The signs of toxicity in relationships are easier to spot where there is overt mental, physical or emotional abuse. But it is the *what hasn't happened* that characterises relationships where one or both partners feel emotionally neglected.

Today I talk avoidant attachment, anxious attachment, fearful avoidant, dismissive avoidant, love languages, ghosting, and stonewalling.

Hosted by Paul Ryan

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In today's show I chat with writer, poet, musician and published author Alfred Israel Mead. Alfred is an extraordinary artist of many talents who kindly agreed to speak with me about how he alchemizes his own pain through creative endeavors.

Published in 2021 his book 'The Novelty Effect: A Black Mirror Novel' is a story of death, love, dreams, personality disorders and megalomaniacs. It is a tale of despair amongst the skyscrapers of London. A new technology allows you to live among your dreams, but is life truly a dream? In one man's pursuit to escape suffering, does he multiply it?

We talk about Avoidant personality disorder, Borderline personality disorder, break down some of the traits and how diagnosed or undiagnosed one can resonate with some of the key traits of these disorders listed in the DSM.

Chronic feelings of emptiness, unstable self identity. We explore the Buddhist concept of Anatta or no self. We talk about maladaptive coping mechanisms and how to better navigate the world through self individuation and increased consciousness. We talk about sex as a form of self harm and how different levels of avoidance have affected our lives.

Alfred's many articles and poetry can be found here at https://medium.com/@alfredmead

His book here at Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Novelty-Effect-black-mirror-novel/dp/B09DMWBVQN

and music here at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nxGo8Dg4VOsq7MIzSxsWP?si=12UZtbIIRKW8RhgQj94xjg

Please follow and rate the podcast and follow the podcast account at www.instagram.com/ascendingtheabyss

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Are you addicted to that dopamine hit of social media approval. And is this negatively affecting your mental health. In this episode I talk about approval addiction and its relationship to self esteem. I recommend and read excerpts from 'The Six Pillars of Self Esteem' by Nathaniel Branden and an article published on the 'Choosing Therapy' website https://www.choosingtherapy.com/approval-addict/

Please follow me on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and instagram.com/ascendingtheabyss

or head to Patreon if you would like to support my work at https://www.patreon.com/ascendingtheabyss

Thank you

Paul

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Today I'm joined in the studio by long term friend Madonna Viviani. Madonna is a highly intuitive psychic medium who specialises in the tarot, having over 20 years experience in the field. She also provides intuitive readings through the use of incense and is quickly gaining popularity online for her abilities in transfiguration.

In this episode we explore the mysticism of the tarot and how it is used in spiritual guidance. We discuss Madonna's unique art of transfiguration and aim to clear up some common misconceptions about its use. The paranormal, the afterlife, past life experiences and more.

Madonna can be contacted at

www.facebook.com/madonnanails.tarotreader

www.tiktok.com/@madonnatransfigurincense

www.instagram.com/madonnatransfigurationincense

Follow the show on Instagram - www.instagram.com/ascendingtheabyss

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In the spiritual community we often hear the terms "expanding your consciousness". But what does this even mean. In this episode I give a brief description of what this means to me. I also talk about consumption... the consumption of self help material in books and in podcasts. Is it useful to over-consume. At what point do we stop consuming and start giving back... this is my aim with this show.

Thank you for listening. I would it if you could rate me on Apple, Spotify or wherever you CONSUME :) your podcasts. Paul :)

Please follow me at www.instagram.com/ascendingtheabyss

or if you would like to support me at https://www.patreon.com/ascendingtheabyss

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In this episode I talk about what it is to have Avoidant Personality Disorder and its overlaps with Social Anxiety Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.

The AVPD Facebook group I recommend can be accessed here https://www.facebook.com/groups/687502001376022

Please follow me at www.instagram.com/ascendingtheabyss

or if you would like to support me at https://www.patreon.com/ascendingtheabyss

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.