Keywords

boredom, mental health, mindfulness, creativity, motivation, addiction, human evolution, purpose, distress tolerance, ADHD

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of boredom, discussing its prevalence in modern society and its implications for mental health. They delve into the benefits of boredom, including its role in fostering creativity and motivation, and how it can serve as a reset for the nervous system. The discussion also touches on mindfulness practices that can help individuals engage with their boredom in a constructive way, as well as the connection between boredom and addiction. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in moments of boredom and recognizing its value in personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Boredom: A Personal Journey

03:10 The Benefits of Boredom

06:02 Boredom and Creativity: The Imagination Connection

09:18 Mindfulness and Boredom: Finding Purpose in Stillness

12:15 Boredom's Role in Human Evolution

14:53 Navigating Boredom in Modern Life

17:50 The Science of Boredom and Addiction

21:09 Mindfulness Practices: Engaging with the Present

24:03 The Balance of Boredom and Engagement

27:04 Final Reflections on Boredom and Life's Purpose

45:40 Exit.mp4

Looking for help? Connect with Jeremy or Trent

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/jeremy-clark-alcorn-medicine-hat-ab/780854

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/trenton-akers-medicine-hat-ab/781175

Summary

In this episode, Trent Akers and Jeremy Alcorn explore the complexities of mental health diagnosis, focusing on the use of diagnostic language, the evolution of mental health understanding, and the implications of diagnosis in treatment. They delve into various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, and discuss the importance of emotional granularity in understanding mental health experiences. The conversation emphasizes that diagnosis serves as a description rather than a cause, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective on mental health.

Takeaways

Many clients use technical or diagnostic language to describe their issues.

The history of mental health has evolved significantly over the decades.

Diagnosis can help in treatment but is not always necessary.

Anxiety is a broad term that encompasses various disorders.

Emotional granularity helps in understanding mental health experiences.

The DSM provides descriptions but not causes of mental health issues.

Diagnosis can impact self-perception and treatment approaches.

Mental health is complex, with overlapping symptoms across disorders.

Understanding the limitations of diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Language

03:06 Understanding Diagnosis in Mental Health

06:21 The Evolution of Mental Health Perspectives

09:10 The Spectrum of Mental Illness

12:02 Exploring Anxiety Disorders

15:19 Types of Anxiety and Their Impacts

18:08 Panic Disorder vs. Panic Attacks

21:23 The Role of Diagnosis in Treatment

24:20 The Importance of Emotional Granularity

27:15 Character Flaws and Mental Health

30:03 The Utility of Diagnosis

33:19 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

44:15 Exit.mp4

Keywords

mental health, anxiety, diagnosis, DSM, treatment, emotional granularity, panic disorder, mental illness, social work, therapy

Looking for help? Connect with Jeremy or Trent

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/jeremy-clark-alcorn-medicine-hat-ab/780854

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/trenton-akers-medicine-hat-ab/781175

Summary

In this episode, Trent, Jeremy and Amy discuss the complex relationship between stress and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of community support and the role of scaffolding in development. They explore how stress can be reframed positively and the significance of allowing individuals, especially young people, to experience manageable stressors to build resilience. The conversation also touches on the necessity of seeking help when stress becomes toxic.

Takeaways

Growth can come from stress if managed properly.

Sitting in discomfort is essential for personal development.

Community plays a crucial role in building resilience.

Children should not be shielded from all stressors.

Mature minors can benefit from learning to cope independently.

Scaffolding helps individuals gradually take on more responsibility.

Reframing stress can lead to better performance and outcomes.

Curiosity can transform anxiety into a learning opportunity.

A balance between healthy stress and toxic stress is vital.

Understanding limits is key to managing stress effectively.

