Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way. Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.
What happens when social anxiety crashes the recording session? Finally, I return to the mic after a short break, battling a new swallowing issue (anxiety?), performance nerves, and that familiar inner critic. It’s an honest look at showing up imperfectly and refusing to let anxiety call the shots. No way bucko!In this episode, I reflect on what’s been happening lately in my world: winning the University of Newcastle Young Alumni Award, two life-changing (and affirming) concerts (Oasis & AC/DC), overheating scares, plus the decision to return to full-time work for some financial breathing room.There’s also a preview of what’s coming next — Manchester Madness, new The Psych Ward stories, Weaponised Autism, Q&A Sessions, Retroactive Jealousy, and bringing The Dysregulated Podcast to YouTube.Sometimes you just have to press submit. Even if it's not perfect.--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
11/25/25 • 27:40
Good days don’t last forever which is why they need to be used wisely. In this episode, I talk about using the times when mood, energy and motivation finally line up to take full advantage by being action-orientated and not just sitting back relaxing. How it's important to prepare for the eventual drop that's coming. Because it's true that as humans we have to endure both the good and the bad days. When my mood is elevated, I find even the most mundane of tasks bearable. Having the motivation and inspiration to clean my room, send the resume, apply for the job, book the appointment, set things in motion. Because when the clouds roll back in, it’s a lot easier to cope if you’ve already taken steps forward. Progress makes the darkness less heavy. Stagnation makes it brutal.This episode is about momentum, not perfection. Action over comfort. Not letting the good days go to waste, so when the tough ones come, the work has been done to ensure the rewards are coming. And then the sun comes back again and sticks around for a bit longer than before.--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
11/7/25 • 37:09
This episode looks at what happens when perfectionism gets in the way of creating anything at all. Over the past month, I've been stuck in the repetitive obsessive-cycle of record, doubt, delete, repeat. Each recording felt...off. And my inner critic made sure I knew about it.I talk through what it feels like, the hesitation before pressing record, the pressure to get it exactly right, and how easily the delete button stalled any progress I was making. Thankfully I am able to share the small shifts that enabled me to get this one across the line. Recording in a different space, lowering my expectations, and letting the stumbles stay in. After all, this is the most honest, real, vulnerable, raw, genuine and fair dinkum podcast on the internet. It doesn't need to be polished and "perfect"! -- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
11/4/25 • 20:58
**To watch both the audio and video from this webinar please follow https://youtu.be/4Lb1NzFK5XY?si=N6-pJuM1wPwMjqB_ **Join Black Dog Institute’s clinical psychologist Pam Withey and lived experience advocate Elliot Waters as they explore how to support teen mental health during one of life’s most challenging stages.From recognising the signs of distress to building healthy habits around sleep, screen time and social connection, this webinar offers practical advice for parents, carers, and educators.Visit Black Dog Institute’s range of evidence-based resources and tools to support young people and those who care for them:🔗 https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
10/29/25 • 96:04
Finally I've published something. Not because this episode is one of my best (it isn't), but because I couldn’t stand being stuck in that record-delete loop any longer. After days of fighting perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and an overactive inner critic, I realised the only way to get beyond this loop is to publish something....anything!Fear of imperfection can paralyse creativity and curtail results, which is why releasing even a half-baked episode can be enough to get things rolling again. Although this episode leans towards filler, it is just as important as any other when it comes to it. I need this one in the bag, so I can then focus my energies outwardly again to create magic. I even give a sneak preview into two of the new episodes in the pipeline....and thanks to this current effort I can work towards getting those episodes published sooner rather than later.Perfectionism, creative anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, inner critic. Quite the handful, but I've been able to overcome them again!-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
10/21/25 • 13:37
In this episode, I talk about the sudden re-emergence of my old foe, the inner critic, and how it’s teamed up with my perfectionism to drag me down. Together, they’ve convinced me that everything I do is sub-standard, fuelling insecurities and setting expectations that aren't reasonable or attainable.The best example of this? This very podcast of course! I’ve spent hours glued to my computer and microphone, desperately trying to record the “perfect” episode. The result has been exhaustion, frustration, and far fewer episodes released than I’d like.But here’s the truth, I reckon the imperfections are what makes this show work, owing to the fact that life isn't perfect. It is riddled with mistakes, missteps, inconsistencies and lost opportunities. Because if I am able to stand by my belief that this podcast is the most honest, raw, vulnerable and fair dinkum show on the internet, the imperfections must be a part of the journey. That's the reality of living with mental illness. And that's what makes The Dysregulated Podcast stand out from the rest.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
10/10/25 • 18:56
Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
10/2/25 • 22:56
