Mental Note

Have you ever been told that you're too emotional? Or felt the need to hide your heart in order to be accepted and productive? Community builder and writer Nōn Wels can relate.

As a sensitive kid growing up in an environment that didn't always feel safe, Nōn learned to guard his heart so that nobody could find their way in. This led to a lot of pain and struggle: substance abuse, an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression.

Along the way, Nōn realized that empathetic communities play a crucial role in finding wholeness, love, and nourishment. As a result, he started creating projects and groups designed to empower each of us to grow our capacity for empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity.

Today, we talk with Nōn about the journey that prompted him to create the Feely Human Collective and why we should even care about empathy and community in the first place.

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Resources:

Nōn's Website Feely Human Collective You, Me, Empathy (Nōn's Podcast)

Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Eating Recovery Center Free Group Support Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

Have you ever wondered why our culture treats fat and fat bodies with such vehement scorn? What about the experiences of people who are fat? What does it mean to exist in a thin-obsessed society?

With humor, personal stories, and research Aubrey Gordon & Kara Richardson Whitely - two fat authors and storytellers - explain how the world works differently for people depending on their size. Along the way, we talk about the unintended and sometimes deadly consequences of weight stigma in the medical world as well as what you and I can do to end weight discrimination.

Resources:

Campaign for Size Freedom Aubrey's Website Kara's Website Maintenance Phase Podcast

Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Eating Recovery Center Free Group Support Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

Have you ever noticed that you simply notice more? Therapist, author, consultant, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) April Snow wants you to know that you are not alone.

In fact, the genetic trait responsible for Sensory Processing Sensitivity - aka what makes HSPs more attuned to the world around them - is present in 20% of individuals, regardless of gender. It can be both a superpower and an Achilles heel. And that's why we are so excited to talk with April.

April built her career by helping highly sensitive individuals move beyond feelings of overwhelm and guilt to discover the best parts of being more aware of their surroundings. Together, we examine HSP Characteristics, misconceptions, and how to thrive as a highly sensitive person.

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Resources:

• April's Website - aprilsnowconsulting.com
• April's Instagram - @sensitivetherapist
• HSP Self-Test - Click Here

• Mental Note Podcast: mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

Have you ever felt like the real you - the one that exists deep, deep down - is not aligned with how you live your life? What would it be like to let the true you break free?

That's why we created today's podcast. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Moe Ari Brown has spent his career helping others live their most authentic lives. He is one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity, with a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality. And he's here for a discussion about Radical Authenticity - what it is, how to find it, and who it is for.

So join me, my delightful co-host Eric Dorsa, and Moe Ari as we focus on discovering radical authenticity and learning to love ourselves while accepting the world around us.

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Resources:

• Moe Ari's Website: theemoeari.com
• Moe Ari's Instagram @loveoutproud
• Be Your Own Love Goals Podcast: lovegoalspodcast.com
• Eric Dorsa Instagram: @fkdrag

• Mental Note Podcast: mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

Mario Gonzalez moved to the United States when he was only three years old as the son of undocumented immigrants who followed seasonal harvests up and down the West Coast. As a result, his childhood was filled with constant change, insecurity, & financial stress.

Determined to build a life of greater stability, Mario chose to focus on school and finding a legal foothold in the US. His path has been one of bravery, heartbreak, and determination. You won't want to miss it!

Today's episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explores Mario's upbringing, how he manages clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression, and what empowers him to stay present as his legal status remains unresolved.

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Resources:

• Help with loneliness and isolation: only7seconds.com
• I Know Lonely Podcast: only7seconds.com/podcast
• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: www.pathlightbh.com
• Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups
• Free evaluation with a trained Pathlight therapist: (877) 850-7199
• Mario's Instagram: @mariogonzalez.co

Dave Vrablik's lifelong habit of emotional eating never felt like a serious problem. That is, until one heartbreaking phone call five years ago…

Upon receiving news about the death of his beloved older brother, Dave's occasional compulsive eating quickly morphed into uncontrolled binging. All of a sudden he was enveloped by Binge Eating Disorder.

