Sarah and Jessica chat with Rebecca Karpus about mental health in the dance world. Isn't dancing supposed to be good for you? What could possibly go wrong? Or maybe the better question is, what could we possibly change? Both Sarah and Rebecca have a love for dance, and Rebecca approaches this subject with a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Part one features Rebecca discussing mental health and ballet/contemporary dance and helps us to better understand why dance can both be amazing and detrimental for your mental health, depending on how you and those around you approach it. Come back for part two to learn more about pole dancing and aerial arts, and to hear why though both Sarah and Rebecca have lots of problems with the pole dance industry, they both need it to stay mentally healthy. 

.

.

.

.

CW: Due to the nature of our subject matter, topics like suicide, mental illness symptoms, self-harm, and trauma may come up. For privacy and triggering reasons, we do not talk about these topics in graphic detail.

*If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or urges to self-harm, please call your local crisis line. Follow this link to find a crisis line in your area: https://unwantedlife.me/global-crisis-lines*

Disclaimer We are not doctors, licensed therapists, or social workers. We are not professionals in the field of mental illness/health. Everything said on this podcast is our own opinions formed from personal experience. Please ask your family doctor or a licensed therapist if something we say resonates with you and you would like to learn more about it. We are not here to give medical or clinical advice. We are simply here to share experiences and create a safe space for open conversation to end the stigma behind mental illness.*

If you don't have access to a therapist, you can ask a volunteer working for the crisis line (provided above)  to give you more resources about what is available to you in your area.