The Global Impact

December is one of the hardest months of the year for millions of people.
Depression spikes by over 40%. Substance abuse emergencies rise up to 80%. Families struggle silently. Individuals battle loneliness, stress, trauma, and emotional exhaustion behind holiday expectations.

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui opens up about his personal journey — from seven resuscitations to spiritual awakening — and how those experiences shaped his passion for mental health advocacy, healing, and compassionate support.

This episode dives deep into:
✔ The REAL reason mental health declines in December
✔ The shocking rise of substance abuse during the holidays
✔ What clinical studies reveal about stress, relapse, and emotional burnout
✔ Practical steps to support yourself or a loved one
✔ Warning signs you should never ignore
✔ How therapy and early intervention save lives
✔ Why GlobalImpactWellness.com is a trusted resource for mental health & substance abuse treatment
✔ Hope, healing, and the power of vulnerability

Whether you’re struggling personally, supporting someone you love, or looking for education on mental health… this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable guidance.

• December mental health awareness

• Holiday depression & anxiety

• Substance abuse during the holidays

• Signs of addiction

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Mental health statistics and studies

• How to get emotional support

• Ali Mehdaoui mental health story

• Global Impact Wellness therapy services

• Youth & adult mental health resources

• How to talk about mental health

• Where to find substance abuse treatment

• How to manage holiday stress

• Virtual therapy & in-person therapy options

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, visit https://GlobalImpactWellness.com for confidential support, virtual therapy, in-person care, and resources for ages 8 and up.

Your healing matters.
Your story matters.
You are not alone.

► Website: https://GlobalImpactWellness.com
► Instagram: @GlobalImpactWellness

In this deeply human and vulnerable episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Sonnie Price, Program Supervisor at Global Impact Wellness Group, and Jaida Collins, who bravely opens up about the painful realities of living with mental illness.

Jaida shares her journey from silent suffering to a moment of crisis that changed everything—being asked to leave her home, staying in a hotel, and reaching a point where she felt she had nothing left to fight for. In a raw retelling, she describes the night she took multiple pills and the moment she woke up, physically and emotionally purging more than what she had taken. It was the moment she realized she couldn’t keep hiding her pain, her struggle, or the truth.

Together, Ali, Sonnie, and Jaida explore:

• The hidden battles behind mental illness

• How isolation and internal pressure can distort reality

• Why honesty—first with yourself and then with others—is a gateway to healing

• The shame, embarrassment, and fear many face when asking for help

• How personal rock-bottom moments can become the foundation for rebuilding

This episode is not about hopelessness — it’s about survival, self-realization, and the courage it takes to say “I need help.” It's about the people who show up when you think no one will, and the inner strength you discover when you’re finally honest about your struggle.

If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health challenges, this conversation offers a reminder: your story isn’t over, and you’re not alone.

In this powerful episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Taylor-Omaree Smith, Executive Director of Youth Programming at Global Impact Wellness Group, to shine a light on Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month.

Together, they explore the hidden struggles many men face, the stigma around seeking help, and the importance of early education and emotional awareness in young boys. Taylor shares how Global Impact Wellness Group’s youth programs are creating safe spaces, building resilience, and equipping the next generation with tools for emotional intelligence and mental strength.

Tune in for actionable insights, real stories, and a message of hope for families, educators, and communities ready to change the conversation around mental health.

🎧 Learn more or get involved at GlobalImpactWellness.com

In this powerful episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Andre Vaughn explores the vital connection between parenting, community, and youth development. Drawing from his own life and work with families, Andre dives deep into what it truly means to raise resilient children in today’s world.

From the importance of being present in a child’s life to creating spaces where kids can just be kids, this episode offers a heartfelt look at how parents and communities can work together to build the next generation of leaders. Listeners will gain valuable insights into behavior, discipline, family values, and life skills—all grounded in love, patience, and intentional parenting.

Andre also emphasizes the need for youth programs that nurture emotional health and provide real-world education beyond the classroom. Because raising great kids isn’t just about one household—it’s about a whole community working together.

• Role models are essential to children’s development.

• Community support is a foundation for family success.

• Don’t rob kids of their childhood—guide, don’t rush.

• Teach life skills and delayed gratification early.

• Respect is earned through example, not demanded.

• Invest in experiences that shape character, not just material things.

“The youth are our future.”
“Don’t rob your children of being kids.”
“Teach them how to fish for a lifetime.”

00:00 — Introduction to Parenting and Behavior
02:48 — The Importance of a Supportive Environment
05:53 — The Role of Presence in Parenting
09:01 — Youth Programs and Community Involvement
12:13 — Understanding Childhood Development
15:10 — The Impact of Parenting Styles
17:57 — Closing Thoughts on Parenting and Growth

For more resources on mental health, family support, and youth programs, visit GlobalImpactWellness.com

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Show, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea Givens to unpack one of the most pressing mental health challenges of our time — anxiety. Together, they explore the rise in anxiety worldwide, the latest 2025 research, and the real-life impact it has on families, workplaces, and communities.

From understanding the science behind anxious thoughts to exploring practical, evidence-based tools for calm and balance, this episode is filled with education, empathy, and empowerment.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• The latest 2025 statistics on global and U.S. anxiety trends

• Common triggers and hidden stressors behind rising anxiety levels

• Strategies for managing anxiety — from mindfulness to therapy to lifestyle shifts

• The role of holistic care and community support in mental health recovery

• How organizations like Global Impact Wellness are bridging the gap in behavioral health access

✨ Call to Action:
If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to learn about personalized support, therapy options, and holistic wellness programs that meet you where you are.

