Mental Health: Hope and Recovery

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an illness many people trivialize because they don’t understand it. OCD proved to be a condition so vast and complex that Valerie and Helen divided it into two episodes.

In this first episode, they explore the components of OCD: diagnosis, causes, symptoms, treatment, and hope for recovery. To fully enlighten listeners, there is the firsthand account from Mel, a woman who struggled with OCD from early childhood until her hard won recovery years later. Her experiences, insights and courage are not to be missed. OCD Part Two will focus on the professional expert’s perspective through an in-depth interview with OCD specialist, Dr. Ginny Fullerton.

Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

Show Notes/Resources:

The International OCD Foundation—iocdf.org

Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz, MD

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Eating disorders are pernicious and powerful, with dangerous symptoms and sometimes lethal consequences. However, researchers and scientists are developing effective methods to treat them. Valerie and Helen share some of the most recent breakthroughs in eating disorders treatment.  Though these disorders are damaging and destructive, a life in recovery with an eating disorder is possible, as we hear in Valerie and Helen’s insightful interview with Cailin. We don’t often hear about the long-term impact of these disorders on one person’s life. Cailin affords us the rare opportunity to do so by sharing her first-hand account of her life-long battle and subsequent triumph. Cailin shares the accessible, impactful strategies and skills she uses effectively during tough times and in on-going recovery. Cailin’s story of her fight and victory over eating disorders is empowering and invaluable.

Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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The Healing Power of Animals and Pets is a revelation and celebration for Helen, Valerie and listeners everywhere. The positive impact of animals on people with mental health challenges is as uplifting as it is irrefutable. Science shows that the closeness and touch of a pet can stimulate mood-enhancing hormones in the brain; help with emotional regulation; ward off depression and sadness; promote healthy connections. The use of animals began sixty years ago, and now is recognized as an effective method in many cases. Two expert animal therapists, one in Equine Therapy with horses, and one in Canine Therapy with dogs, are fascinating guests whose experiences and successes bring tears to the eye and hope to the heart.

Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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In this important episode, Valerie and Helen explore the subject of work and its critical role in recovery. For people with a mental health condition, work is a weighty challenge that can evoke anxiety and fear, hopes and dreams. Given their extensive backgrounds in the workplace, both successes and the inability to have a job due to acute mental illnesses, Helen and Valerie understand the great benefits of work as well as the downsides. Research shows that for American workers, employment is far more than a paycheck. It provides structure, a social network, meaning, and a positive identity. Few things can be as meaningful to recovery as a job. Don’t miss this full exploration of work, and finding, getting, and keeping employment.

Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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 In this episode, Valerie and Helen pursue the holy grail of recovery—thriving in the aftermath of mental illness. For centuries, the ability to thrive would seem almost inconceivable, as traditional treatments focused on the cessation of symptoms and basic survival. But recent studies prove that thriving is possible, even for those who’ve suffered from severe, long-term illness or multiple diagnoses. Helen and Valerie reveal how they progressed into thriving after long years of struggle.

Three guests also share their insights and methods for thriving today. As proven in research, thriving after mental illness is becoming recognized as an achievable outcome. Helen and Valerie’s wish for their listeners is the chance for a rich, fulfilling, meaningful life worth living.

Find Helen and Valerie at www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

NAMI: “Thriving with Bipolar” by Maureen Goldman 

Mental Health Nursing Magazine. 2012, Issue 11.

From Survive to Thrive: Living Your Best Life with Mental Illness by Dr. Margaret S. Chisolm, 2021

A Guide to Thriving with Mental Illness by Mequell W. Buck, 2016

Canadian Community Health Research Survey: Thriving with a Mental Illness, 2012

University of Southern Florida, Mood and Emotion Lab Research Study: Thriving with a Mental Illness; Dr. Andrew Devendorf, 2022

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Loneliness has been declared the new American epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General. Its destructive impact on an individual life and on society as a whole was explored in the previous episode. Nowhere is loneliness more debilitating and dangerous than for those with mental health challenges.

In this second part, Valerie and Helen provide multiple methods for overcoming loneliness through relationships, skills and strategies, goal setting, social activities, and community. Their research shows the impact loneliness has on the brain, and how the brain is hardwired to need and seek human connection for basic survival. In light of this human necessity, science now shows that the brain distorted by loneliness can be regenerated through new behaviors, beliefs, and practices. Do not miss this opportunity to learn about new pathways of recovery from the loneliness epidemic.

Find Helen and Valerie online at www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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In May 2023, the US Surgeon General declared loneliness a national epidemic. Greater than one in two adult Americans report being lonely. Given the damaging and sometimes lethal impact that loneliness can have on mental health, Valerie and Helen take listeners into the deep-rooted causes and destructive consequences of loneliness within the individual and society. Rampant loneliness is both a cultural threat and a powerful cause and effect of mental illnesses. Helen and Valerie reveal the shocking truth about loneliness as a sweeping force in the struggle for survival and a life worth living in America today.

Find Helen and Valerie at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/

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Women and Mental Health is an episode with explosive revelations about women and their mental health journeys. The cruel biases of the past, enlightened advances in to the present, promising breakthroughs for future treatment and recovery. Valerie and Helen delve deep into the complex, unique issues of women with mental health challenges, and the long journey of progress over prejudice. What is it like for a woman today as a patient, parent, caregiver, employee? Explore the combinations of therapy, medication, and treatment methods that bring opportunities to women and their loved ones. Do not miss this chance to learn about women, mental health, and new avenues for recovery.

Find Valerie and Helen online at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

Show Notes Topics discussed in this episode include:

·      The history of women and mental illness

·      Gender differences in mental illness in regard to risk, prevalence, symptoms and treatment

·      Treatment methods for women—which are most effective, why, and what are the recent scientific treatment breakthroughs

·      Helen and Valerie share how being female has impacted their mental health disorders

Resources mentioned in this episode:

·      Wellness Recovery Action Plan -- https://namirockland.org/resources/wellness-recovery-action-plan/

·      2 Lives Podcast -- 2lives.org

·      Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Report: 

·      SAMHSA Recovery Definition: Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness while managing setbacks, which are a natural part of life.

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Mindfulness is an effective tool for achieving serenity in any moment. At this hectic time of the year, honing our mindfulness skills is especially helpful. In this third annual Mindfulness Favorites episode, Valerie shares her favorite exercises of 2023. Pulled from one of the exercises that ends each episode of Mental Health: Hope and Recovery, the first exercise this year is The Power of 60 Mindful Seconds. Please tune in; your mindfulness minute — and more — awaits!

Find Helen and Valerie online here www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com

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This is the first of an unprecedented two-part series. Valerie and Helen dig deep into the similarities, differences, and clashes between the genders as they deal with mental health challenges. In this episode, they begin with Men and Mental Health. As they explore the male response to symptoms, treatment, and relationships, some surprising and often disconcerting differences come to light. For there is a paucity of research about men and mental illness. They often wage a very different battle for recovery than women do. Helen and Valerie are fortunate to have a featured guest, Rob Dye, tell his remarkable story of struggle and recovery, and explain much about the often different male reactions to psychiatric illnesses and available treatment. The episode is an eye-opener for men and women. Please join in. This episode will be followed by Women and Mental Health. Also not to be missed.

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