What if your energy worked like a video game health bar—or even a pizza you only get a few slices of each day? In this episode, we dive into what it really means to live with limited energy while navigating severe mental illness.

We share how our conditions shape not just how much energy we have, but how quickly it disappears—and how much more it takes just to get through everyday tasks. From the invisible tug-of-war between mental and physical energy to the constant challenge of deciding where those precious reserves go, we open up about the reality of trying to function in chaotic, demanding lives.

Along the way, we tell personal stories about burning out too fast, getting it right (sometimes), and the strategies we’ve experimented with—what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what we’re still figuring out.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

In today’s episode, we explore the often invisible challenges of navigating social situations while living with mental illness. From interactions with friends and family to encounters with coworkers and strangers, we share personal stories that highlight just how complex and exhausting socializing can become.

Even though it can feel overwhelming to put ourselves out there, getting into a comfortable social situation can bring a sense of relief. In those moments, we’re often glad we pushed through and didn’t miss out.

Behind the scenes, though, the experience is rarely simple. There’s a constant inner dialogue replaying every word, questioning every reaction, while intrusive thoughts whisper that we don’t belong or aren’t worth listening to. This episode opens up an honest conversation about that tension—the desire to connect, and the mental barriers that make it so difficult.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

In today’s episode, we dive into what’s going on inside our minds—exploring intrusive thoughts, inner monologue, and imposter syndrome.

Content note: This episode includes discussions of suicide, self-harm, grief, and pet loss. Please listen only if you feel safe engaging with these topics.

From overthinking and rehearsing conversations for every possible scenario to second-guessing our ideas and holding ourselves back, we unpack how our minds can work against us. We talk about reading too much into what others say and the mental spiral that can follow.

We also explore the persistent feeling of not belonging or not being “good enough”—even when others reassure us that we are. Whether it’s in our jobs, hobbies, or even as parents, it can feel impossible to believe we’re doing well. Accepting compliments and feeling worthy can be deeply uncomfortable.

Intrusive thoughts can feel overwhelming, bringing unwanted ideas and vivid images that don’t align with our values or who we are. We share the reality of living with these thoughts—from fears around safety and self-harm to the constant need for reassurance in relationships.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

We all deal with some level of workplace drama, but when mental health joins the party, it really knows how to make things extra. From awkward interviews to decoding coworker small talk, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos of trying to function while our brains attempt a full-on sanity heist.

As we share stories from our own jobs, we hope it helps others feel a little more seen, a little more understood, and slightly less alone in the work stress they’ve been quietly surviving.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we share the real challenges of self-care—from something as simple as washing your hair to the often difficult act of asking for help.

Self-care is essential for both emotional and physical well-being, but when mental health struggles are part of the picture, even small tasks can require a larger amount of energy.

We also share strategies, tools, and habits we’ve tried—or are curious about—that can help build motivation and support the journey toward better self-care.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we’re diving into something that shapes every single day of our lives: meals. From the constant decision-making to the planning, shopping, cooking, and everything in between, food is more than just fuel—it’s a daily challenge, routine, and sometimes even a struggle.

We open up about our personal experiences—from grocery store mishaps to figuring out timing, balance, and how the meals we choose affect how we feel. We also talk honestly about how dealing with mental illnesses can make all of this even harder, turning simple tasks like deciding what to eat or finding the energy to cook into overwhelming hurdles.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, stressed, or drained by the question “what should I eat?”, you’re definitely not alone.

Join us as we unpack the realities of everyday eating, the added weight mental health can bring to it, and why something so routine can feel so complicated.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

While last episode's focus was on how mental illness can have many difficult effects on everyday life, there can also be unexpected positives that come from those experiences. We swear!

In this episode, we focus on the growth and strengths that can develop through mental health struggles. We talk about some people that we’ve met that have helped us on our journey, how mental illness can shape certain personality traits in meaningful ways, and the unique perspectives that come from living through these challenges

Sometimes the hardest experiences can also build resilience, empathy, self awareness, and deeper understanding, and that is what this episode's conversation is all about.

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com

The negative aspects surrounding mental and physical health issues are infinite, unfortunately, but talking about them and sharing the experiences one has gone through negatively might help others not feel so alone in a subject that can seem so isolating.

We talk about our negative experiences when it comes to dealing with doctors, healthcare in general, and intrusive thoughts. We get pretty real and cover serious topics such as suicide, self-harm, and intrusive harmful thoughts. If you feel unsafe with these topics, feel free to skip this episode and head on over to the next, where we cover the more positive aspects of mental health. (Yes, there are some, we swear!)

Coping Chaos is hosted and produced by KJ Cervi and Leia Williams. Audio mixed and edited by KJ Cervi. Our theme song is by Lucas Cervi and Leia Williams. Artwork is created by Lucas Cervi.

You can follow Coping Chaos on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at Coping Chaos Podcast.

We have also started a Patreon where you can help support us and have access to exclusive content.

Please feel free to rate and review wherever you stream. Send us your questions, Stories and Chaos Corner moments to Copingchaospodcast@gmail.com