Ep 2: Surviving Sundays with Emma Mainoo

Surviving Sundays is a platform for storytelling, self-love, hope, and survival. The stories aim to normalize the conversation around mental health and to add solace to the lives of those living through difficult times, through community and support. Our guest on today's show is the founder of Su...

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Surviving Sundays with Emma Mainoo

Episode 2: Show Notes

We hear from Emma about her personal journey, struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and the things that lifted her out of the darkness and continue to help her in her life today. We discuss distinct periods of her life, from early childhood memories to the relationship that preceded a massive breakdown. Emma explains the triggers that set her off on what she calls an inevitable trajectory of depression and pain. From there we turn to the ways in which Emma was able to slowly lift herself out of the despair she was in and the role of her therapist, roommate, and family in her recovery.

Emma explains how her work allowed her to regain some purpose and a sense of self-worth but how weekends were still unbearable even as she improved. She recalls the massive impact of taking steps to go for short walks, meditation and ongoing sessions with a truly valued therapist. Lastly, we hear about Emma's project with Surviving Sundays, which started as a means to write down her feelings and transformed into a beautiful and powerful support system and communal platform.

Key Points From This Episode:

Emma's favorite childhood toy and the meaningful relationship she had with it.
The periods of Emma's life and breakdown that led up to starting Surviving Sundays.
The conversation that ended a relationship and changed Emma's life forever.
Emma's breakdown and the feeling of being unable to do almost anything.
The recovery period following the breakdown and the money problems Emma experienced.
The darkest period in Emma's recovery when she realized how much she had lost.
Writing practices that arose during Emma's therapy and recovery.
Paying for therapy and the priority that attending sessions became.
The wonderful roommate that came into Emma's life and how their relationship blossomed.
How an exciting new job gave Emma's life a whole sense new momentum.
The difficulty of the weekends and what really stood out about Sundays for Emma.
How getting out of the house for walk started a new phase of exercise and self-care.
Gaining new strength and bravery; opening up to and listening to other people.
The short stories that Emma began writing and ultimately published on a blog.
Looking back at the stories now and how Emma feels she may have changed.
The tagline, "You are not alone', that Emma uses in her posts.
Emma's outline for a few practices for changing the mood and creating security.
Emma's personal mediation and yoga practice.
Looking to the future; Emma's podcast, possible workshops and the blog.
A little bit of advice for anyone struggling and wanting to help others as a means of self-care.