Mental Perk

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McKinley Shultz holds a full-time job, while completing her degree and working in the evenings as a bartender. She describes the valuable aspects of her job and the interaction she has with patrons who come in search of connection and a good drink. McKinley, offers humor, empathy and emotional perspective as she describes the importance of supporting others and the difference a friendly face and voice can make in other's lives.  Her story is a great example of the importance of community and building connection with others promotes positive mental health and healing!

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Mental Perk welcomes Dr. Kelly Robinson, DDS to talk about then impact of mental health in her practice. In this podcast, Dr. Robinson talks about the levels of anxiety her patients experience due to their perceptions of dental care,  the levels of stress and anxiety associated with providing competent dental care, as well as the physical tolls most dentists experience doing the daily tasks of their job, Dr. Robinson also details the devastating effects of Covid on dental practices and the steps dentists took to keep their patients safe and secure during a very difficult time. Dr. Robinson attests to the importance of patient relationships and keeping a sense of humor to power through the daily responsibilities dentists face every day.

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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It’s finally here! Part 2 of getting to know your Mental Perk hosts. Karla and Brandi ask each other thought provoking questions with a little sense of humor. Our goal is to get real with our audience and make sure each of you know “You’re  Worthy … We are in this Together!”

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Mental Perk interviews Michael Habib and Michelle Tes from  Southern Methodist University Campus (SMU). Michael and Michelle discuss their roles as members of the Well-Being Education Student Team (WEST) and the impact their organization is having in bridging positive care and communication to students on campus. The SMU WESTies provide critical support, guidance, and mentorship to help students adjust to campus life, transition to independent living as well as mange their mental health and stress. SMU prioritizes student health and well-being and created the WEST team to help reach students who many times fall under the radar. Michael and Michelle provide insight into student struggles and techniques they use to connect with peers and provide valuable support. 

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Nicole Plotner, an SMU student, shares her inspirational story of grief, PTSD and recovery following the tragic loss of her father. Nicole describes how she navigated the shock of her father's sudden decline at an early age, how she had to grow up quickly to help support her family, and the mental impact she suffered over time. She shares the dark details of her journey but also her courage and fight that helped her find her way back to achieve her success and dreams. Nicole will touch your heart with her genuineness, passion, and love of life.

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Professor Bram Duffee, PhD and Paramedic, discusses his research and life work focusing on using hypnosis to reduce patient pain, promote healing, and unify the mind and body to improve patient outcomes. Bram is co-author of a new book and hopes to transform patient care in emergency and trauma settings through implementing changes for first responders and emergency personnel. Bram discusses his own background as a paramedic and what drove him to seek additional education and training in the emergency response field. Through his research, Bram hopes to improve the effects of trauma on patients and help them to heal both physically and mentally.

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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In this episode, Kim Pittman describes the terror of receiving the dreaded call and finding out she has stage 3B gastric cancer. She talks about the terrifying fear she faced head- on with her diagnosis and the uncertainty of treatment but leans on faith, family and friends. Through her journey, Kim embraces calmness in her faith and an unexpected miracle on the other side.

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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In this episode Brandi and Karla ask random questions to each other to help our listeners get to know more about us. We are so passionate about what we do and love getting real with our audience. Stay tuned....there will be more fun  and games coming your way!

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If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Paige Ware, mother of Henry,  is an educator and administrator at Southern Methodist University. Before her son Henry's suicide, Paige lived a very active and fulfilling life. She traveled to various countries speaking three languages as well as teaching and volunteering. She loved her family, spending time with them and most of all, loved being a mother, Her world changed 15 months ago when her 15 year old son, Henry died by suicide. Paige shares her journey with grief and loss and how she and her family are finding life on the other side.

Support the show

If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"

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Greg Wilkerson, 30 year law enforcement veteran, talks about the challenges of being in law enforcement, the impacts of mental health and the obstacles that get in the way. Greg shares insight from different perspectives of his career and the circumstances that contributed to his early retirement. He continues to be an advocate for police officers and first responders and is a leader in developing community resources.

Support the show

If you or anyone you know are struggling with a mental health issue, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviors, please reach out for help, talk to someone you trust and connect with a mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or hurting someone else, please call 911, go to your local ER or contact the national suicide hotline at 988. Mental Perk wants you to know "You're Worthy...We're in this together"