We feel broken because our minds betray us. And then we find that the system we turn to for help, when we take that step, is broken itself. 

There are many challenges and barriers for people  seeking help and treatment for mental-health challlenges and suicidal thoughts. While some groups are clearly disproportionately affected, few if any are spared the impact of stigma.

From access, affordability, representation, discrimination and other factors, even when someone recognizes the need for help, they don't or can't necessarlly get it.

In the second of two conversations with mental-health advocate Victor Armstrong, we look at the ways the mental-health care system itself is in crisis.

Depression is Grossly Misunderstood (rerun)

In episode 5 of The 'S' Word: A Podcast about Suicide Prevention, we discuss the intersection of mental health and suicide with clinical psychologist Dr. Terri deRoon-Cassini, Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and Executive Director of the Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The 'S' Word: Suicide and Mental Health

One of the many things depression and other chronic or invisible illnesses steal from us, is our energy.  
In this 17-minute episode, we discuss Christine Miserandino's Spoon Theory as a way to both manage and explain our often-limited resources. 
The theory is a metaphor describing the amount of physical and/or mental energy that a person has available for daily activities and tasks, and how it can become limited.
It offers a kind of shorthand for communicating why we need to make choices (i.e. cancelling plans, saying no to opportunities, etc.) The Spoon Theory can help with establishing boundaries and may even help you show yourself a bit more grace.

247_Applying Spoon Theory to Depression

April is the Month of the Military Child, and in our episode of The 'S' Word, we talk with Sarah Jemison, Military Family Resiliency Specialist with Seven Counties Services, Inc., about suicide risk and resilience among military children. Join us for this compelling episode!

Episode 14: Suicide Risk and Resilience among Military Children

In Episode 15, we talk with Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We discuss the innovative research funded through AFSP as well as some of the upcoming priorities for the foundation. If you are interested in national efforts related to suicide prevention, this is the episode for you!

Episode 15: The State and Future of Suicide Prevention Research

Stigma, shame and the fact depression is still (too) often seen as a weakness or failing, cause many people with the common illness to hide their struggles and pain behind a mask.

While in moderation this can be a healthy coping mechanism, it can also be dangerous as it prevents us not only from living as authentic human beings, but also from getting the help and support we need to live healthy, connected lives.

In this remixed episode, our guest Andrew Penner speaks eloquently about his mask, while therapist Dr. Anita Sanz takes a big-picture view of the coping strategy.

https://thephoenixnarrative.blog/
https://themighty.com/u/andrew-penner/
https://twitter.com/andrewpenner78

258- The Pros and Cons of Masking Your Depression

After losing his father to suicide as a child, an adult Sebastian Slovin embarks on a journey of recovery and discovery. 

What starts out as an investigation to understand his father's death, ends up providing a deeper understanding of how to live a truer life.

This 23-minute remix is a powerful reminder of the fact our lives are intertwined and that even our worst and most-painful experiences may lead to connections and blessings in ways we can't imagine. 

Learn more about Sebastian and his father in the book "Ashes in the Ocean."

259- Ashes in the Ocean A Son’s Story

We are encouraged to "do the work" to manage our mental health.
We're told to #beheretomorrow.
And those are powerful messages!
But how often do they include the reminder that we deserve to recover, heal and live for ourselves and not just for others?
That distinction is discussed in this 24-minute episode with our guest, Ari Cohen.

Families for Depression Awareness site: https://www.familyaware.org/

260_Taking Care of Ourselves for Ourselves

We buy all kinds of insurance to protect ourselves.
A Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is "emotional insurance." 
It can help us recognize when/why we are in a Good Place, and
warn us if/when we (or our minds) start to wander into Less-Good Places. 
A WRAP can also protect us and give us some control in a mental-health crisis.

In this episode our cohosts, a licensed psychologist and certified peer specialist continue a step-by-step guide for making a personalized WRAP plan-- something we create when we're well, to speak to and for us when we are not.

links: The form: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf
https://copelandcenter
mentalhealthrecovery.com/info-center/
www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

262-Making a Mental Health Crisis Plan

The phrase "stigma of mental illness" is at once overused and misunderstood.

What does it really mean? Why does it matter? Why should I care?

In the second of four episodes in our monthlong look at how negative associations with mood disorder diagnoses negatively impact those of us who live with them, we ask a number of past guests if stigma is evident to them, and if so, in what ways.

www.mhanational.org/b4stage4-philosophy
https://www.findthemind.org/articles/why-is-there-so-much-stigma-surrounding-mental-illness

264 Why Stigma Matters

Rebecca Lombardo fights a battle inside her mind every single day. 

But she doesn't fight it alone. 

In this 19-minute episode you'll hear from both Becca and her husband Joe, as they share some of the lessons they've learned in their marriage; lessons about communication, boundaries, love, and Bipolar 2 Disorder.

www.rebeccaalombardo.com

268_Seeing Beyond Your Partner's Diagnosis

Depression affects more than 300,000,000  worldwide. So basically, if you don't have it yourself, you know someone who does. Giving Voice to Depression was founded to start discussions that reduce stigma and promote understanding. We look at depression from many angles. A journalist with depression pre-produces short (7-10 minute) interview segments, and then the sister co-hosts, who both live with depression, comment on the issues presented. The episodes are informative and hopeful-- and seldom depressing.  It's time to shine some light on depression's darkness! Join us.

Depression is Grossly Misunderstood (rerun)

Giving Voice to Depression

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