Chapters

00:00 The Nature of Stress and Growth

03:38 The Role of Environment in Development

07:37 Scaffolding and Learning

11:34 Community Support and Resilience

14:59 Mature Minors and Autonomy

18:30 The Power of Narrative in Stress Management

21:59 Physical Strength and Stress

25:54 Finding Balance in Stress

29:25 Conclusion: Embracing Stress for Growth

36:49 Exit.mp4

Keywords

stress, growth, resilience, community, mental health, scaffolding, mature minors, coping strategies, narrative therapy, positive perspective

Looking for help? Connect with Jeremy or Trent

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/jeremy-clark-alcorn-medicine-hat-ab/780854

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/trenton-akers-medicine-hat-ab/781175

Summary

In this episode of Humanized Mental Health, hosts Trent Akers, Jeremy Alcorn and Amy Alcorn, explore the daily mental health practices they use along with the importance of self-compassion. They discuss techniques such as the mirror method, the use of music for mental wellness , and mindfulness strategies, while also addressing the complexities of countertransference in therapy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of acceptance and responsibility in personal growth, the role of relationships in mental health, and the need for ongoing self-reflection and coping strategies.

Takeaways

Mental health professionals should practice what they preach.

Daily mental health drivers can include music and mindfulness.

The mirror method can enhance self-compassion.

Acceptance is crucial for personal growth and healing.

Countertransference can be addressed therapeutically.

Mindfulness helps in coping with difficult situations.

Relationships are vital for mental well-being.

Self-reflection aids in understanding personal feelings.

Techniques like HALT can help in self-assessment.

Creating a supportive environment can enhance mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Social Media

05:21 Daily Mental Health Practices

10:09 Techniques for Self-Reflection and Growth

15:01 Understanding Countertransference in Therapy

20:21 Acceptance and Responsibility in Healing

25:19 Mindfulness and Coping Strategies

30:12 The Importance of Relationships in Mental Health

35:02 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

51:03 Exit.mp4

Keywords

mental health, self-care, therapy techniques, social media, mindfulness, acceptance, countertransference, self-compassion, relationships, coping strategies

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the often-overlooked impact of mental illness on family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of including family members in mental health treatment. Dr. Michelle D. Sherman has co-authored 2 interactive books:

Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or a History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey

https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Mental-Illness-History/dp/142145050X/ref=sr_1_2?

I'm Not Alone: A Teens Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma

https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Alone-Illness-History/dp/B0DM6YHV96/ref=sr_1_1?

Michelle shares her insights on psychoeducation for families, the evolution of mental health awareness, and the need for better support systems for youth. The conversation also covers practical strategies for communication, addressing self-harm, and the 4C process for managing emotional triggers. The episode concludes with resources for families dealing with mental health issues.

Her website:

http://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/

Takeaways

Family members often get overlooked in mental health treatment.

Increased awareness of mental health has occurred over the years.

Youth with parents who have mental illness need more support.

Communication about mental health is crucial for families.

Self-harm and suicidal ideation are serious concerns that need addressing.

The 4C process helps manage emotional triggers effectively.

Taking care of oneself is essential for supporting others.

Normalizing mental health experiences can reduce stigma.

Professional help should be sought when concerned about a loved one.

Books can serve as valuable resources for families dealing with mental illness.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Family's Role in Mental Health

06:05 The Evolution of Mental Health Awareness

12:07 Supporting Youth in Mental Health

18:09 Addressing Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

21:15 Navigating Crisis: Compassionate Responses

24:27 The 4C Process: Managing Triggers Effectively

28:42 Understanding the Client's Perspective

30:18 The Importance of Normalizing Mental Health

32:54 Practical Guidance for Families

36:46 Resources for Support and Learning

41:12 Exit.mp4

Keywords

mental health, family dynamics, youth support, communication, self-harm, healthcare system, normalization, 4C process, mental illness, psychoeducation

In this episode, Dr. Prav Grewal discusses his journey into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of emotional insight in healing trauma. He explores the impact of intergenerational trauma and the role of forgiveness in the healing process. The conversation delves into the biological mechanisms of psychedelics, the significance of spirituality, and the necessity of set and setting in therapeutic contexts. Prav also highlights the potential for psychedelics to be integrated into military mental health care, advocating for a compassionate approach to therapy that addresses both individual and collective trauma.

Takeaways

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can provide profound emotional insights.

Rigid personality structures can hinder personal growth and healing.

Emotional impact is often more significant than cognitive understanding in trauma.

Psychedelics can help integrate fragmented beliefs about oneself.

