Where Mental Health and Society Meet Mental Health impacts virtually every aspect of our lives, yet it seems we don’t talk about it enough. Mental Health is a public health crisis, and it’s time we discuss how mental wellness impacts our society. The Mental Society is a place for us to do just that; to have open, honest, and deep discussions about how mental health affects every corner of our society.
Join us as we open up the conversation and explore how mental health influences our world and everyone living there. We will uncover just how important mental health and wellness are and how it impacts relationships, careers, finances, health, access to care, the criminal justice system, and more.
The Adderall shortage began in October 2022, and still nearly 20 months later millions of americans are struggilng to fill their prescriptions. How did we get here? Why does it matter? How do we fix it?
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Adderall Shortage Resource Links
Let me tell you a little bit about my ADHD and how it impacts my everyday life, how I try to overcome it, and how my brain affects my relationships.
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I've been gone for a while but I'm back. On this season we will focus on personal stories and deep dives into what is going on in the world of mental wellness. Things from policies and access to care to how social media is normalizing taking care of your mental health.
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www.amandadolin.com
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On this episode of The Mental Society, Today I am joined by Joshua Shea.
He and I discuss how pornography can impact relationships and create unrealistic expectations of what sex and intimacy look like in relationships.
Joshua is a pornography addiction expert, certified betrayal trauma coach, therapeutic disclosure specialist, and author.
Joshua focuses on the trauma partners feel when learning their loved one has an issue with pornography and promotes the idea that porn addiction spans all demographics and that those with a problem should seek help before it’s too late.
You can find out more about Joshua and his work by visiting PAddictRecovery.com.
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. You can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more there.
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. You can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more there.
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Today I am joined by Dylan Newcomb.
Dylan and I discuss the importance of nonverbal communication and how we can use sound and movement to heal from the inside out.
Dylan is a world-renowned expert in embodiment and has dedicated over two decades to helping individuals transform unhealthy stress and live a more fulfilling life.
After studying dance performance and music composition at the Juilliard School, Dylan danced with the Netherlands Dance Theater, receiving numerous awards as a choreographer-composer in the Netherlands.
In 2001, he co-founded the Danslab Institute for Movement Research, where he conducted extensive cross-cultural research on the relationship between vocal sounds, breath, movement, and behavior—laying the foundation for developing UZAZU Embodied Intelligence, a comprehensive personal growth modality.
More info and resources about Dylan on his website https://dylannewcomb.com/.
Learn more about UZAZU and take the free self-assessment at www.uzazu.org
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Today I am joined by Dr. Lauren Pitts
Dr. Pitts is the CEO and Founder of Legacy Counseling & Life Coaching.
She also hosts “HOUSE TALK Pregame,” a podcast providing powerful, raw life, sports, and mental health information that athletes and their families need to make well-informed athletic and life-transforming decisions!
We talk about how a child’s involvement in sports impacts their mental health and the wellness of their families.
You can find more about Dr. Pitts and her work on her website, https://drlaurendpitts.com/
Be sure to check out her podcast https://drlaurendpitts.com/house-talk/
You can find her book at https://tinyurl.com/drpittsbook
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Stephen Moffe.
Steve and I discuss how he overcame trauma, addiction, and loss through everything from equine therapy to 12-step programs.
Steve is a father, mental health advocate, recovering addict, horse trainer, and author. His new book, It’s an Inside Job, Kid, tells his story of trauma, childhood abuse, substance use, mental illness, treatment, and recovery.
He wrote this book for those who, like him, have struggled with trauma, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental illness. By sharing his humorous, ironic, and tragic story, he hopes to inspire others and help them recognize their own resilience.
You can find Steve’s book, It’s an Inside Job, Kid, on Amazon, https://tinyurl.com/itsaninsidejobkid.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Dr. Joan Ifland.
We talk about food addiction, what it is, why it happens, and what you can do to make changes that will help you feel better.