Dave's discovery and treatment of the eating disorder sent him on a five-year journey - one that highlights the importance of community as well as what we all should know about America's most prevalent, yet under-diagnosed, eating disorder.

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Links:

• Binge Eating Information: Click Here
• Virtual At-Home Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Click Here
• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: Click Here
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

For more than 10 years Kaylee Kron has walked alongside the bereaved, companioning them and honoring the memory of their lost loved ones. In a culture that treats death and grief like they are contagious, she is a wise guide prompting us to reevaluate that fear.

This compassion and insight did not come easy. It grew out of personal tragedy - the unexpected death of a partner and a tumultuous path back to peace. She now works tirelessly to showcase the rich world of grief and why we should embrace it rather than hide from the pain.

On today's episode, we discuss:

• Kaylee's story
• Common misconceptions about grief
• The do's & don'ts of talking about loss
• The life-altering power of recognizing loss with your community

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Kaylee's Links & Grief Education

• Kaylee Kron's Website: www.the-grief-coach.com
• Workbook for Families in Grief: Purchase Book Here
• Instagram: @the.grief.coach
• whatsyourgrief.com
• Companioning Model: About
• Four Tasks of Mourning: About

Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health

• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

Right as therapist KC Davis gave birth to her second baby, Covid-19 began shutting down normal life. Not only that, but KC had just moved to a new city, her husband began a demanding new job, and pandemic restrictions caused their carefully planned support system to crumble. All of a sudden it was just her - and her two babies - home alone. Everyday.

In the chaos that ensued, KC began an unexpected new journey. From grappling with mental health barriers to becoming TikTok famous and writing a best-selling book - KC has ventured out on a quest. Her goal? To connect the dots between mental health and the daily care tasks we tend to take for granted.

So on today's episode, we'll talk with KC about the last few years - focusing specifically on the ADHD diagnosis that answered so many questions about her past. Along the way, we will learn her signature workarounds for completing tasks that feel impossible.

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KC Davis

• KC Davis' Website: www.strugglecare.com
• Struggle Care Podcast: Listen
• How to Keep House While Drowning: Purchase Book Here
• TikTok: @domesticblisters
• Instagram: @strugglecare

Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health

• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199

American culture praises weight loss. A quick scroll of social media, magazine racks, or even the news will yield numerous "transformation" stories documenting how a fat person turned their life around by shedding pounds.

But at what cost?

Today, we're exploring an eating disorder so camouflaged, you probably didn't even know it exists - Atypical Anorexia. Or, more accurately, anorexia in people with larger bodies.

With our guide - recovery advocate Joanna Nolen - we will unpack how fatphobia impacts the medical system, insurance, and even treatment centers. Plus, Joanna will share her most practical wisdom about navigating this weight-loss-obsessed world as a person in recovery living in a larger body.

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• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
• "Don't Weigh Me Cards" https://ggle.io/5X7x

Beyond the rush and noise of the Holiday Season, hides an amazing treasure - the passing of stories and wisdom from our elders. And we're not just talking about tales of the good ol' days from grandparents! Because an elder is simply someone who's gone before you, no matter their age.

So, to celebrate this special time of year, we are featuring short stories from some of you - the elders in our community who have already walked the road of recovery. We wanted to know how you have integrated recovery into your homes and living spaces.

Each featured response is brief. Our hope is that they spark your imagination to consider ways that home might become a partner instead of an opponent to mental health.

Many thanks to Kara Richardson Whitley, Ashton Grooms, Jen Ponton, Jane Zeltser, Patrick Devenny, Tony Wilson, Niki Dubois, Chris Henry, Ivy Watts, Katie Kittredge, & Jayne Mattingly for sharing.

Resources:

• Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
• Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com
• Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
• Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups
• Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist: (877) 850-7199