Just Me Therapy

I’m Good... But I’m Not: The Mind-Body Connection in Men’s Mental Health


In this special Men’s Health Month episode, Sasha, Tracey, and Shirena dive deep into the mind-body connection—focusing on how stress and anxiety show up physically in men’s lives. This conversation is for men and those who care about them. From chronic back pain and headaches to fatigue and stomach issues, many physical symptoms are the body’s way of saying something’s not right—especially when men struggle to express emotional distress.
The hosts explore real-life examples of how unspoken stress manifests in the body, why saying “I’m good” often hides deeper struggles, and offer practical tools to track physical and emotional symptoms. Whether you’re a man carrying the weight of provision or a loved one trying to better understand the signs, this episode offers insight, compassion, and strategies for healing both the mind and the body.

Finding Balance and Authenticity

Today’s episode is all about embracing the spectrum of who we are—mentally, emotionally, culturally, and biologically. We're exploring how gender, culture, ethnicity, and mental health all intersect to shape identity and self-expression.
Let’s start with a key truth: masculinity and femininity are not opposites, and they aren’t limited to one gender. Every person carries both masculine and feminine traits—just like we all carry hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. It’s not about one or the other—it’s about balance, expression, and understanding.
Culture and ethnicity often place expectations on what it means to be a “man” or a “woman,” but mental health invites us to move beyond boxes. This episode challenges those rigid roles and encourages us to embrace logic and emotion, strength and softness—all as part of a whole, healthy self.
Let’s break the binary and talk truth.

When Gender Meets Culture: Intersectionality and Mental Health

In this episode, we’re leaning all the way into a conversation that’s long overdue: “When Gender Meets Culture: Intersectionality and Mental Health.”
Culture doesn’t exist in isolation—and neither do we. Intersectionality helps us understand how different parts of our identity—like race, gender, class, and culture—interact to create unique lived experiences.
For example, being a Black woman isn’t just about being Black or being a woman—it’s the overlap that shapes a specific lens on life. That same complexity exists for Black men, non-binary folks, and others whose identities cross cultural and gendered lines.
In communities of color, gender roles are often deeply tied to survival, family, and tradition. And while these roles can be a source of pride, they can also bring pressure, silence, and unspoken expectations.
So today, we’re unpacking how these intersections affect mental health—how they shape identity, challenge emotional expression, and influence the way we seek help, healing, and wholeness.
Let’s get into it.

Masculinity Reimagined: Beyond the Tough Exterior.

This week, we’re diving into another powerful episode Masculinity Reimagined: Beyond the Tough Exterior.
Let’s be real—this conversation might ruffle some feathers, but it’s necessary. In today’s culture, there’s a script many boys and men are handed: be dominant, aggressive, and emotionless. That’s the heart of hypermasculinity—and it’s hurting more than it’s helping. We're exploring how these outdated expectations silence emotional expression, isolate men with their thoughts, and block healing and growth. So today, we’re peeling back the layers of this “tough exterior” to see what masculinity can look like when it’s rooted in emotional truth, vulnerability, and connection.
Let’s dive in.

Redefining Femininity: Strength in Vulnerability

Welcome back, everyone, and happy May! This month on the Just Me Podcast, we're diving into a powerful new series: Femininity, Masculinity, and Identity. We're exploring how these social constructs shape our mental health, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we express our authentic selves in everyday life. Through real conversations and clinical insight, we’ll challenge stereotypes, normalize vulnerability, and discuss the importance of embracing both strength and softness—regardless of how you identify.
To kick things off, we’re joined by Miss Aliyah Grinage, a licensed clinical social worker at Journeys Counseling Center. Today, Aliyah helps us unpack the social construct of femininity and its impact on our mental health. From defining femininity to embracing traits like transparency and vulnerability, we’re setting the foundation for a month of healing, reflection, and growth.

Permission to Protect Your Peace

The final episode of The Care Went In series! Tracey, Sasha, and Shirena  close out this powerful journey with a candid conversation about the evolving dynamics of caregiving and mental health—specifically focusing on boundaries.
Let’s clear this up: boundaries aren't about pushing people away—they're about protecting your energy, your time, and your peace. In this episode, we explore how setting healthy limits is actually an act of love—not just for yourself, but for those around you. From learning to say “I can’t today” to simply letting the phone ring after 8 PM, we break down the real-life, everyday ways to honor your own capacity while still showing up with care.
It’s not just about saying no—it’s about making room to say yes to what matters most. Tap in as we wrap up this series with truth, tools, and a little tough

🎙️Body First: Fueling Resilience Through Movement, Rest & Real Food

✨ In this week’s episode of Just Me: The Care Within, we dive into the heart of resilience—our bodies. As caregivers and helpers, we often prioritize others and push our physical needs aside. But this conversation is a reminder: when our bodies are cared for, everything else flows better.
From skipping meals to living on coffee and crumbs, we explore how daily habits like nourishing ourselves, moving intentionally, and resting fully can drastically shift how we show up—for ourselves and those we serve. We’re talking real food for real function, practical prep tips, and even how a family-sized Outback Steakhouse meal became a smart strategy for one busy woman.
Tune in for relatable stories, quick strategies, and a whole lot of grace for those navigating the balance of body, mind, and self.

Silent Stress: How the Body Carries What the Mind Won’t Say

Last week, we started an important conversation about prioritizing ourselves—what it really looks like to tune in, listen to our needs, and give ourselves permission to rest without guilt.
This week, we’re building on that by talking about something that affects every caregiver, parent, and helper: stress.
We're not just talking about the obvious stressors—but the stress that creeps in quietly and hides in our bodies.
When we say mind-body connection, we’re talking about how our thoughts and emotions don’t just live in our heads. They impact us physically, too. Our mental and emotional well-being is deeply connected to how our bodies feel and function.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Permission to Put Yourself First

Welcome to the first episode in our month-long series focused on Stress Awareness and the art of truly taking care of you. This week, we’re talking about giving yourself permission to put yourself first—because prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s essential. I'm Sasha Giles, a licensed clinical social worker, and I’m joined by my colleague, Shirena Smith. Together, we’ll explore what it means to balance your body, mind, and spirit while still showing up in the many roles you hold. Let’s unpack the stigma around self-prioritization, and begin building the foundation for sustainable, healthy living. You carry a lot—and you deserve space to care for yourself in the process.

March Madness: Sportsmanship and Mental Resilience

In this special March Madness episode, we dive into the crucial role of sportsmanship and mental resilience in athletics. Today, we’re joined by one of our very own, Sasha, who may not play on a college team but stays active in a local kickball league. She shares her experience balancing sports with personal and professional life while using athletics to maintain physical health, manage stress, and foster social connections.
We’ll explore how competition, whether in recreational or professional sports, impacts mental well-being. From handling high-pressure moments to maintaining a positive mindset after a tough loss, Sasha offers insights on staying mentally strong while practicing good sportsmanship. Tune in for an engaging conversation on how sports can be a powerful tool for mental and emotional resilience.