Jamie Andrews hosts Marie Logan to explore the Recovery College Wellness Centers' educational approach to mental health. They discuss the importance of co-designed courses facilitated by individuals with lived experience and celebrate the transformative impact on students. Marie shares her journey to becoming the lead adult educator at CMHA Durham's Recovery College, highlighting her team's contributions and the center's inclusive, empowering environment. Like the song 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles, this episode shines a hopeful light on mental health recovery and community support.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, host Jamie Andrews talks with guest Ray about his personal experiences with PTSD. Ray shares his traumatic experiences growing up in Trinidad, including being robbed and shot at, and how he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD in 2022. They discuss various coping strategies, including meditation, nature walks, and cognitive behavioural therapy, that Ray uses to manage his condition. Ray also talks about the importance of support from his family and mental health professionals. The episode emphasizes the value of seeking help and fighting stigma associated with mental illness, echoing the message of 'Everybody Hurts' by R.E.M.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosted by Jamie Andrews, guest Tyler discusses his personal experiences with neurodivergence, specifically autism. The conversation covers the definition of neurodivergence, its impact on Tyler's life, and the importance of incorporating neurodivergence into mental health treatments. Tyler shares his struggles with various diagnoses including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD, and emphasizes the need for personalized, patient-focused therapy. Drawing inspiration from Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way,' Tyler advocates for greater recognition of neurodivergence in the medical field and offers advice to others navigating similar paths.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, inspired by John Lennon's 'Imagine,' host Jamie Andrews, cohost Julien and guest Matthew discuss the profound impact of mental health stigma. Matthew shares his personal experiences with General Anxiety Disorder and depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without shame. The episode encourages listeners to envision a world where mental health is openly addressed and supported, advocating for improved mental health services and coverage. Listeners are urged to seek assistance, maintain a positive outlook, and find hope in their mental health journey.

In this episode, we follow Clark's journey of living in institutions after a car accident in 2010, which led to brain and spine injuries. He discusses his experiences in various hospitals, drug rehabs, and psych wards, emphasizing the challenges and benefits of institutionalization. Clark reflects on managing his struggles, finding purpose, and advocating for oneself while sharing insights on wellness and recovery.

The power of overcoming mental health challenges is a transformative journey that demonstrates resilience, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Our conversation with a fellow peer supporter and mental health coach, Blair Mann, showcases the human spirit's ability to rise above obstacles, embrace vulnerability, and seek growth through healing and self-discovery, relating that we all have the power to choose who we want to be!

Our Over|Thinking guest and Recovery College Peer Support Specialist Onika Dainty says “I AM Bipolar”. It is an identify she proudly wears, one that she has ‘earned’ through her own tremendous struggle and lived experience of Bipolar disorder.

Listen, learn, understand as Onika shares what it feels like to BE Bipolar in her unique, power-packed no-holds-barred style.

Here Without You: Part 2

Our two part series on grief concludes. When someone dearly loved, dearly close is no more. This is what Deanna Joyce, our guest for this two-part series on Grief shares. Through the lens of her own grievous experience with losing someone whom she dearly loved – her mother.

Here Without You:

Grief. Lots of it going around during these pandemic times. How to deal with it? How to relate? How to prepare for the unpreparable? How to support? How to get past? Or get through? When someone dearly loved, dearly close is no more. This is what Deanna Joyce, our guest for this two-part series on Grief shares. Through the lens of her own grievous experience with losing someone whom she dearly loved – her mother.

Social Anxiety. Am I worthy? Why do people reject me? I must not be a good person. But am I bad? Myriad masks. Are they working? Compulsively negative thought patterns. Trying to solve problems that we are creating for ourselves in our minds. Which lead to more problems. TORN!

Recovery College Wellness Centre Summer Co-op student Martin Luciani-Noli takes us deep into his mind and his struggle with social anxiety. And how he has learnt to cope more effectively.