Healing in a Chaotic World: Mental Health, Trauma & Realistic Self-Care
Imagine being seen not just as the sum of your symptoms but as someone carrying stories, relationships, grief, joy and hope. That’s the space therapist Meghan Watson creates every day.
In this episode of Joyful Eating for PCOS & Gut Health, we explore:
How past experiences and trauma show up in health decisions
Why knowing what to do often isn’t enough
Why emotional eating isn’t a failure—it’s a clue
How self-care isn’t always a spa day—it’s intention
Why connection and community are part of healing
Why Trauma & Emotion Matter in Health
Often, we think managing a condition like PCOS, diabetes or digestion is about diet, exercise and labs. But Meghan reminds us:
“In order for self-care to work, you have to care about yourself.”
That means asking: What beliefs, fears or wounds are in the way? Are you avoiding a test or appointment because a diagnosis feels too real? Are stress, shame, or burnout quietly driving your habits?
When emotions, stress, shame or overwhelm live under the surface—it makes the “do better” advice feel hollow.
Emotional Eating & Shame: The Real Story
Many women with PCOS ask: “If I want a cupcake after a long week, is that bad?”
Meghan and Trista chat answer:
Everyone emotionally eats.
The food itself isn’t the problem. The meaning behind it, and what you say to yourself afterward, matter more.
When your body is under-fueled, stressed or disconnected, you’re more vulnerable to big cravings or “zoning out” at the drive-thru.
So instead of policing food, ask: What am I feeling? What am I avoiding? You might find the cupcake isn’t the enemy; the intense craving is the signal.
Self-Care: Skip the Guilt, Find the Intention
In wellness culture, self-care often looks “nice” with candles, bath bombs, jade rollers. And while those can be lovely, Meghan argues what matters more is: How do you care for yourself when life is chaotic or when you don’t feel like it?
Systems > one-off treats
Intention > perfection
Feeling supported, not shamed
Self-care can look like changing into comfortable underwear, cleaning out your fridge, or pausing for 3 breaths before you eat. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be honest and aligned with how you want to feel.
What You Can Do Tomorrow
Ask yourself: What’s the lowest-energy thing I can do tomorrow that still says “I see you, body”?
Pause before eating: Am I hungry, or feeling something else?
Reach out: If you’ve delayed a health test or appointment, consider what feeling you might be avoiding.
Connect: Healing happens in relationships not just with your provider, but with community, life, yourself.
Remember: You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need one next step.
You’re not broken. You’re navigating a human body in a complex world. And in that space, emotion, relationship, care and intention matter more than perfection.
If you’re ready to explore this with support, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk it by yourself.