Dr. Ifland has been creating breakthroughs in recovery from food addiction since 1999 and is the lead author of the first scholarly description of processed food addiction and the definition of addictive foods.
She has founded online communities providing support and education for those experiencing food addiction and who are ready to make changes.
You can find more about Dr. Ifland at https://www.drjoanifland.com/.
Find more about her online community at https://www.foodaddictionreset.com/.
https://www.foodaddictionreset.com/store/eRGikBbY is where you can find the link to take the self quiz we discussed.
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Join Gifty Enright and me as we discuss how trying to do all the things can lead to doing none of the things.
Gifty is an author and international speaker specializing in women in the Workplace and Well-being.
She has spoken at multinational organizations and top Universities such as Oxford University and given a TEDx talk.
After years of hearing that women like her could ‘have it all,’ Gifty felt like she was racing like an Octopus on a Treadmill from dawn till dusk, juggling her family, career, and the endless demands of modern life, to the detriment of her health.
In her book Octopus on a Treadmill: Women. Success. Health. Happiness.
She shares the secrets of how she turned her life around by taking a holistic approach to healing and transforming her physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
You can find more about Gifty on her website www.giftyenright.com.
You can find her books by following this link https://tinyurl.com/giftybooks
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Today I am joined by Barbara Legere.
We discuss guilt, shame, children, suicide, substance use, and how all of that has impacted her life.
Barbara is the author of "Keven's Choice - A Mother's Journey Through Her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide" and the upcoming "Talk to Me, I'm Grieving - Supportive Ways to Help Someone Through Grief."
She advocates for harm reduction, MAT (medically assisted treatment), and ending the stigma towards substance abuse and mental health issues.
After losing her son, Keven, to suicide, her passion has been reaching out to other grievers to offer support and understanding through her writing and as a volunteer for TIP (Traumatic Intervention Program).
You can learn more about Barbara, her work, additional resources, and links to her books on her website www.barbaralegere.com
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Allison Frye.
We discuss suicide, how it impacts families and mental health advocacy.
Allison is a mental health advocate and host of the mental health podcast “Allison in Wonderland,” she is turning her "empty nest" into an opportunity to focus on her advocacy.
This journey began with the loss of Allison's brother (2007) and mother (2010) due to suicide and has become a lifelong obsession for mental health awareness.
Allison lives, breathes, and preaches mental health awareness and suicide prevention in all aspects of her life. She is passionate about these causes and will discuss them with anyone who listens.
You can find more about Allison and her mental health first aid kit on her website https://allisoninwonderland.com.
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This is the last of a three-part series where we dive into the impact of mental illness on relationships and how this couple works together to find health and happiness.
On this last episode, Trena and Nora share their joint mental health journey and show us the power of taking time to check in each day, consistent support, and open communication.
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This is the second of a three-part series where we dive into the impact of mental illness on relationships and how this couple works together to find health and happiness.
On this episode, Nora shares her story and how she and her wife, Trena, navigate their mental health together.
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This is the first of a three-part series where we dive into the impact mental illness can have on relationships and how this couple works together to find health and happiness.
On this episode, Trena shares her story and how she and her wife, Nora, navigate their mental health together.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Dr. Rebecca Allen.
Listen as Dr. Allen shares more about treatment options for individuals who need more than medication to treat their mental illness effectively. Learn about “shock therapy” and how it really works. Spoiler alert, it’s probably not what you think it is.
Dr. Allen has authored papers and researched everything from sleep, memory consolidation, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis.
She authored a sleep and sleep disorders chapter for the Harvard textbook Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology: Principles and Practice (2020).
Her main clinical interest is neuropsychiatry: she is trained in the neurobiological bases and treatment of cognitive and behavioral manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases (dementia), multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, developmental disorders, traumatic brain injury, and other disorders.
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Join in and hear Trent's incredible story of survival and perseverance.
