This episode is Valerie and Helen’s holiday gift to their listeners everywhere. Tune in for their favorite mindfulness exercises of 2022. Perfect for anyone who’s overwhelmed or exhausted by the holiday season—or just needs a few moments alone to breathe!

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In their episode on bipolar disorder, Helen and Valerie welcome Dr. Stephen Strakowski, a national leader in the bipolar field. Drawn from his vast experience with research and clinical practice, Dr. Strakowski eloquently discusses the basics of bipolar disorder—symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, relationships, and recovery. He then describes his cutting edge research, and the bright prospects that his findings provide for future treatment opportunities for the complexities and challenges of bipolar disorder.

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Fulfilling the multiple obligations of a parent is especially challenging if the parent is also experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. This is known as symptomatic parenting, and the surrounding issues and possible remedies can be life-changing within a family. Helen and Valerie examine this sensitive, far-reaching subject from two points of view: the perspective of the symptomatic parent, and that of the adult child of a symptomatic parent. Join our hosts as they investigate and describe coping skills, self-care methods, and treatment options for parent and adult child as they navigate this intense dynamic.

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And now for something different, with two remarkable guests. Anders Osborne, legendary New Orleans songwriter and musician, takes us on a intimate journey through addiction and mental illness, and their extreme impact on his creativity and recovery. Anders is joined by his friend Ben Anderson, founder of Park City Song Summit, an international conference featuring these same subjects and promoting the healing power of music and song. Join Valerie and Helen for this amazing exploration of destruction and rebirth in the life of an artist.

Park City Song Summit

Anders Osbourne award winning songwriter and musician

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Episode 19, the first episode on Aging and Mental Health, received an overwhelming response, full of thoughtful and far-reaching questions. In this episode, Valerie and Helen look for answers with Dr. Cherie Simpson, a Clinical Nurse Specialist who works with geriatric psychiatric patients. The amount of expert information will enlighten listeners, regardless of age.

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Among the most feared, and often reviled, of all mental disorders, BPD and its extreme symptoms have frequently been labeled intolerable and untreatable. But times and knowledge have changed—much stigma is being replaced with hope and recovery. Helen and Valerie will examine BPD from three perspectives: one who has it; one who has had intimate, difficult relationships with persons who have it; and one who has taught and enlightened hundreds of families and caretakers of those who have it. Join Valerie and Helen as they navigate Borderline Personality Disorder in a dynamic, controversial episode.

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Valerie and Helen investigate the complex and profound impact that aging has on mental health. And vice versa. These issues affect the elderly, yes, but also those in their 40s, 50s, 60s. Individuals with mental health challenges, caregivers, families, and friends will learn much about the aging process and its consequences. Don’t miss this unforgettable episode.

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The extreme impact of the pandemic on American mental health has become common knowledge. Mental health challenges are now front and center in our consciousness and conversation. This is regarded as a positive outcome of the pandemic in our lives. As Helen and Valerie delve into their own struggles, survival skills, and successes during this unprecedented national crisis, they are faced with a compelling question. Have we gained anything of lasting value? Is there an upside to the pandemic’s mental health challenges?

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Episode 17 is devoted to one of the looming crises of today: the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of American youth. Helen and Valerie will be joined by two special guests, Dr. Melissa Eshelman and Lt. Wayne Sneed. With these experts, they will delve into the causes, behaviors, symptoms, and impact of the pandemic on children, adolescents and young adults. They’ll also offer advice to families and caretakers, and discuss the treatment methods that give them hope.

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The role that genetics plays in mental health is a thrilling aspect of psychiatric research and development. The potential to diagnose, treat, and overcome mental illnesses emerges in the genetic breakthroughs that Helen and Valerie explore in this riveting episode. These findings indicate a new hope for sparing years of suffering and promoting earlier recovery from psychiatric illnesses. Their guest tells an inspirational personal story that illuminates the points made in the episode. Don’t miss it!

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