Forgiveness is essential for personal healing and letting go of trauma.

Intergenerational trauma can be addressed through psychedelic therapy.

The biological mechanisms of psychedelics promote neuroplasticity and healing.

Spiritual experiences during psychedelics can enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Set and setting are crucial for the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy.

Psychedelics have the potential to transform military mental health care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Trauma Healing

00:43 The Journey into Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy

03:50 Understanding Emotional and Cognitive Insights

07:02 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy

10:09 Developing a Framework for Psychedelic Use

12:54 Personal Experiences with Trauma and Healing

16:08 The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma

18:32 Forgiveness and Self-Worth in Healing

21:24 The Dysregulated Externalized Matrix of Notions

24:24 Attachment Theory and Coping Mechanisms

27:32 Compassion and Understanding in Mental Health

31:45 Understanding Anxious Attachment and Its Impact

33:32 The Biological Mechanisms of Psychedelics

36:55 Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma

41:25 The Spiritual Component of Psychedelic Experiences

44:04 Integration and the Role of Action in Healing

45:56 Respecting Traditional Uses of Psychedelics

53:34 Psychedelics in Military Healthcare

58:43 Reflections on the Future of Psychedelic Therapy

01:00:54 Exit.mp4

Resources:

https://youtu.be/MMaWEUuwoZY

https://a.co/d/8Xyogya

https://self-compassion.org/

This is a unique and interesting podcast episode. We planned to have this episode with the mayor of Medicine Hat Alberta Canada, the city in which Trent, Jeremy and Amy reside. Mayor Linnsie Clark was having some technical difficulties and we weren't sure why she was not joining us at the designated time. So Trent and I began a conversation about something that had been on our minds in terms of understanding trauma as an injury and not an illness. The first part of the podcast explores this idea then our mayor connected with us within the middle of the podcast and we transition from there into talking about Community recovery and how connection and Community is Central to our Wellness as humans 

Mayor Clark first took office in 2021 as covid restrictions began to lift and has guided our community through a broader social recovery from the mental health effects of the pandemic.

Resources mentioned:

PTSD coach is an app you can get from the Apple app store or from Google play.

The booked re: understanding Trauma and recovery: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

In this episode Trent and Jeremy continue the conversation with author, professor and accomplished musician Dr Earnestine Whitman. She recently published the Book “Counter Melodies A Memoir in Sonata Form”  that details her story of trauma recovery:

Jealous of her brilliant older sister, Ernestine longs for her father’s approval as a little girl but is never good enough. When she discovers a talent for the flute, she meets a charismatic teacher who gives her the encouragement she craves and becomes her surrogate father. After winning several competitions, she dreams of being a professional musician, but her stern father ridicules the idea and forces her to attend Emory University as a math major like her sister.

Ernestine doesn’t give up on her musical dreams, however, and halfway through college she wins the second flute chair in the Atlanta Symphony. There, she sits beside her former teacher, the principal flute. At first, she loves working with him, but after one successful season he turns on her and does everything in his power to get her fired. Devastated by her idol’s merciless harassment, she’s driven into a spiral of suicidal depression. As she tries to recover, her vulnerability is exploited, again and again, by the very men she turns to for help.

A harrowing account of one woman’s battle with twentieth-century misogyny, Countermelodies follows Ernestine as, through the darkness, she clings to her love for the flute and her unshakable dream of making it in the cutthroat world of classical music.

More information at:

https://ernestinewhitman.ag-sites.net/index.htm

You can buy the book from Amazon:

⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Countermelodies-Memoir-Sonata-Ernestine-Whitman/dp/1647427320⁠

Or at Simon and Schuster

⁠https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Countermelodies/Ernestine-Whitman/9781647427320⁠

We are joined by Jonathan McClung Chartered Professional Accountant. We discuss how money relates to our mental health.

 Looking to connect with Jonathan for accounting services:

http://www.nowcpa.ca/

Articles referenced in the show

https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/archive/releases/2018/Q1/money-only-buys-happiness-for-a-certain-amount.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/science-research-data/mental-health-inequalities-income-canada.html

Budgeting App

https://www.ynab.com/