He has had cancer 3x - hip bone cancer left him crippled, lung cancer, and then pancreatic cancer. The doctors told him he only had a 5% chance of survival.
Trent changed his outlook and trained his mind to believe he could beat cancer even though five specialists said there was no chance. Now 18 months cancer free and undergoing a 3-part surgery project never done before, he is here to share some of the tools he learned and help people along the way.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Lee Wind.
Lee writes stories to empower kids and teens to be their authentic selves and change the world – the same books that would have changed his life as a young gay, Jewish kid.
Lee and I talk about history, banned books, growing up, and the people you never knew were Queer.
His debut picture book, RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE was illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky, received five-starred trade reviews, and The New York Times praised it as “Beautiful… It’s a message the world can use, throughout the year.” He is the author of the nonfiction book NO WAY; THEY WERE GAY? HIDDEN LIVES AND SECRET LOVES and the novel QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL.
He also runs the popular blog I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? He’s the official blogger for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Queer Kid Lit Creators community organizer.
Lee lives in Los Angeles with his husband of more than 25 years, and they have a grown daughter. You can find out more about Lee, the books he writes, and the work he does by checking out his website, www.leewind.org
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Amy Ballantyne. We discuss well-being and how small steps can lead to big changes!
Amy is an accredited Mental Well-Being Coach, speaker, and author. As a coach, she supports clients who struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, and high stress and want to experience clarity and connection. She provides compassionate accountability while guiding clients to shift limiting beliefs, improve wellness habits, and create the life they truly desire.
Amy hosts Power To The People Pleasers, a podcast to empower individuals who often put themselves last. This show can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio. She has spoken on international stages, summits, and workplace wellness webinars across Canada.
As a speaker, she brings her energy, passion, and knowledge to every webinar or stage to help the audience connect with the information so that they feel inspired, informed, and primed to take action! She has shared wellness webinars for companies across Canada, including Ernst & Young, Hazelview, Schlegel Villages, Star Metroland Media, Vidyard, SunLife, Manulife, and more.
As an author, Amy is a recent Amazon Best Seller as a co-author for the compilation book Business Life & the Universe Volume 6. She has also published Mr. Poop Knows Poop (a digestive health book for parents and kids) and a youth empowerment series for girls called Diary of a Softball Girl.
Wellness is so much more than eating and exercise. Taking a holistic approach to well-being is how Amy supports her clients.
You can find more about Amy at her website http://amyballantyne.com.
Check out her podcast POWER TO THE PEOPLE PLEASERS
Schedule a Free Call with Amy!
BUST THE CYCLE OF OVERWHELM - FREE PDF DOWNLOAD
Find her on Social Media:
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Check out all of her books using the links below:
Diary of a Softball Girl: Book 1 | Book 2 | Season Journal
Mr Poop Knows Poop
Best Selling Author in BLU TALKS: Business Life Universe Volume 6
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Sunita Alves.
She is the daughter of Indo-Caribbean-Canadian immigrants who spent her formative years testing limits and pushing boundaries. Sunita dreamed of a life without limitations, becoming the first woman in her family to become an engineer. The pinnacle was achieving her dream job, a blend of teaching mindfulness, training coaches, and heading up a project to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous youth in Canada. She had it all. Then, she experienced workplace stressors that eventually impacted her mental health and ability to work. Literally and figuratively heartbroken, she found a path to healing and finding peace.
Sunita and I discuss how her physical and mental health were significantly impacted by work stress and her belief that she could do it all. She shares how she uses her experiences to help others avoid the same fate and find joy and contentment in their lives.
Sunita shares her journey in her book, Breakthrough: A Memoir of Toxic Work, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace. You can find where to purchase her book and more about Sunita by visiting her website https://sunitaalves.com
Find more about the 13 workplace factors that impact mental health here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N4vMp-B7lw4URugBpGCCsVhVXlSJxUpe/view?usp=sharing
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by comedian and psychiatrist Dr. Neil Berliner.
