In this episode host Dr. Sharon Givens, a licensed professional counselor, and Dr. Eric Williams, a respected voice in mental health, explore practical strategies to protect mental health in 2026. They discuss mental health's importance in daily life, navigating stress, common issues like anxiety and depression, and the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Their conversation highlights simple, actionable steps for maintaining well-being, the significance of seeking help, and the need for quality, normalized mental health care. Listeners are encouraged to perform self-check-ins and remember they are not alone in their struggles.

Dr. Eric Williams is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Career Advising at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. In addition, he works with the Prisma Health Midlands ACT team. He earned his medical degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his general residency and child and adolescent fellowship with the Palmetto Health Alliance/University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Eric worked in an academic setting, an inpatient setting, in juvenile justice, college student mental health, and as a traveling psychiatrist prior to his current positions. His after-hours job is as a group exercise instructor at One Life Fitness.