🎧 Watch. Learn. Heal.
Together, we can break the stigma and build a world where mental health is a shared priority.

On this powerful episode of Global Impact, Ali sits down with Sonnie Price, Program Supervisor at Global Impact Wellness Group. With over 25 years of experience in the addiction and mental health field—and 27 years of sobriety himself—Sonnie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation.

From contemplating suicide at rock bottom to becoming a leader who shapes recovery programs and inspires countless lives, Sonnie shares his deeply personal journey and the principles that guide his mission today. Together, we explore:

• 🌱 The reality of addiction as a “hijacked mind”

• 🧠 Why substance use disorder is inseparable from mental health

• 💪 Misconceptions about treatment, recovery, and the “rock bottom” myth

• 🏠 The critical role of family, community, and alliances in healing

• 🌍 The vision for expanding Global Impact Wellness Group across states and cultures

• 💡 HOPE as “Having Optimistic Perspective Every day”

Sonnie’s story is more than survival—it’s proof that transformation is possible and sustainable. Whether you’re on your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will remind you that help is available, hope is real, and change is possible.

👉 Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to learn more, access resources, or schedule a complimentary evaluation.

#MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #SubstanceUseDisorder #HOPE #GlobalImpact

In this episode of Global Impact, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Alicia Edwards, the Executive Director of Impact and Innovation at Global Impact Wellness.

Alicia shares her inspiring journey and the pivotal role she plays in supporting youth through mental health initiatives. Discover how Alicia's personal experiences have shaped her mission to create safe spaces and empower young people to write their own stories.

Tune in to learn about the innovative programs and community support efforts that are making a difference in the lives of many.

Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com

On this episode of The Global Impact, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down once again with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness to tackle one of the hardest but most necessary conversations: the intersection of mental health, substance abuse, and the opioid crisis.

This is not just theory—it’s real, raw, and personal. From Ali’s own family experiences with a loved one battling bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and substance abuse, to the staggering national statistics, the discussion shines a light on the realities millions of families face.

• Opioid Crisis Trends – From over 110,000 deaths in 2023 down to 80,000 in 2024, Dr. Givens explains what’s behind the decline in numbers and why Maryland is seeing hopeful progress.

• Mental Health & Addiction – Why substance abuse often masks untreated trauma or mental illness, and how agencies like Global Impact Wellness provide “no judgment zone” care to meet people where they are.

• Families on the Frontline – Practical advice for loved ones who feel helpless: how to respond with love, when to set boundaries, and how not to internalize guilt when a family member refuses treatment.

• The Power of Language – How changing stigmatizing words like “addict” to recovery-centered language helps people seek care without shame.

• Youth & Therapy – The surprising rise in young people requesting therapy, and why listening without judgment is critical to prevention.

• Hurt people hurt people. Aggression from a loved one struggling is rooted in illness, not malice.

• You can’t make excuses and make progress at the same time. Support and resources must stay consistent, even when change feels far away.

• Families are not alone. Agencies, nonprofits, and programs are making measurable impact—and the conversation itself is part of the healing process.

• If you or someone you love is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com for therapy, coaching, and resources.

💡 “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Sometimes recovery begins when we least expect it—but until then, staying present, resourced, and compassionate can make all the difference.

💬 Key Discussion Points:🌟 Takeaways:📢 Resources.

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness for a candid conversation about suicide prevention, healing, and hope. Drawing from lived experience and frontline clinical insight, they unpack why youth and young adults are at increased risk, how social pressure and money stress compound mental health struggles, and what families, schools, churches, and communities can do—today—to save lives.

What we cover:

• Why open conversations reduce stigma and create solutions

• Hidden warning signs (withdrawal, sudden calm, “it doesn’t matter if I’m here”)

• The youth crisis: social media, academic pressure, identity struggles, post-pandemic isolation

• Practical, low-cost ways to regulate stress between therapy sessions (sunlight/Vitamin D, mindful walks, music playlists, journaling, paint-by-numbers)

• The power of belief, community, and consistent support—how to ask “How are you really?” and listen well

• How Global Impact Wellness bridges clinical care and community: therapy (virtual & in-person), workshops, support groups, youth coaching, and positive outings

If you or someone you love needs help:

• Call or text 988 (24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — confidential)

• Veterans: Dial 988, then Press 1

• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741

Get care you can trust:
Book a confidential consult at GlobalImpactWellness.com for therapy sessions, coaching, and community support. Your life matters. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

CTA: Share this episode with someone who needs to hear “you are not alone,” and visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to start your healing journey.

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness Group to unpack the urgent challenges facing today’s youth. From the alarming rise of early substance use among children as young as nine, to the growing misuse of prescription drugs under academic pressure, Dr. Givens shares expert insights on how families, schools, and communities can step up.

Together, they explore:

• The critical importance of prevention programs and real-life peer stories.

• How diet, environment, and holistic care can reduce reliance on prescription drugs.

• The growing dangers of synthetic cannabinoids and substances marketed in everyday places.

• Balancing the clinical promise and ethical risks of treatments like ketamine and ibogaine.

• The role of telehealth, community partnerships, and culturally tailored recovery models.

The conversation also celebrates Global Impact Wellness’ upcoming Global Impact Day with the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting how partnerships can amplify awareness and break stigma.

This episode is a call to action for parents, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to champion compassionate, accessible, and evidence-based care that truly supports recovery and resilience.

🌐 Learn more at GlobalImpactWellness.com

#MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceAbusePrevention #GlobalImpactPodcast #YouthWellness #CommunityHealing