While there is undoubtedly a complex interplay between nature and nurture when it comes to mental illness, today we are discussing the nurture component. Ben Brafman and Jaime Blaustein discuss this issue in depth. The duo discuss the term "trauma" and whether it is overused. They also discuss social media and COVID-19 as exacerbating factors.

The portrayal of addiction and mental health in movies has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal attitudes and a growing understanding of these issues. Jaime Blaustein, Ben Brafman, and Jim Magner discuss their top films in this draft-themes podcast episode:

In this episode, we get into interesting topics and hypotheticals, including what mental illnesses Ben would cure first and why. Jaime also brings up an interesting point while trying to reconcile what life would've been like without mental illness and addiction. Is he better off now? Was the pain and suffering during this time worth the result? Or would it have been better if he never had these concerns in the first place?

Codependency is a behavioral condition in a relationship where one person enables another person's addiction, poor mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or underachievement. This term encompasses a wider range of situations. Here are some key aspects of codependency:

Ben Brafman, Peter Marinelli, and Jaime Blaustein discuss approaching a career after addiction treatment. A mental health or substance use disorder can easily derail someone from their career track, but it doesn’t have to permanently alter their life trajectory. Recovery is one of life’s greatest opportunities for personal growth and learning. https://sylviabrafman.com/mental-health-programs/career-launch-program/.

Relationships and finances are the two biggest concerns our patients, and truly most people, have. In our podcast's fourth episode, Jaime, Ben, and Peter discuss the ins and outs of relationships after treatment for mental health concerns or addiction. Someone in early recovery or soon after being treated for mental health concerns cannot conduct a fully healthy relationship before they take care of themselves. This allows them to develop honesty and intimacy in the relationship, allowing it to thrive. We also discuss whether a history of recovery can be a tailwind or enhancement to a relationship.

Trauma is an integral part of any mental health or addiction treatment plan. Traumas are often dismissed with a simple “Just get over it!” As we professionals have known for a very long time, trauma comes in various forms and affects each of us differently.

And that is what makes trauma-informed treatment so nuanced and interesting. Of course, the validity of certain traumatic experiences like natural disasters, war, or terrorist attacks cannot be questioned. However, personal traumatic experiences are not often as cut and dried. What is traumatic for one person may be “no big deal” for another. How do we acknowledge and recognize that?

Today, as a society, we are more conscious of trauma than ever before and consequently much more accepting of the potentially traumatic effects that those around us may have experienced (or continue to experience). But that has also led to the often flippant use of the word. Some exploit everyday challenges and uncomfortable situations to gain sympathy or an upper hand in the name of this complicated and debilitating mental health condition.

In this episode, we dig into what trauma is, how it differs from one person to the next, and what we do to address it in treating mental health and substance use disorders.

All sorts of feelings and emotions result from a person's battle with addiction and mental health concerns. The family is central in this fight; often, family members don't know how to treat their loved one with addiction or mental health problems. Further, there's often a weak link in the family system that may enable addictive behavior or give in when the going gets particularly tough. 

We talk about the concept of hitting rock bottom, but not in the way you may think. As family members, we can raise the floor and make the bottom less painful. Of course, this process is not easy, and family members have to make difficult decisions as a single unit, some of which may seem impossible. But in the end, it is in everyone's best interest to get their loved one into appropriate treatment.

This episode is dedicated and directed to family members who aren't sure what to do or feel like they have lost control.

It’s a momentous day! Our first podcast is here. We are thrilled to bring together two of the foremost experts in mental health and addiction treatment – Peter Marinelli and Ben Brafman.

Peter Marinelli is a world-renowned speaker and published author on mental health and addiction issues, looking at the recovery process through a spiritual lens. As the founder of Through the Archway, he has touched countless lives and continues to do so in conjunction with The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center.

Ben Brafman is an expert in the field of addiction and mental health treatment, having spent the entirety of his career dedicated to helping patients find lasting recovery. From humble beginnings as a behavioral tech to the owner of treatment centers in Florida, Ben is the definition of clinical knowledge and experience.

Our podcast is hosted by Jaime Blaustein, who had his seven-year battle with addiction. After a successful career in investment banking, he took the bold and fulfilling step to leave New York City and come to Florida to co-found The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center with Ben.

We look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to leave comments that will help us direct future podcasts.