) Container Exercise for Carrying Emotions (1:06:48) Where to find Beth (1:11:20) Instagram: @bethrenovlcsw Website: Psychology Today Hot Goss (1:13:20) Amanda’s Love Island UK Addiction (1:13:40) Firefly Lane (1:18:05) Framing Britney (1:21:09) Riverdale Time Jump (1:24:00) Mel’s Recs: Ted Lasso, Love and Monsters (1:31:47) If you'd like to donate money to help with the winter storm aftermath in Texas, you can contribute to mutual aid groups on Venmo: @feedthepeopledallas @dfwmutualaid @mutualaidhou @pmgmutualaid @trinitymutualaid @austinmutualaidhotels @austinmutualaid @ntrr4yall