One missed appointment, that's all it took. And suddenly I was facing weeks without my ADHD medications.This time I’d done everything right, so for once this isn't on me! I had scripts sorted, appointments booked, all lined up, ready to go. Then my doctor went on unexpected leave, leaving me completely stimulant-free and flailing. The fallout was brutal: executive function collapsed, my car and room turned into chaos, appointments slipped, and even the podcast stopped for a bit there (sorry everyone).ADHD meds aren’t just about focus, because stopping them suddenly makes symptoms rebound even harder. It also shows how fragile access is under the current system, with rigid rules and long waits. Thankfully, changes are coming in NSW where GPs will soon be able to prescribe directly, making life easier for so many of us.Now that I’m back on track, the podcast is rolling again with new Q&As and intake interviews. If you’ve faced your own medication access struggles, I’d love to hear your story.At the end of this episode I also pass judgement over the developments around certain pain medications and the development of autism spectrum disorder. My conclusions perhaps differ slightly from those presented by the US government at this time.....-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/26/25 • 35:21
After a break from therapy, today’s session was less about deep work and more about catching my therapist up on everything that’s been happening. Or, not been happening. She thought I'd be tapering off medications, instead of being on another one.. She seemed genuinely bemused by this, thankfully validating the confusion and frustration I have felt when my wishes aren't be listened to. She reminded me that this isn’t a failure of self-advocacy on my part, but rather a reflection of a broken system. While most of the session was devoted to recounting these updates, we finished by re-committing to focus on the bigger picture: finding a new job and moving forward with a career change. --Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/18/25 • 20:20
Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/15/25 • 22:35
Some of the most powerful insights about mental health don’t always come from structured interviews or carefully planned questions, often they show up in the middle of a casual chat. That’s what the “In Conversation With…” series is all about. Unlike the Intake Interviews, which focus on personal histories and journeys with mental illness, these episodes look to capture the spontaneous, off-the-cuff moments where real understanding happens. No strict structure, no set agenda — just two people talking openly about life, challenges, and what keeps us going. In this first conversation, Holly returns to the show and we sit down for a free-flowing, down-to-earth discussion about mental health in plain terms, offering genuine reflections that are honest, relatable, and real. --Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/10/25 • 99:27
Welcome to The Q&A Sessions: Your questions answered! If you have a topic you would like me to cover on the show, this is how to make it happen! Every week I'll select a question/topic to cover and give the best answers I can. Anything related to mental health, there is nothing that's off limits. This is another way in which I am hoping to fulfil my commitment to you in providing the most genuine, vulnerable and honest podcast on the whole internet!To ask a question you can msg me on Instagram: @elliot.t.waters OR on Facebook via "The Dysregulated Podcast".--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/8/25 • 12:17
In this episode, I share what came of my latest psychiatry appointment and honestly, it left me feeling pretty frustrated. Again.I talk about what it’s like trying to navigate the mental health system while dealing with anxiety and depression at the same time. When you’re already running on empty, self-advocacy feels almost impossible. The system wants us to be proactive, but how do you do that when you can barely get out of bed?I open up about:Why the mental health system feels reactive instead of preventativeHow depression and anxiety pull me in opposite directions — one shutting down the future, the other making it terrifyingMy mirtazapine being pushed up to 30mg, moving me into the therapeutic rangeJuggling around eight medications, even though my original hope was to taper down and start againThe double-edged sword of “insight” - it looks good on paper, but in reality, it often just feeds my depressionThe short, surface-level appointments in public psychiatry that leave little space for the real stuffAnd at the heart of it all - the fact that I’ve lost my ability to laugh and smile, and how deeply that hurtsIt’s an honest, heavy one - but I think it’s important. -- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/4/25 • 29:28
Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
9/3/25 • 09:59
Have you ever had to fight your own mind just to do something you love? In this follow-up episode to "When Social Anxiety Hits Back", I share my win of making it to the Newcastle Knights game—despite social anxiety trying it's hardest to keep me trapped at home.It came down to a last-minute call, but walking into McDonald Jones Stadium with 30,000 fans reminded me that showing up matters more than the scoreboard. Even though the Knights went down to the Brisbane Broncos, pushing past my mental health barriers felt like the real victory. And it was! Sometimes building a life worth living means leaning into discomfort and fronting up anyway, especially for the things that make us feel alive! Go Knights!-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
8/24/25 • 18:40
What happens when the things we love most become casualties of our mental health? Today, I’m facing that question head-on as social anxiety keeps me from the final Newcastle Knights home game of the season.For me, the Knights aren’t just a hobby, they’re part of my identity! With my Pride of the Hunter banner and strong, powerful voice in the stands, I’ve become a bit of a fixture at McDonald Jones Stadium. Yet instead of joining 30,000 fans today, I’m at home recording this episode.This tug-of-war happens a lot, between wanting to go and feeling capable of going and not having the capacity. This internal conflict captures the cruel nature of social anxiety and autism-related sensory challenges. Even when we and I desperately want and need something to cheer about, sometimes the mental barriers win. And my social battery just doesn't stretch enough.But there’s still meaning in sharing the struggle. Living with mental illness often means redefining expectations. It's not always about being perfect in my record of appearances at games, but in trying my best and balancing self-care with pushing my limits.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