Dr. Berliner is an American comedy writer, standup comedian, comedy producer, and instructor. Neil is one of the most requested joke-writing instructors in the United States. In 2022, Neil was named the first Comedy-Writer-in-Residence for The Comedy Cures Foundation. Neil is also a practicing medical doctor and is the Medical Director of a large mental health agency in Brooklyn.
Listen in as Neil, and I talk about comedy, connection, community, and chairs. We, yet again, hear about how important connection, community, and collaboration lead to improved mental health and adherence to medical treatment plans.
You can find out more about Dr. Berliner by visiting his website https://neilberlinercomedy.com/ and be sure to check out his new book Ha Ha History full of history and comedy.
Check out The Comedy Cures Foundation and see how you can get involved.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Paulette Buchannan.
Paulette is a former educator who has taught students from elementary school all the way through college. Since 2007 Paulette has worked with other victims and legislators to bring about needed changes in the law to protect individuals and society better. She is a member of the International Cultic Studies Association, and in November 2019, she presented at their conference, speaking on “Legislative Action as Part of the Healing Process.” In February 2020, she was the Table Talk moderator on the topic “Cults and the Law.”
Her goal is to inform the public and policymakers on the issues of court reform, cults, religious fraud, mental illness policy reform, and government corruption.
Paulette and I discuss how unequipped the justice system is to help individuals needing quality, long-term, and compassionate mental health treatment. Paulette speaks about her personal experiences with the criminal justice system and trying to escape her stalker/brother and why she thinks court-ordered psychiatric hospitalization should become more commonplace.
To learn more about Paulette, her work, and her book, you can visit her website www.fightingforjusticebook.com
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What happens when we change the discussion around gun violence and school shootings away from guns and toward the long-term financial consequences? Trauma is expensive; let’s save money and improve our collective mental health.
Here is the link to the TikTok I mentioned: https://tinyurl.com/tiktoktrauma
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Sunita Alves.
She is the daughter of Indo-Caribbean-Canadian immigrants who spent her formative years testing limits and pushing boundaries. Sunita dreamed of a life without limitations, becoming the first woman in her family to become an engineer. The pinnacle was achieving her dream job, a blend of teaching mindfulness, training coaches, and heading up a project to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous youth in Canada. She had it all. Then, she experienced workplace stressors that eventually impacted her mental health and ability to work. Literally and figuratively heartbroken, she found a path to healing and finding peace.
Sunita and I discuss how her physical and mental health were significantly impacted by work stress and her belief that she could do it all. She shares how she uses her experiences to help others avoid the same fate and find joy and contentment in their lives.
Sunita shares her journey in her book, Breakthrough: A Memoir of Toxic Work, Mindfulness, and Inner Peace. You can find where to purchase her book and more about Sunita by visiting her website https://sunitaalves.com
Find more about the 13 workplace factors that impact mental health here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N4vMp-B7lw4URugBpGCCsVhVXlSJxUpe/view?usp=sharing
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. You can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more there.
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As a person living with bipolar disorder, I do my best to stay aware of anything that may cause a relapse because, while it may sound dramatic, it could be deadly. When I hear of others’ relapses, I am terrified the same will happen to me, so I want to know what happened. I crave those details, not because I’m nosy (I am), but because I don’t want it to happen to me. I want there to be something they did that I can avoid. If there is a cause, I can avoid it and stay well. I feel so far from safe if there is nothing other than this insidious disease doing what it does.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Dr. Melissa Green.
Dr. Green is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. She currently focuses on teaching brain health, healthy aging, and supporting dementia family caregivers.
Dr. Green shares how we can improve our cognitive functioning as we age, how caregiving for someone with cognitive decline can impact a family, and how our mindset about aging can change how we age.
You can find more about Dr. Green by visiting her website https://psychfitcenter.com
Below are additional resources Dr. Green discussed.
