Does interacting with animals improve your mental health? Rebecca and Ian go on a quest to find out. We hear from a nursing student whose Yorkshire Terrier helps prevent panic attacks. We weigh the mental health benefits of pet ownership with Anthrozoology Professor Hal Herzog. And we hear the story of a man given a prescription for an emotional support goat. www.grouppodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should I Get an Emotional Support Animal?

A lighthearted podcast about mental health and mental illness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We look back at some goofy mental health moments from the show's history, and Rebecca shares a big announcement about the future of the podcast. More info and resources at www.grouppodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previously on GROUP (Fear, Fun, and the Future)

On this episode of GROUP, we debunk some dangerous myths about suicide, and we break down what to do if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts. We do so with the help of psychotherapist and suicidologist, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, author of “Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals,” and the woman behind speakingofsuicide.com. A trigger warning that we briefly discuss self-harm, and the myth that cutting means suicidality. For those who need immediate help in the US, please consider calling The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For international folks, here’s a list of hotlines for countries around the world. More info and resources at www.grouppodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s Talk About Suicide

Oh no, my hairstylist is trying to make conversation with me! Oh god, the bartender is judging me because of my drink order! So many things to worry about every gosh darn day! On this episode of GROUP, we break down some of the seemingly mundane things that can leave us spiraling. Rebecca explains her fear of mail (yes, mail can be scary—WHO KNOWS WHAT’S INSIDE THAT ENVELOPE) and recounts an uncomfortable interaction she had at the post office. We also hear from listeners and friends of the show about packing anxiety, hair cut avoidance, and public transportation dread. Lots of love, commiseration, laughter, and affirmation!  As always, more info at www.grouppodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anxiety Exhibition: Fear of Small Talk & Post Office Panic

In our final episode on grief, we continue our conversation with Professor George A. Bonnano and learn about the differences between grief and depression. We hear from John W. Evans, author of the award-winning memoir, “Young Widower,” about the complicated grief he experienced after losing his wife to a bear attack in 2007. Catherine and Rebecca chat about ways to be supportive of grieving friends and loved ones, and we end with a story from journalist Carmel Delshad about the ways grief changed her for the better. More info at www.grouppodcast.com.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grief Stories #2: Depression vs Grief

As part of our continued conversation about grief, we speak with Professor George A. Bonnano, expert on bereavement and author of “The Other Side of Sadness.” We learn the evolutionary purpose of grief and the dangers of assuming that everyone should follow a particular model for mourning. We also hear three stories about dealing with loss: we speak with Carly about how she recovered after her experience with stillbirth; Julie shares what it was like to be forced into grief counseling during high school; and former New York Times health reporter Catherine Saint Louis explains why she was nervous about her absence of grief after the death of her estranged father. Grief Stories #2 will be released on 5/16. More info at www.grouppodcast.com.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should I Get an Emotional Support Animal?

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