8/24/25 • 21:40
What happens when the mental health system fails those that need it most? In this raw, unfiltered episode, I take you into the depths of my ongoing battle with a mental healthcare approach that seems more interested in medication guess-work than actual measures for recovery.I'm currently taking seven different medications – heavy-duty pharmaceuticals that should, theoretically, be providing relief from my complex mental health conditions. Yet despite this chemical cocktail, my symptoms continue to worsen. My frustration is palpable as I recount my recent psychiatric appointment where my request to safely taper off medications under supervision was dismissed, replaced instead with simply swapping one medication for another.The consequences of inadequate treatment have now spilled into my work life. I've been stripped of my forklift operator role – the one area where I felt most competent and found respite from my social anxiety. This loss represents the real-world impact of a mental health system that keeps failing those who need it most. And this could only be the start.What makes this situation particularly disappointing is my willingness to try anything – even considering ECT or extended hospital admissions – just to get proper help. When someone describes themselves as "the most willing patient" who is willing to try anything, yet cannot access appropriate care despite years of advocacy, we must question how our mental health services are prioritised and delivered.For anyone navigating complex mental health challenges or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation that you're not alone in your struggle. The path to proper treatment shouldn't be this difficult, but together we can continue advocating for better approaches. --Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
8/15/25 • 54:52
Finally the moment has arrived, my psychiatry review at James Fletcher hospital. The opportunity to state my case as to why I believe a medication taper and withdrawal is necessary and in my best interests. Also, to explain how a hospital admission I believe would be the best option for me moving forward. Did I achieve these goals? Uhh.....not quite. But a significant change was made, whether it works or not time will tell. But that little flicker of hope is still alight and I am still in the fight!--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
8/12/25 • 18:39
After what’s felt like forever, I finally have a date locked in! I'm seeing a psychiatrist for an appointment to determine the next steps as far as my goal of tapering off all of my medications. Thank you, NSW public mental health system!The main theme of the episode though is all about my morning. How an amazing opportunity for gratitude was driven away by my over-excited amygdala which sees threats everywhere. A beautiful drive around Newcastle on a perfect winters day, with nothing but blue skies should not be clouded by anxiety. But this is my everyday. Not easy. And I know this isn't just happening to me!The positive is that momentum is being made as far as tapering medications is concerned, and making the system listen and help me with my goals. That hope is burning just that little bit brighter...-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
7/25/25 • 20:56
In this episode, I share how the NSW mental health system has picked up my referrals and is starting to piece together a plan to help me move forward. It’s a big relief — and a hint of hope on the horizon — but of course it’s also tangled up with my daily battle against anxiety.So much of this process relies on me: on finding the social capacity to answer or make phone calls, to push through the fear that is always there, and to keep these critical conversations and opportunities alive. I’ve missed a few calls along the way (hey, its been hard, ok?), but I’ve also managed to pick up the phone when it really counts and talk openly about my struggles. That alone feels like a small victory — a moment of courage that helps keep the wheels turning and reminds me that, even with all this anxiety, I’m still moving forward. The war within rages on, but now I might be bolstered by a very powerful ally. Maybe....hopefully.....--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
7/15/25 • 28:07
** Content warning: This episode discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and severe mental health crises. Please take care while listening. In this episode of The Dysregulated Podcast, I unpack my latest therapy session — one that left both my psychologist and I scrambling to try and understand thoughts and feelings that were much more serious than ever before. The stakes couldn't be higher; this was very much a life-or-death scenario.These looping dark thoughts come from deep within my psyche, much deeper than the usual storm of emotion-fuelled suicidal ideation. This time, it was cold, logical, calculated… and that makes it so much harder to fight. For the first time, I had a clear plan. It felt less like an impulse and more like a grim conclusion my rational mind had come to — and that’s terrifying.After opening up fully, my psychologist had no choice but to call the NSW mental health line right there in the room. It was confronting but also reassuring to have her there advocating for me. That call has now led to a referral to the Newcastle Community Mental Health Team, with hopes they can triage me properly and maybe even secure an extended inpatient stay to finally sort out these meds.--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
7/11/25 • 45:13
