67. Depression and Dating with Kaleigh Smith

Coming up in this episode of Flirtations, registered psychotherapist Kaleigh Smith is back on the show for an honest conversation about depression and dating!

We'll explore what depression really feels like, how it can impact our ability to connect with others, and the unique challenges it brings to forming and maintaining relationships. 

I also open up about my personal journey with depression, which I’ve experienced pretty much my whole life, and share this part of me with you in hopes that it will be supportive and healing. 

Kaleigh and I talk about ways to communicate your mental health needs with potential partners while still prioritizing your own well-being, share about how depression can affect emotional availability in dating and why self-compassion is so important. Plus ways to love yourself a little bit harder!

If you’ve ever felt like depression has made dating feel overwhelming or isolating, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone and that it’s possible to find connection, even in the hardest moments. 

Trigger warning: This episode includes raw discussion of mental health, so please listen with care and if you or someone you love needs support, resources are linked in the show notes below and we are here to help.

Alright flirties, let’s meet Kaleigh and do this!

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About our guest:  Kaleigh is a Registered Psychotherapist practicing in Ontario, Canada, and the clinic owner of Yellow Serenity Counselling & Psychotherapy. She completed a Specialist Degree in Mental Health (HBSc) at the University of Toronto, a post-graduate certification in mental health interventions at Seneca College, followed by a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

As an ADHDer, Kaleigh brings a lived experience perspective to her psychotherapy practice. She understands the nuances of navigating daily life with ADHD, from managing executive function challenges to embracing the unique ways of neurodivergent thinking.

As a proud member of CADDRA and a Certified Clinical Services Provider for ADHD treatment, she offers specialized, affirming care for neurodivergent individuals. Her goal as a therapist is to empower neurodivergent individuals and enhance their overall well-being through personalized, neurodivergent-affirming therapy. You can connect with Kaleigh on Instagram and via the web.

Resources mentioned in the episode:  

In Canada, you can call or text 988 if in in a crisis and need immediate support. You can also access information on mental health support via the web here.

In the US, you can also call or text 988 and access live chat support here.

For more support and information, please check out the Mental Health America website.

If you are listening from other countries, please leave a comment here (if you feel comfortable doing that) or send me a message on social media where help in your country can be accesed/found and I will update the show notes here!

You are never alone in your fight to survive!

About your host:  Benjamin is a flirt and dating coach sharing his love of flirting and BFE - big flirt energy, with the world! A lifelong introvert and socially anxious member of society, Benjamin now helps singles and daters alike flirt with more confidence, clarity, and fun!

As the flirt is all about connection, Benjamin helps the flirt community (the flirties!) date from a place that allows the value of connection in all forms - platonic and romantic connection - to take center stage and transform lives for greater healing and ultimately, a deeper connection with the self.

You can connect with Benjamin on Instagram, TikTok, stream the Flirtations Flirtcast everywhere you listen to podcasts (like right here!), and find out more about working together 1:1 here.

💗 Happy flirting!