Mequell and Adam are joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Joel Beckstead to discuss more in depth about how to be vulnerable in a healthy way. He answers listener questions about how to respond, appropriate ways to share and how to come out still feeling okay even if the response isn't what we wanted. He discusses how to have successful relationships and deep connections regardless of the type of struggles each person comes into the relationship with. Someone doesn't have to "get mental illness" to connect with you they just have to be willing to come into your world and see things from your perspective which is the same way we can support and connect with other people too. Most importantly vulnerability is a lifelong process for both those sharing and for those receiving. Great advice Joel!  

Mequell and Adam answer some listener questions and situations about how to handle all the "critics" in your life. You know, the ones who tell you to choose to be happy or try harder to cure your mental illness. 'insert eye roll here' It's a tricky situation because we do want to help educate those we love and interact with but we also need support while being a warrior. Then there are some people who just need the boot. Regardless of who the critics in your life are here are a few ideas on how to handle them.

Mequell and Adam are joined by The Vegas Therapist Ryan Wynder, LMFT for a discussion about the specific challenges that can be faced by men when dealing with depression and other types of mental illnesses. Cultural and societal expectations can create more difficulties for men at work and in relationships with vulnerability, emotion and asking for help. 

Mequell and Adam follow up on the discussion with Mark Bell LMFT who joined us a few episodes ago about sexual and emotional intimacy with significant others. The discussion today is more of a practical application for parent/child and other types of relationships because when mental illness is involved it can be trickier than normal.

Mequell and Adam are joined by Amanda Merrill who lost her AMAZING brother Todd to suicide. She dispels some misconceptions people may have about those who lose their life this way and also generously provides insights, feelings she dealt with and suggestions for those wanting to help.

Mequell and Adam are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Mark Bell who is a sex addiction specialist to discuss the topic of how mental illness can affect sexual intimacy. They answer listeners questions about both lack of desire in down cycles along with addressing issues of hypersexuality during mania. Good thing we had an expert for this one! 

Mequell and Adam discuss the recently published NAMI study (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the differences between what those with mental illness say are the biggest difficulties living with it vs. what those who have no experience with mental illness think the hardest things are. The difference is eye opening!

Mequell and Adam start Season 3 with a discussion about how supplements can affect medication answering the question "What in the heck happened in July???" They also talk about why people may not reach out when they're feeling down.

Mequell and Adam talk about how mental illness and depression are not a static thing. It's a constant balancing act to regulate and manage your cycles with the ups and downs of life and sometimes you find yourself at the bottom. Again. And it sucks.

Mequell and Adam discuss how to show love and support to somebody after a suicide attempt including both what to say and also what not to say. PS this episode was really hard to record and made us cry