When we have a belly ache, a tickle in our throats, or a pain in our side, we usually go to the doctor or take proactive steps to care for ourselves in order to feel better. But what about if we have racing thoughts? Or panic attacks? If we feel sad or alone? Or think we might be struggling with a mental illness?
Mental health. We all have it. So many of you have confided in me about facing newfound struggles with mental health in your late teens and early twenties. Well, guess what? Same.
In this episode, we learn about mental health and mental illness. I talk with some of my peers about their struggles with mental health and ways that they cope on a day to day basis. I ask Dr. Lee Vance, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, some questions about why struggles with mental health and mental illnesses seem to bubble up at this stage of life, tangible steps to take in order to cope, some local and national resources available, and so much more. I also share my journey and remind you that there will be times that we’re not okay. And that’s perfectly okay.
Learning with Liv is a resource. I encourage you to listen to episodes in full but if you’re looking for something specific from this episode, here are the time-stamps.
1:51 - Peer experiences
4:53 - My mental health journey and therapy experience
5:32 - Introduction to Dr. Lee Vance
7:03 - Interview with Lee begins with #WhatWouldYouSay
8:20 - Is it normal for people in their late teens/early twenties to experience new struggles with mental health?
14:00 - When and why should someone seek help?
15:50 - How to cope on a day-to-day basis
20:28 - BREAK
21:48- How technology and social media impact mental health
25:16 - How Dr. Vance feels about online therapy apps
27:10 - RESOURCES
28:39 - Finding a therapist that is right for you
30:42 - What to do if you need help and don’t have health insurance?
32:30 - How to start conversations about mental health with loved ones
35:07 - How to get in touch with Lee
36:13 - More from my peers on how they cope so you can add more tools to your toolbox
43:23 - How I cope with anxiety
45:39 - Final Words
Thank you to Kristina Blackford, Ruth Oketch, Juan Aguiar, and Dr. Lee Vance sharing your stories and insight on such an important topic. All four guests will be on the podcast more so stay tuned! Please remember that everyone’s mental health journey is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Also, there is so much more to this topic than can be covered in one episode. Hopefully, some of these fundamental tools and answers will help you in the way that you need. Remember: you are worthy of help, you are worthy of self-love, and you are worthy of overcoming any issues you may have mental health. Thanks for Learning with me!
Here are the links that Dr. Lee Vance discussed in the interview:
Website: http://www.doctoradirondack.com/
Mental Health Resources: http://www.doctoradirondack.com/new-page/
I feel awful. How do I find help and what do I look for?: http://www.doctoradirondack.com/news-om/2015/6/15/ui9m0gu8o7wnno1kj9yo2yvw7f5hbc
Sarissa Melissa Photography:
Web: http://www.sarissamelissaphotography.com/
Instagram: @sarissamelissaphotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarissamelissaphotography/
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Web: http://mackenziereeddesigns.com/
Insta: @mackenziereeddesigns
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackenziereeddesigns/
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