Global Council on Brain Health:
https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/global-council-on-brain-health/?intcmp=AE-SEARCH-AARPSUGG-gcbh
Breaking the Age Code Book:
https://becca-levy.com/the-book/
Find a Therapist:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
The Top 6 Secrets for Brain Health & Healthy Aging:
https://resilience.ck.page
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Daniel Calhoun, aka Captian AmeriDad.
Bringing Positivity to Cosplay!
Daniel is a dad, cosplayer, author, and hugger extraordinaire!! He even gets to play dress-up while working for Love for Kids Inc.
Daniel and I talk about how costumes and community helped save his life and how he continues playing dress-up to bring others joy and support.
You can find more about Captain AmeriDad at https://instagram.com/capameridad http://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmeriDad
To learn more about the non-profit, Love for Kids, Daniel works for, check out their website and Instagram.
https://www.loveforkidsinc.org
https://instagram.com/loveforkidsinc
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Kamini Wood.
Kamini Wood is a mother of 5, an international best-selling author, a certified life coach for teens & adults, trained in conscious parenting, and board certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.
Kamini and I discuss how people-pleasing, codependency, poor communication, expectations, and unclear boundaries get in the way of leading a full, complete, and joyful life.
You can find more about Kamini, resources, and links to purchase her book OM, Life’s Gentle Reminders by checking out her website https://www.kaminiwood.com/
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TW: Discussion of Mental Illness and Suicide
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or https://988lifeline.org.
Today, March 3rd is the anniversary of the day I planned how I was going to end my life. It’s always an emotional day for me. Sometimes I feel like I am talking a big game, but under the surface, I feel like I barely hang on some days. Just because I have done everything to get well doesn’t mean my brain sometimes doesn’t lie to me. Check us out at
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Susan Omilian.
Susan Omilian is an attorney, award-winning author, motivational speaker, and nationally recognized expert who has advocated to end violence against women for the past forty years.
After her nineteen-year-old niece Maggie was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Susan’s work became more personal.
Susan and I discuss domestic violence, how it is experienced, what keeps people from leaving, and how those who have been abused can move from victim to survivor and become thrivers.
To learn more about Susan, check out her website at www.thriverzone.com
For additional resources and support for those experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, check out the links below.
Domestic Violence- https://www.thehotline.org/ or by calling 800-799-7233Sexual Assault- https://www.rainn.org/ or by calling 1-800-656-4673
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I am joined by Dr. Gala Gorman on this episode of The Mental Society.
Dr. Gala holds advanced degrees in human development and is a holistic life coach, minister, and published author of the Spiritual Approach™ series of books focused on practical spirituality.
We discuss how chronic stress, self-care, or lack thereof, can get in our way and significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. She reminds us all that we are our “Primary Care Person” and caring for ourselves allows us to lead a healthier and happier life.
Find more about Dr. Gala and her work, along with resources and links to purchase her books, by visiting www.drgala.com.
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This week has been full of tears and grief but not depression. There are a lot of similarities between depression and grief, and yet they are very different. There is no timeline for grieving; does it ever end?
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Matt McCann. Matt is one of the nation's leading specialists on Long-Term Care Insurance, long-term health care planning, caregiving, and the political implications thereof. He has submitted testimony to US house and senate committees on long-term care’s impact on the finances of American families.
Matt is recognized by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) as one of the top specialists in the country. Matt recognizes the value of affordable LTC Insurance and its positive impact on American families.
You can find Matt at https://mccannltc.net/
Additional resources mentioned:
www.aarp.com
www.ltcnews.com
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. There you can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more.
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter https://www.facebook.com/thementalsociety https://www.instagram.com/thementalsocietypodcast/ https://twitter.com/mentalsocieties
I am joined by Douglas Noll Esq. on this episode of The Mental Society. We discuss the importance of understanding others' emotions and how to communicate and de-escalate. He also shares about his program, Prison of Peace, which is used worldwide to teach inmates how to resolve conflict without violence.
