Mental Note: Journeys Of Health And Recovery

In our next two episodes, we will explore a disorder affecting nearly one in five Americans - Substance Use Disorder (SUD). From knowing when your patterns are problematic, to building new neural pathways, to measuring success - we want to dig deep. And we’ve got the incredible expertise of Leah Young to show us why there’s so much reason for hope when dealing with addictive behaviors and substances. You can think of today’s podcast as Substance Use Disorder 101. It answers the questions, “How do you know if your use of alcohol or drugs is a problem?” and “Are you exhibiting problematic addictive behaviors?” We will cover topics like Early warning signs Denial Sober curiosity Next steps for getting support.
 Our second episode will examine recovery models for SUD - abstinence, moderation, and harm reduction - and how to know what works for you. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Click Here Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Clic

Close relationships set the tone for how we experience love and security. Yet, keeping those relationships healthy is rarely easy. Fortunately, Attachment Theory researchers have spent decades scrutinizing why we connect the way we do and what actions help make friendships, partnerships, and family bonds flourish. For therapist, mama, and author Eli Harwood - aka Attachment Nerd - her journey into understanding attachment patterns was deeply personal. Her early life programmed her to believe that she could not consistently rely on her needs being met. As an adult, this belief severely impacted her ability to connect with others, prompting Eli to find the best tools for healing and growing new attachment patterns. She benefited from that growth so much that she spent the past 17 years inviting others to discover how fun and stress-free this transformation can be. Today’s show is all about understanding basic Attachment Patterns, how they affect our relationships, and how we can enjoy becoming more secure paren

Today, we investigate Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) - a diagnosis that can be as confusing as its name suggests… But fear not! We are lucky to have Dr. Michelle Jones as our guide. As a clinical psychologist who studied ARFID since it first became a diagnosis, she's uniquely qualified to distill years of research into succinct explanations. Together, we unpack all the fascinating ways ARFID affects our relationship with food, plus what to do if you or someone you love is diagnosed with it.  Resources: Book - Guide for Parents and Carers by Rachel Bryant-Waugh ARFID information: videos, resources, and treatment options - Click Here Quiz if you think you or a loved one have ARFID - Click Here  Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

One chilly Maine morning, enveloped in a snowed-in cabin, musician DW sat at a piano recording a melody that had just popped into his brain. As he played, the phrase “I deserve to be well” tumbled out of his mouth in song.  He immediately broke down in tears asking, “Wow, do I really believe this?” That question, and the ensuing album he created with his band The Collection, fueled an artistic journey to make sense of depression, the stigma of psychiatric medication, and asserting self-worth.  We sit down with David to hear his mental health story, why he chose to share it publicly, and enjoy a special performance of two new singles from The Collection’s upcoming album.  _________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: David’s Links The Collection's Website: www.thecollectionband.com TikTok: @thecollectionband Instagram: @collectionband Link Tree: linktr.ee Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood &a

The end of the calendar year packs a lot into a short amount of time and it can be easy to deprioritize your mental health in all that noise. One of the best ways to refocus on your values is to remember the ways you’ve grown this past year.  So to honor the journey of 2023, we created an audio mural using six short stories from listeners and past guests. Storytellers focus not only on specific challenges but also on how they have built resilience, fostered mental health, leaned on therapy, and tapped into community. Ultimately, these collective vignettes whisper a comforting reminder that we are not alone and that hope is stronger than defeat.  Storytellers Alex  Carrie Zhang Eric Dorsa Gloria Jen Ponton Shay  Resources: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

Today’s episode is all about giving you an incredibly practical tool for navigating emotion-focused conversations anywhere and with anyone. To do that, we’ve invited Dr. Allison Chase to walk us through Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT for short). Mostly, we will focus on Emotion Coaching - a skill that creates shortcuts between two very different parts of the brain. The results are powerful and can help you and your loved one feel connected and empowered rather than confused and upset. It’s important to note that Dr. Chase discusses EFFT skills in the context of a caregiver’s relationship with someone battling an eating disorder, but you can take EFFT skills into any relationship that gets sidetracked by intense emotional outbursts - be they at work, home, or out in the world.  Resources: Dr. LaFrance’s book: What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers Free Self-guided EFFT Learning Series  EFFT Basics: Video Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & An

Have you ever been told that you’re too emotional? Or felt the need to hide your heart in order to be accepted and productive? Community builder and writer Nōn Wels can relate. As a sensitive kid growing up in an environment that didn’t always feel safe, Nōn learned to guard his heart so that nobody could find their way in. This led to a lot of pain and struggle: substance abuse, an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression. Along the way, Nōn realized that empathetic communities play a crucial role in finding wholeness, love, and nourishment. As a result, he started creating projects and groups designed to empower each of us to grow our capacity for empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity.  Today, we talk with Nōn about the journey that prompted him to create the Feely Human Collective and why we should even care about empathy and community in the first place. __________________________________________ Resources: Nōn’s Website  Feely Human Collective  You, Me, Empathy (Nōn's Podca

