"Jaxon and the Pharmacist"

How can a mental health discussion be had in regard to the senseless tragedy which occurred in Uvalde, Texas earlier this week, when it feels as if there are no words? Courtney and Brian give it their very best effort, here.

How difficult is it to realize when it's you, who is in fact, being your own worst enemy? When can what appears to be perfectly reasonable (if not admirable) behavior serve as a detriment to your overall mental health? And once identified, what can be done to stop it?

Where and how you get your mental health information is a consideration which should never be taken lightly...especially in the online universe. How do you know if a source is reputable? What is "clickbait," versus what isn't? How misleading do headlines tend to be, and how much independent research should you actually be doing without the assistance of a mental health professional? An update on the Naomi Judd situation also follows.

For their milestone 100th podcast episode, Courtney and Brian discuss this week's heartbreaking passing of Naomi Judd. Many may ask how someone who seemingly had everything going for her could possibly be capable of taking her own life. Were there noticable signs leading up to said tragedy, and for what in those areas should we all be looking? Like many other illnesses, mental challenges can also go into remission, and just as easily (and devastatingly), make an unexpected return.

While most of us attempt to present an outward appearance of confidence, competence and contentment in virtually all areas of our everyday lives, perhaps how we perceive ourselves internally doesn't necessarily match that narrative. Be it from a career perspective, or even in our interpersonal relationships, insecurity and self-doubt can take hold to an extent that may leave us feeling like frauds. How much of that uncertainty is too much, and what can be done to manage it?

Ben DeCastro was in for Courtney, to discuss a controversial podcast featuring BIll Maher and Bella Thorne. Maher challenged Thorne in regard to her struggles with anxiety, by asking how people from her generation could possibly be anxious. The Boomer/Gen Z disconnect immediately became evident, and served as yet another example of how fractured and divided our society has become. How does our overall mental health suffer from that, and what preventitive steps can be taken to fix it?

Tax Day. Gas prices. Cost of living. Inflation. Stock market swings. Financial stress is as prominent as it's been in decades. And for all too many of us, it takes an emotional toll. Marriages affected. Retirements delayed. Credit scores decimated. What can therapy do to help? "Invest" some time in this discussion for those answers (and more).

"Go with your gut." "Sit with it for a little while." Which of the two is the more healthy approach? Or, perhaps is it neither? Go with your gut, and sit with this episode, for some much-needed clarity.

What occurred at "The Academy Awards" served as a textbook example of sensitivities having been tested. A joke perceived to be insensitive struck emotional nerves, which subsequently resulted in ill-advised, and impulsive reactions. What roles did ego, "wokeness," technology, culture, socials, and hypocrisy all play in what eventually transpired? And how can such behavior be managed, and treated, through mental health therapy?

Opening oneself up to therapy is an enormous first step. Benefiting from said commitment is another huge accomplishment. But taking what you've learned in the hopes of helping others just may be the most satisfying result of all.