In the Open

Connecting Through Nature with Debbie Plotnick

Theresa is joined by Debbie Plotnick (Executive Vice President for State and Federal Advocacy at Mental Health America) to touch on the importance of connecting through nature. Debbie is a nature person at heart and she explains how it stemmed from her childhood growing up in Philadelphia. They connect mental health and nature and how nature can help you become more present.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

I’m Afraid Of Gun Violence featuring Brenda Mitchell

America brings on Brenda Mitchell (a survivor of gun violence) to talk about her and her family’s experience with gun violence. Brenda talks about her work with Everytown Survivor Network and why she specialized in trauma. There is a conversation about the impacts of gun violence on the families who lose their loved ones, the power of finding people with shared experience and the importance of self-care.

Text READY to 64433 to get connected to Everytown Survivor Network.

To learn more about the organization visit https://www.everytown.org/

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

How Do I Sleep Better? featuring Dr. Joe Dzierzewski

America brought on Dr. Joe Dzierzewski, the Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at the National Sleep Foundation, and they discuss ways to improve your sleep. Dr. Dzierzewski shares how his current sleep schedule is with two young children and the impact of the pandemic on people’s sleep. They talk about creating a comfortable sleep space, technology use before bed and the role of naps in your sleep routine.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

For more information on the National Sleep Foundation visit: https://www.thensf.org/

I’m Not Safe At Home

America helps guide Theresa through a personally difficult topic about not feeling safe at home. Theresa shares her experience of feeling paralyzed at home and how she was sent to live with another family in an environment that was not safe for her. They talk about claiming your power and protecting yourself, creating safe places and using the resources that are available to you.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

Does My Environment Affect My Health featuring Em Skehill

Theresa enlists the help of Em Skehill to kick off a new series about the effects of a person’s environment. The general discussion is about physical environment and how it impacts their personal wellbeing. They zoom out on personal environment and go global to discuss their fears of the global environment and touch on the importance of creating pieces of home within yourself.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

I Drink When I’m Depressed, Do I Have A Problem? featuring Alora

Theresa and America bring on Alora as a part of the addiction series and they discuss stress induced drinking. When you ask the question: “do I have a problem?” it is usually a sign that there might be an issue. They talk about recognizing healthy coping methods, how depression can play into triggering unhealthy habits and finding the thing that best suits you to stop bad habits.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

Drinking And Using Drug Ruined My Relationship featuring Joshua

Theresa and America speak with Joshua about how the people around him ruined their relationships because of excessive drinking and using drugs. Joshua’s family members struggled with addiction and he shares how he learned young about their problematic relationships with drugs and alcohol. They talk about recognizing the warning signs, generational trauma and remaining hopeful.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

How Do I Deal With Cravings featuring Vicente

America and Theresa bring on Vicente to explore how to deal with cravings. Vicente shares his journey growing up in a low-income party town and how those experiences fueled his addictions. They talk about the moment when Vicente decided to stop drinking, why he had to become the man of the family and how he found a sense of community in his local teen center.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

How Do I Quit Drinking Or Using Drugs featuring Bill

America and Theresa bring on Bill to talk about his lived experience with an addiction. Bill is a certified peer specialist who shares his recovery journey and what that means to him. They talk about the burden of shame that comes with addiction and how other people in recovery can be a real asset in your recovery.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org

Do I Have An Addiction? featuring Rachel

Theresa brings Rachel on the show to talk about her lived experience with an addiction. Rachel shares how her addiction affected her everyday life and her road to recovery. They talk about removing yourself from your toxic environment and how Rachel’s son saved her life.

To take a mental health screen, or to find mental health information and resources, visit mhascreening.org

To submit questions, comments or ideas about future topics on the podcast, contact  podcast@mhanational.org