Unbreakable: Mental Wellness

Grief is a complex and painful experience after certain events such as the death of a loved one or pet or loss of a relationship or job. Statistics show that about 2.5 million people in the U.S. die annually, each leaving behind an average of five grieving people. The way we experience grief is unique to the individual and may be overwhelming but we will overcome grief as healing overshadows it.

Barbara Petsel, LPC, FT, RN, CDWF, shares her expertise on grief including what to expect, things to say and not say, different types of grievers, triggers, and ways for us to cope in healthy ways during the grieving process especially during the holidays.

*In memory of my father-in-law, Tom K. Thomas, Rest In Peace*

“Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”~Anonymous

Research shows that PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) affects approximately 8 million Americans every year. Dr. Pradeep Thoppil, HCA Pharmacy Operations Manager, shares his experience of when he served on the pre-hurricane disaster team in a New Orleans hospital during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. We discuss several elements of this traumatic event that have had a lasting impact on him including working through toxic conditions to save patients, martial law, survivor's guilt, triggers, and the need for everyone including healthcare workers to assess mental health after trying times.

Dr. Phillip Morris, lead psychologist and owner of McKinney Neuropsychology, discusses the importance of psychological testing and how symptoms of different diagnoses such as ADHD can cross boundaries. We also explore the effects of current technology on our mental health and social skills.

Brian Cuban, younger brother of Dallas Mavericks' owner & entrepreneur, Mark Cuban, discusses how trauma from his childhood contributed to his eating disorder, alcoholism, and cocaine addiction later in life. We explore his journey and multiple factors including mental health treatment that have helped him to stay sober for several years now and live a more fulfilling life.