Have you ever wondered why our culture treats fat and fat bodies with such vehement scorn? What about the experiences of people who are fat? What does it mean to exist in a thin-obsessed society?  With humor, personal stories, and research Aubrey Gordon & Kara Richardson Whitely - two fat authors and storytellers - explain how the world works differently for people depending on their size. Along the way, we talk about the unintended and sometimes deadly consequences of weight stigma in the medical world as well as what you and I can do to end weight discrimination.  Resources: Campaign for Size Freedom   Aubrey’s Website  Kara’s Website  Maintenance Phase Podcast  Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center  Eating Recovery Center Free Group Support Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

Have you ever noticed that you simply notice more? Therapist, author, consultant, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) April Snow wants you to know that you are not alone. In fact, the genetic trait responsible for Sensory Processing Sensitivity - aka what makes HSPs more attuned to the world around them - is present in 20% of individuals, regardless of gender. It can be both a superpower and an Achilles heel. And that’s why we are so excited to talk with April. April built her career by helping highly sensitive individuals move beyond feelings of overwhelm and guilt to discover the best parts of being more aware of their surroundings. Together, we examine HSP Characteristics, misconceptions, and how to thrive as a highly sensitive person. ___________________________________________________________________________ Resources: April’s Website - aprilsnowconsulting.com April's Instagram - @sensitivetherapist HSP Self-Test - Click Here Mental Note Podcast: mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Cente

Have you ever felt like the real you - the one that exists deep, deep down - is not aligned with how you live your life? What would it be like to let the true you break free? That’s why we created today’s podcast. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Moe Ari Brown has spent his career helping others live their most authentic lives. He is one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity, with a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality. And he’s here for a discussion about Radical Authenticity - what it is, how to find it, and who it is for. So join me, my delightful co-host Eric Dorsa, and Moe Ari as we focus on discovering radical authenticity and learning to love ourselves while accepting the world around us. ________ Resources: Moe Ari’s Website: theemoeari.com Moe Ari’s Instagram @loveoutproud Be Your Own Love Goals Podcast: lovegoalspodcast.com Eric Dorsa Instagram: @fkdrag Mental Note Podcast: mentalnotepodcast.com Pathligh

Mario Gonzalez moved to the United States when he was only three years old as the son of undocumented immigrants who followed seasonal harvests up and down the West Coast. As a result, his childhood was filled with constant change, insecurity, & financial stress.  Determined to build a life of greater stability, Mario chose to focus on school and finding a legal foothold in the US. His path has been one of bravery, heartbreak, and determination. You won’t want to miss it! Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explores Mario’s upbringing, how he manages clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression, and what empowers him to stay present as his legal status remains unresolved. ___ Resources: Help with loneliness and isolation: only7seconds.com  I Know Lonely Podcast: only7seconds.com/podcast  Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: www.pathlightbh.com  Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/suppor

Dave Vrablik’s lifelong habit of emotional eating never felt like a serious problem. That is, until one heartbreaking phone call five years ago… Upon receiving news about the death of his beloved older brother, Dave’s occasional compulsive eating quickly morphed into uncontrolled binging. All of a sudden he was enveloped by Binge Eating Disorder. Dave’s discovery and treatment of the eating disorder sent him on a five-year journey - one that highlights the importance of community as well as what we all should know about America’s most prevalent, yet under-diagnosed, eating disorder.  _______________________________________________________________________________ Links: Binge Eating Information: Click Here Virtual At-Home Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Click Here Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: Click Here Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7

For more than 10 years Kaylee Kron has walked alongside the bereaved, companioning them and honoring the memory of their lost loved ones. In a culture that treats death and grief like they are contagious, she is a wise guide prompting us to reevaluate that fear.   This compassion and insight did not come easy. It grew out of personal tragedy - the unexpected death of a partner and a tumultuous path back to peace. She now works tirelessly to showcase the rich world of grief and why we should embrace it rather than hide from the pain.  On today’s episode, we discuss: Kaylee’s story Common misconceptions about grief The do’s & don’ts of talking about loss The life-altering power of recognizing loss with your community __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Kaylee’s Links & Grief Education Kaylee Kron’s Website: www.the-grief-coach.com  Workbook for Families in Grief: Purchase Book Here Instagram: @the.grief.coach whatsyourgrief.com Companioning

Right as therapist KC Davis gave birth to her second baby, Covid-19 began shutting down normal life. Not only that, but KC had just moved to a new city, her husband began a demanding new job, and pandemic restrictions caused their carefully planned support system to crumble.  All of a sudden it was just her - and her two babies - home alone. Everyday.  In the chaos that ensued, KC began an unexpected new journey. From grappling with mental health barriers to becoming TikTok famous and writing a best-selling book - KC has ventured out on a quest. Her goal? To connect the dots between mental health and the daily care tasks we tend to take for granted.  So on today’s episode, we’ll talk with KC about the last few years - focusing specifically on the ADHD diagnosis that answered so many questions about her past. Along the way, we will learn her signature workarounds for completing tasks that feel impossible. __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: KC Davis