You can learn more about Doug, his courses, books, and additional resources by visiting https://dougnoll.com/podcast/amanda-dolin For more information on the Prison of Peace project and all the good they are doing, check out www.https://prisonofpeace.org/You can learn more about Doug, his courses, books, and additional resources by visiting https://dougnoll.com/podcast/amanda-dolin
For more information on the Prison of Peace project and all the good they are doing, check out www.https://prisonofpeace.org/
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TW: Discussions of Suicide
This last week I found a letter 13-year-old me wrote to 18-year-old me. Reading it hit me hard when I saw I had included a note about potential suicide and realized it took over 20 years to get the help I really needed.
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On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Julie Hall, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Julie joins us in a candid conversation about the mental health implications of infertility and how her own experience led to a career change so she could help others.
You can find Julie at https://www.juliehalltherapy.com and on Instagram @julievhall01
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. There you can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more.
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter https://www.facebook.com/thementalsociety https://www.instagram.com/thementalsocietypodcast/ https://twitter.com/mentalsocieties
In this episode, I am joined by James Cox. James hosts the podcast When Words Fail…Music Speaks, where he discusses how music can help with depression. James has lived with cerebral palsy all of his life, and now he wants to help people understand that living with a disability does not define who he is. Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about James and to check out his podcast.
Watch James in Sarah Harralson’s music video here.
Website: https://www.whenwordsfailmusicspeaks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/when_words_fail_podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWFMSPodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhenWordsFailMS
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/whenwordsfailmusicspeaks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whenwordsfailmusicspeaks
This Week’s Mental Morsel:
Dance!!! Dancing can help keep your mind sharp, improve self-esteem, helps you bond with others, eases depression, lowers anxiety, and more. So, take some time to dance. Dance in your living room, your car, or anywhere you feel comfortable. Someone may even join in.
www.verywellmind.com/how-dancing-helps-your-mental-health-5206963
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There is an Adderall shortage in the US. Listen as I share a little about why, and how it's impacting society
www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall
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TW: Discussions of Suicide
If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at lifeline988.org or by calling or texting 988.
On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by Dr. Robin Henry. Dr. Henry is an Associate Professor of History and Chair of Women's Ethnicity & Intersectional Studies at Wichita State University. Robin is here to talk about her personal experience with suicide. She will talk about how her friend’s suicide more than a decade ago impacted her and continues to. Join me as we take a look at suicide from the perspective of those left behind.
This Week’s Mental Morsel:
So many of us, myself included, use alcohol or other drugs as a way to escape and self-medicate. By keeping alcohol use to a minimum and avoiding other drugs, we are better able to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life’s difficulties, relate to others, and be present in the moment.
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. There you can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more.
On this episode of The Mental Society, I am joined by self-proclaimed bad bitch/sad bitch Monna. MONNA is a quick-witted stand-up comedian, the owner of Claws Out Media & Entertainment, and the creator/producer of Claws Out Comedy. MONNA balances her dark sense of humor with nuanced wordplay and silver linings as she delves into sensitive subjects- ranging from romantic relationships to dealing with mental health.
You can find more about Monna through the links below, and check out her comedy on your favorite streaming platform.
www.monnacomedy.com
www.clawsoutcomedy.com
This week’s Mental Morsel: Take some time to laugh.
Laughing in the short-term increases oxygen relieves your tension, and releases endorphins to help you feel better. Long term, it can improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction and improve your overall mood. Laughing can feel hard sometimes, so when I’m feeling blah, I enjoy corny and punny jokes, like dad jokes. So take a break and check out this website for some classic dad jokes. https://parade.com/940979/kelseypelzer/best-dad-jokes/https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Check us out at www.thementalsociety.com. You can find more resources, old episodes, blog posts, and more.
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TW: Discussion of Mental Illness, and Suicide
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or https://988lifeline.org/. You are not alone and help is out there.