In this episode of My Therapy Reflections, I explore my latest psychology session, which admittedly wasn’t particularly productive. With my mind in overdrive from lack of sleep, stimulant dependency, and sheer frustration at life, I spent most of the session ranting—about how I’m not getting the help I need, how my life feels worthless, how all the suffering and sacrifice hasn’t led to the happiness I thought it would.I leaned hard into that old belief that there are winners and losers in this world—and I’m firmly in the loser camp, destined for disappointment. My negative loops were too strong to break, so my therapist could really only listen.But even so, these sessions matter. They give my therapist a fuller picture of what I’m up against. And while we didn’t work through much trauma or with my parts this time, just showing up meant everything—especially since I had to crank myself right up to get there.--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
7/4/25 • 26:49
I've been working on a deeply personal episode about retroactive jealousy, but my inner critic has been relentless in sabotaging my attempts to record it. This is going to be my most revealing episode yet, explaining how retroactive jealousy has been my borderline personality disorder's "weapon of choice" throughout my life. But as I explain in this episode, my mind is stopping me from getting on with the job! I also take a brief look at the current NSW mental health system and how it is affecting me (and others) and I report a slight decrease in one of my medications (which is a win!).--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
6/24/25 • 26:25
In this episode, I share my ongoing battle to getting help from the mental health system in reducing my medication load. And progress continues to be hard to come by. I share the latest letters my GP has sent off to Bloomfield Hospital and ISMHU, pleading for an inpatient stay to safely reduce and taper off my psych meds. I open up about the financial barriers to private care, the paradox of needing to make anxiety-inducing phone calls just to access treatment (for anxiety disorders!), and the emotional toll of constantly needing to self-advocate with disorders such as BPD in the mix. It’s time to up the anti, and try a new strategy. One I hoped I wouldn’t have to use…—Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
6/20/25 • 29:55
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 vulnerabilities,” which I found interesting and might explore in a future episode • I talk through the ongoing challenges of medication management, plus possible future treatments like TMS and esketamine/ketamine • I also share my frustration with the NSW mental health system — while staying open to anything that might help me get better • This episode follows on from Back to the Mater, where I recorded myself just before walking into the hospital seeking help. The story continues to evolve! And I'm still in the fight....just.If you're enjoying the podcast, please like, subscribe, leave a rating, and follow me on Instagram @elliot.t.waters or check out The Dysregulated Podcast on Facebook to stay up to date with new episodes.--Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
6/18/25 • 30:05
Awake up at 4 AM and recording from my car, I'm sharing some thoughts during a tough winter period where both physical illness and mental health challenges have been colliding. Winter has always been difficult for me, and getting sick complicates many of my energy-dependent coping strategies for managing my mental ill health. Burnout is a tough foe to battle, along with the various disorders that I’m up against. But the fight for peace of mind rages on! —Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
6/13/25 • 06:57
Follow my journey through the chaos of mental illness and the hard-fought lessons learned along the way.Lived experience is at the heart of this podcast — every episode told through my own lens, with raw honesty and zero filter.This is a genuine and vulnerable account of how multiple psychological disorders have shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
6/5/25 • 08:44
Opposite action is a powerful DBT skill that helps us override our automatic emotional responses by choosing behaviours that counter what we're feeling. This skill works by strengthening neural connections between our prefrontal cortex and amygdala, physically changing our brain to improve emotional regulation.• Identifying what emotion you're experiencing (anxiety, anger, sadness)• Understanding what your emotion is urging you to do (avoid, lash out, isolate)• Consciously choosing the opposite behaviour• Taking action despite emotional discomfort• Reflecting on the outcome and noticing positive effects• Using opposite action to manage impulsivity and emotional reactivity--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 shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
5/30/25 • 44:05
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 signs of depression returning as the waiting period continues• Preview of an upcoming detailed episode reviewing hospital discharge papers and future treatment implicationsFor anyone experiencing similar struggles with mental health treatment limbo, remember that finding small anchors to look forward to can help break up difficult weeks while waiting for professional support.--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 shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
5/28/25 • 07:05
I’m drenched, exhausted, and dragging myself through the rain—because I’m about to blow. This is a real-time recording, on my phone, just moments before I walked through the doors of the Mater hospital. Not in crisis, but not far off. I’m tired. Tired of the medication merry-go-round, the constant inner turmoil, the anxiety and depression. Im also tired of my inner critic telling me I’m not “bad enough” to deserve any help. But, I didn’t show up for fun. I didn’t walk from home to the hospital at 2am in the relentless rain to go home empty handed—I showed up because I’m worn out, and I need answers. Now. —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 shaped my past and continue to influence my future.-- Follow The Dysregulated Podcast: Instagram – @elliot.t.waters Facebook – The Dysregulated Podcast YouTube – The Dysregulated Podcast (Official Channel) Created by Elliot Waters — Inspired by lived experience. Mental health insights, real stories, real conversations.
5/22/25 • 07:35