American culture praises weight loss. A quick scroll of social media, magazine racks, or even the news will yield numerous “transformation” stories documenting how a fat person turned their life around by shedding pounds.  But at what cost? Today, we’re exploring an eating disorder so camouflaged, you probably didn’t even know it exists - Atypical Anorexia. Or, more accurately, anorexia in people with larger bodies. With our guide - recovery advocate Joanna Nolen - we will unpack how fatphobia impacts the medical system, insurance, and even treatment centers. Plus, Joanna will share her most practical wisdom about navigating this weight-loss-obsessed world as a person in recovery living in a larger body.  ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/supp

Beyond the rush and noise of the Holiday Season, hides an amazing treasure - the passing of stories and wisdom from our elders. And we're not just talking about tales of the good ol' days from grandparents! Because an elder is simply someone who’s gone before you, no matter their age. So, to celebrate this special time of year, we are featuring short stories from some of you - the elders in our community who have already walked the road of recovery. We wanted to know how you have integrated recovery into your homes and living spaces. Each featured response is brief. Our hope is that they spark your imagination to consider ways that home might become a partner instead of an opponent to mental health. Many thanks to Kara Richardson Whitley, Ashton Grooms, Jen Ponton, Jane Zeltser, Patrick Devenny, Tony Wilson, Niki Dubois, Chris Henry, Ivy Watts, Katie Kittredge, & Jayne Mattingly for sharing. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.co

As a teenager, Kea Yamamoto’s behaviors transformed from being respectful, creative, and empathetic to ones that alienated the people she cared most about. Not only did she lash out, but she also stopped sleeping, began hallucinating, and felt immune to consequences.  Kea’s eventual diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder proved to be both a relief and a frightening look into the unknown. Would she be able to enjoy the relationships and experiences that make life worthwhile? Or would she move deeper into isolation and pain? Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and the non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explore’s Kea’s 10-year journey towards a fulfilling life. We cover how she mended relationships, what dating with a Bipolar diagnosis was like, and why she decided to become a mother despite the hereditary nature of her disorder.  Resources: Help with Loneliness and Isolation: only7seconds.com  I Know Lonely Podcast: only7seconds.com/podcast  Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathl

Discover how your personality can be both your biggest asset and greatest stumbling block on today’s fascinating episode.  When Dr. Laura Hill first encountered research showing that a person’s temperament - the baked-in personality traits dictated by their genes - dramatically influences the type and expression of their eating disorder, she was thrilled. For decades, she had felt that eating disorder treatment only focused on external behaviors, while ignoring root causes. But through brain-based research, she was finally able to see how and why disorders begin growing in the first place. This excitement compelled Dr. Hill to devote the next ten years of her career to working alongside colleagues and patients in developing the first-ever eating disorder treatment focused on genetic traits. The result? Temperament Based Treatment with Supports - TBT-S for short. Influenced by Dr. Hill’s playful and inquisitive spirit, this approach promises thrilling possibilities for long-term recovery.  Resources: Our Webs

Suicide is one of those words that stops us in our tracks. Often, we treat it tenderly — acting like saying it too loudly will inspire someone to do something awful. But the truth is that not talking about suicide is what actually increases the chance a person with suicidal thoughts will act on them.  So how do you have such a loaded conversation? Well, it helps to get advice from people who’ve been there before. September is Suicide Prevention Month and in recognition of that goal, we reached out to the experts on dialoguing about difficult mental health topics - an organization called Hope for the Day. Hope for the Day is a non-profit movement empowering conversations on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. While based in Chicago, their resources are global. Their whole approach focuses on peer-to-peer led conversations that are guided by clinical oversight. It’s incredibly effective. So today, I’ll speak with five members of their team about tools, programs, and mindsets that can help

Researching anxiety and mood disorders can be daunting - and deciding who is credible and what research holds up under scrutiny is even harder. That’s why we made today’s episode! Welcome to our little one-stop-shop-overview of the basics for anxiety and mood disorders. We’ll spend this episode asking an expert in the field the most common questions about anxiety disorders, mood disorders, the treatment experience, and treatment methods. Sound good? Dr. Howard Weeks will be our gracious question answerer. He is the Chief Medical Officer at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. Most importantly, he has a special way of communicating complex information that brings clarity rather than getting lost in the weeds. Since this episode is a little longer than our typical show, we’ve included time stamps for different subjects below. Subjects Timestamps Anxiety 2:20 -15:00 Types - 6:00  Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias OCD PTSD Panic Attacks Getting help - 10:30  Treatment Options Is Recovery Possible?