Shows
The Dysregulated PodcastThe Discharge Papers #8 - Breaking PointSend Me a Message! The Discharge Papers returns — but not all of it is good news. In this episode, I read through my latest discharge papers from the Mater Mental Health Hospital, offering an unfiltered and completely vulnerable look at what actually happens during a psychiatric assessment in an emergency department, during my most acute mental illness battles. • The hospital notes describe me as articulate and intelligent, with strong insight into my mental health • Diagnoses listed include BPD, ADHD, autism, OCD, and multiple anxiety disorders • The psychiatrist also flagged “Cluster C personality...2025-06-1830 minThe Dysregulated PodcastMental Health in Limbo: Trying to Force the IssueSend Me a Message! Elliot explores the challenges of being stuck in a "mental health holding pattern", while waiting for professional guidance on medication changes.• Recounting a recent visit to Mater Hospital seeking help to reset medication and establish a new baseline• Attempting to reduce Seroquel dosage independently, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns during a week of early starts• Using State of Origin football as a crucial psychological anchor during a difficult period• Experiencing increasing anxiety about the future due to feeling a lack of control over treatment direction• Feeling the early sign...2025-05-2807 minThe Dysregulated PodcastWash Out - Rain and Intense Mood SwingsSend Me a Message! In this episode, Elliot records from inside his car as rain pours down outside, reflecting nicely the turbulence felt within all week. Battling extreme and rapid mood swings that have left him exhausted and overwhelmed, Elliot shares how poor sleep, stimulant medication, grey weather, and sensory sensitivities have compounded to intensify his struggles. As the rain falls mirroring his rapidly dropping mood, he offers listeners a genuine glimpse into the exhausting reality of managing emotional dysregulation and fatigue. --Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought l...2025-05-0113 minThe Dysregulated PodcastPutting a Lid on Extreme EmotionsSend Me a Message! In this episode of The Dysregulated Podcast, host Elliot Waters reflects on a significant change in his emotional landscape: the flattening of extreme emotions. No more crying in the shower or panic attacks in bed. Stability is the norm—a welcome change—but it’s not all smooth sailing.While life without drastic downturns and hospital trips is a relief, Elliot opens up about the challenges of finding genuine positive emotion amidst this newfound balance. Contentment feels out of reach, with anxiety quietly lurking in the background, and inspiration—often fuelled by stron...2024-12-1121 min
The Dysregulated PodcastIntake Interviews #1 - Estelle (Part 1): Motherhood, Mental Illness and ResilienceSend Me a Message! Content Warning: This episode includes discussions on substance abuse, mental illness, and motherhood challenges. Listener discretion is advised. This episode also contains explicit material. In the first episode of the Intake Interviews, host Elliot Waters sits down with an old friend, Estelle, whom they met during DBT group therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Estelle's story is one of resilience and unbelievable strength, as she opens up about her struggles with substance abuse, postnatal depression, body image and the complexities of living with BPD while being a mother to three young...2024-09-241h 06
The Dysregulated PodcastIntroducing the Intake Interviews: Real Stories of Lived ExperienceSend Me a Message! Welcome to The Dysregulated Podcast and the feature series, the Intake Interviews. In this introductory episode, host Elliot Waters sets the stage for a powerful journey into the world of mental health, through the voices of real people with lived and living experience.The Intake Interviews series dives deep into authentic stories of individuals navigating the challenges of mental illness, offering raw insights into their personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs. These conversations aim to spark open dialogue, reduce stigma, and encourage a greater understanding of the complexities of mental health.2024-09-2405 minThe Dysregulated PodcastMy Therapy Reflections #4 - EMDR and My Internal FamilySend Me a Message! In this episode, Elliot shares an update on his therapy journey so far. As anticipated, navigating a complex case takes considerable effort, but there's progress! With two therapies being utilised simultaneously, it's a challenging yet rewarding process—and you're invited to join the ride! Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and through this lens, my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and authentic account of how multiple psychological disorders have shap...2024-09-1218 minThe Dysregulated PodcastStuck in Bed - Four Days with Depression + Intake Interview Series UpdateSend Me a Message! In this episode, Elliot takes us through a deeply personal experience of battling depression, recounting four days spent bed-ridden and being unable to face the world. It's a raw and honest look at how mental illness can take over, even for someone who advocates for mental health awareness.Elliot shares some exciting news about the upcoming Intake Interview series, giving listeners a sneak peek into what's in store for the podcast. Tune in for an episode that’s both introspective and forward-looking as we continue to navigate the complexities of mental he...2024-08-2911 minThe Dysregulated PodcastMy Tapering PlanSend Me a Message! IMPORTANT: TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR IF CONSIDERING REDUCING OR STOPPING MEDICATION. My (missing) plan to taper off medications is ready to go. Because of side effects, most notably memory deficits, I have decided to taper off some of my medication. In true Elliot style though I don't really have a plan. But I'm hoping this episode will at least provide the framework for one! This is a big undertaking, especially when you consider I am on eight different medications. This isn't a process that will be resolved quickly. But I can a...2024-05-1020 minThe Dysregulated PodcastFortnightly Check-In #19 - Night TerrorsSend Me a Message! Night terrors, panic attacks, sweating profusely. It's been a hard few days. But, there are some great opportunities on the horizon. Plenty of gratitude despite some challenges! Follow my journey living with mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is the driving force of this podcast, and it is through this lens that my stories are told. This is a raw, honest, and very real account of how various psychological disorders have shaped my past, and continue to influence my future.Support me and t...2023-08-1822 min