In My Words

We're continuing the conversation with Gianna, who shares her experiences with depression, anxiety, and a suicide attempt, and Dr. Joshi, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Stanford University Medical Center.

1 in 5 young adults has a diagnosable mental health condition; 50% of these begin by age 14. In this episode, we speak with Gianna, a junior in high school who has lived experience of depression, anxiety and a suicide attempt. She shared her story with us to help start a conversation and bring to light the realities so many of her peers face, but might be too afraid to talk about.

The Medikidz teach Cameron, June, and Marcus what happens in a clinical trial and how clinical trials help doctors and scientists find new treatments to help kids with different illnesses around the world.

Today, we'll be focusing family and parents - an important topic for young people who have a spinal cord injury. In our last episode, Dom spoke of his experiences and struggles with maintaining independence on a personal level. Today, we’re going to concentrate on relationships with family members and the challenges that may arise when trying to maintain independence from the ones who love you most.

Led by Dom, a former member of the Royal Australian Air Force with a C5/6 spinal cord injury, today we’ll get into health and lifestyle, what Dom’s experience has been, and some helpful things to keep in mind. We’ll also be hearing from Dr. Adrienne Epps, Senior Staff Specialist and Head of Rehab2Kids at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, who shares some suggestions and insights from a doctor’s perspective.

Everyone’s experience and prognosis after a spinal cord injury is different - no two injuries are the same! This can be extremely frustrating and confusing. But whether you have suffered a spinal cord injury, or have a friend or loved one who has, it may be helpful to hear the story and experiences of someone else.

Through our partnership with Northocott’s SpineCare Foundation, we met Dom Freestone, who tells the story of his C 5/6 spinal cord injury and life after, in his own words. Dom went from serving in the Royal Australian Air Force to being an advocate for himself and others living with disabilities - and he’s learned a lot along the way. There are 6 episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of life after a spinal cord injury diagnosis.

The sudden life changes that accompany a spinal cord injury can have a massive impact on your mental health. On this episode, Dom explains to us how he struggled and ultimately managed his depression, anger and fear. We also speak to Dr. Adrienne Epps, Senior Staff Specialist and Head of Rehab2Kids at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, for additional strategies for coping with mental health challenges.

Dom, who suffered a C5/6 spinal cord injury when he was 23 years old, and Dr. Adrienne Epps, Senior Staff Specialist and Head of Rehab2Kids at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, talk to us about self-care and independence. Though taking good care of yourself may often require the help and assistance of others, it’s important to take an active role in your care and do what you can to regain some of the independence that may have diminished since experiencing an injury.

Listen in as Dom tells us about a day in his life and the routine he follows with the help of his care team.

Today, we talk to Dom, an advocate for people with disabilities who suffered a C 5/6 spinal cord injury, and Dr. Adrienne Epps, Senior Staff Specialist and Head of Rehab2Kids at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, about love and relationships after a spinal cord injury. This type of injury and the changes that come as a result can take a toll on self-confidence. Listen in as Dom tells us about his experience.

For more information on sexuality following spinal cord injury, visit the Agency for Clinical Innovation website.

David needs help explaining his autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to his friends. Axon helps Nathan, Jeremy and Katie learn more about the signs of ASD, how people with autism process information, and how to help people with ASD live normal and happy lives.