Mental Health: Our Untold Stories

We use labels every day without even thinking about the implications of labeling things.  Language itself is a but a collection of labels so that we may communicate or express our experience to others. The problem is that labels inherently confine things or people to limits.  In this episode, Dan talks about how the labels we use for ourselves, and others lead to problems in the way we see ourselves, others, the future, and the world around us.  Let’s explore ways to remove the limits we place on ourselves so we can experience a sense of peace, harmony, and balance in our lives. 

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for people 10-24.  In this episode, Dan looks at some of the developmental dynamics at play that influence youth and teens.  Dan discusses some tell signs youth and teens may be struggling and how we can offer support.  This episode also discusses when and how to safety plan.  

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal help is available at 988! 

In this episode, Dan gives some insight into what the risk factors and warning signs of suicide look like.  Knowing what the risk factors and warning signs look like helps us better understand when someone might be trying to communicate or indicate they are feeling suicidal.  

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please reach out to 988 for help.  Suicide is a preventable cause of death. Help is available! 

Suicide is a difficult topic to talk about and often makes people uncomfortable.  In this episode, Dan talks about ways to acknowledge your own discomfort with the topic, and ways to move past the discomfort to ask someone when we are concerned for them.  Dan also discusses helpful ways to talk with someone experiencing suicidal ideation.   

If you know someone or are worried about someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts please encourage them to call 988 to speak with someone at the Crisis Hotline 

The pressures of day-to-day life often don’t allow us to experience the lighter side of life and overinflating the importance of things that really aren’t that important. Life is full of expectations, things to be done, people to take care of, and places to be.  In this episode, Dan walks through the value of finding ways to be silly.  We know the value of laughter and humor but being silly has its own unique benefits.  

With all the challenges we are facing today compassion and empathy are long overdue.  As human beings it is normal that we get sucked into our own subjective experiences; however, stopping to use the power of compassion and empathy can not only improve our lives but the lives of those we cross paths with.  In this episode, Dan explores why compassion and empathy are so important to helping us heal from our stress, mend our relationships, and even address societal challenges. Dan talks about ways we can begin to incorporate these gifts daily.   

It can be hard to tell the difference between stress and anxiety, they often look and feel similar. They even share many physiological and neurological similarities.  The reality is that they are not the same experience, and while nuanced distinguishing the difference can be key to feeling better.  In this episode, Dan explores the subtle differences, how to recognize what you might be experiencing, and ways to combat both stress and anxiety.  

Feeling loved is a vital piece to our physical and emotional wellness.  In this episode, Dan breaks down why love is so important and beneficial to our overall wellness.  

Depression and depressive symptoms can be very invasive in our lives.  It wants to high jack motivation, hope, and zap energy.  Depression wants to distort our thoughts and invade our relationships.  In this episode, Dan talks about ways to recognize the signs of depression and some practical ways to evict depression from our lives.  Dan also seeks to destigmatize depression, so we can better support those who might be struggling. 

Mental Health diagnoses are better off assessed by a Mental Health professional. In this episode, Dan talks about the nuances of mental health treatment and explores the key differences between the medical modality and the mental health modality.  We also examine the importance of how we talk about mental health illness and the treatment of mental health disorders.