This episode we are joined by two incredible high school students, Lavik Jain and Shivansh Nikhra. They are using computers and social media to help identify individuals who may be at high risk of suicide and connect them with the help they need.
Their project is called SuicideWatch. Check out what they are doing at at www.projectsuicidewatch.org.
Lavik Jain is a high school senior always wanting to test his limits. As the cofounder of Explore. Design. Solve!, he has been helping others harness their skills in STEM toward projects (similar to SuicideWatch) bettering society. In college he intends to pursue studies in Physics and Computer Science.
Shivansh Nikhra is a senior at Centennial High School in Frisco. His involvement in speech and debate has taught him about prominent social issues, which he uses technology to solve. Shivansh plans to study computer science in college.
This week’s Mental Morsel: Take some time away from social media. Social media can be a great place to connect with people and a way to disconnect from the world, but sometimes we spend more time than we planned mindlessly scrolling. When I scroll too long, I begin to compare myself to what I see others posting and wonder what I am doing wrong that my life doesn’t look like that. A reminder that what you see on social media is a highlight reel of someone else’s life that you are comparing to all the parts of your everyday life. So set the phone down and enjoy this moment.
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TW: Discussion of Mental Illness, and Suicide
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or https://988lifeline.org. You are not alone and help is out there.
This is the second of three episodes discussing suicide. In this episode I’m going to share more about my personal struggles with suicide, and how I have been impacted by suicide.
If you want to hear my mental health journey you can check it out here or you can listen to this podcast episode.
Mental Morsel: Staying connected can help our mood.
Feeling well connected to other people promotes positive mental health, physical health and gives life meaning.
New research into human connection suggests that emotional conversations, support, positive vibes and affirmations can all help to enhance our mental health.
Paying attention to the small moments of connection in our daily lives yields benefits both personally and interpersonally
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Suicide: By the Numbers
TW: Discussion of Mental Illness, and Suicide
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or https://988lifeline.org. You are not alone and help is out there.
This is the first of three episodes about suicide. This episode I’m going to share a little about suicide statistics, and some thoughts on why I think suicide rates have risen over the last 20 years.
Mental Morsel:
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Links for additional information:
https://ncoa.org/article/suicide-and-older-adults-what-you-should-know
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide#part_2557
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/disparities-in-suicide.html
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TW: Discussion of Mental Illness, and Substance Abuse
This episode we dig into the numbers to highlight the significant impact Mental Health has on our society. I have done my best to use information from multiple reputable sources which are linked below. Remember it can be easy to manipulate statistics; so, check out these resources, come to your own conclusions. Discover how much Mental Health impacts individuals, our society and the economy.
This week’s Mental Morsel: Spend a few minutes a day in the sun. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D, the amount of sun we get has a more significant impact on our moods than rain, temperature, or any other environmental factor, and it may even help you sleep better at night. And who doesn’t need an excuse to get up and go outside in the middle of the day?
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
Resources:
Find some general statistics here, and here.
Some basic stats on suicide can be found here.
Here is information about why people don’t receive treatment and look here for costs of treatment.
Here, here, and here are places you can find out more information about the impact and costs of mental health in the workplace.
Information about substance use/abuse can be found here, here, and here.
Here is some information about the criminal justice system and mental health and here you can find information about homelessness.
Here’s my blog about access to care with even more numbers: https://www.thementalsociety.com/post/mental-health-substances-and-access
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Trigger Warning: Talk of Suicide and Mental Illness
If you are feeling suicidal or like you may harm yourself please reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.988lifeline.org, or call or text 988. Help is out there.
The road towards mental health has been a long one for me. Join me as I share my journey and learn why talking about mental health is important to me. There are a lot of things that are briefly touched on that I am certain we will revisit later. I hope you listen until the end, not just to hear how I awkwardly end the episode, but to hear there is something on the other side of the pain, hurt, fear, frustration, anger, and helplessness that is worth fighting for.
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