Suicidal thinking is the most dangerous aspect of mental illness. The outcome is literally the tragic possibility of a lost life. Having both survived suicide attempts, Valerie and Helen possess deep knowledge of this life or death crisis. In this episode, they offer their personal understanding of how they recovered from the hell of suicidal thinking. They will be joined by therapist Jenny Whitten, LCSW to examine methods of treatment and intervention. They’ll provide key information for the suicidal individual and for those who seek to save them. Don’t miss the chance to save a life. There is so much to learn.

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How to deal with the lived experience of self-injury? Valerie and Helen face it head on: their own experience with it; how to let it go and move into recovery. They will be joined by therapist Shayna Barksdale, LCSW, for a candid episode about this painful, little understood behavior.

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As they discuss intimate and romantic relationships, Valerie and Helen demonstrate the changes and growth of these relationships throughout their journeys. The absolute necessity of friendships was instrumental in their recovery and, at times, literally lifesaving. Join them as they explore the impact of intimacy on a person’s life and mental health. 

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Join Helen and Valerie as they forge through the complicated, shifting territory of family relationships. Listen as they tell stories of juggling family dynamics alongside the battle of recovery. They will reveal whether they could build happier, healthier family relationships within their changing worlds. 

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Join a unique conversation with Helen and Valerie as they discuss the therapeutic relationship with Valerie’s psychiatrist of 28 years, Dr. Trey Aoueille. Their teamwork led to her recovery, and this is the story of their successful journey. You’ll also hear the answers to many questions that you’ve always wanted to ask a therapist.

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In the first of a four-part series on relationships, Helen and Valerie discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships, and how to tell the difference. They share how their relationships are richer as they have grown, developed, and made the changes needed for living in recovery. They also discuss the importance of having a solid support network as part of your recovery.

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Helen and Valerie discuss the stages of recovery as an individual process that is a journey, not a destination. Helen tells her dramatic story of struggle and triumph over multiple mental illnesses.

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Welcome to Mental Health: Hope and Recovery. In their first episode, Helen and Valerie discuss the concept of recovery as a personal definition, the ups and downs of recovery, and their belief that recovery is a life-long wellness plan. Valerie shares her difficult journey of battling mental health conditions, and her inspirational road to living in recovery. 

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