Episode 280: When Your Nervous System Borrows Someone Else’s Vibes - Patricia Young

Patricia (she/her) shares a real-life update on navigating uncertainty, emotional overwhelm, and finding small moments of connection during difficult times. She reflects on the impact of global stress, parenting a child in the military, and how co-working and body doubling through the BREAM community unexpectedly lifted her energy. This episode gently explores neurodivergent needs for connection, pacing, and honoring your capacity—especially when life feels heavy.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

A candid check-in about living through intense, uncertain times
The emotional impact of having a child in the Navy during global stress
Why even “not much going on” can still feel like a lot internally
How disconnection can show up as a quiet “meh” feeling
The power of other people’s energy on your nervous system
An introduction to the BREAM (B.R.E.A.M.) community for women
What body doubling is and why it works for neurodivergent brains
Resistance before connection: “this is stupid, I don’t want to do it”
How a simple co-working session shifted Patricia’s entire mood
The importance of relational energy vs. forcing productivity
Family logistics, shifting plans, and navigating unpredictability
Finding joy in small, imperfect moments with loved ones
Witnessing a meaningful milestone: engagement ring shopping
The reality of changing plans when adult kids visit
Honoring personal needs even when family is in town (paddling, self-care)
Physical limits and respecting your body after intense workouts
Letting go of “shoulds” around fitness and capacity
Exploring sustainable ways to build strength at home
Preparing for travel while managing pet care and emotional load
Giving yourself permission to just be—even if you’re only surviving

SOUND BITES

“When I’m disconnected, everything just feels like… meh.”
“Her energy was so good, it completely shifted mine.”
“I just wouldn’t push myself that hard on my own—and that matters.”
“There’s a lot of terrible stuff happening right now… and we just do what we can do.”
“If you’re just surviving, that’s okay too.”

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren’t built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

Patricia’s website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

SOUND BITES

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

PODCAST HOST

LINKS