Along the Gravel Road Podcast with Chelsea Borruano

In this episode, founder & host Chelsea Borruano shares her own personal mental health journey and how it led her to becoming a mental health advocate and professional. Chelsea opens up about her difficult struggle with depression, anxiety, and history of toxic relationships, and eventually her path to hope and healing. Our hope is that this platform will be a safe space for others to tell their stories and help anyone listening to know they are so very not alone. Join us for season 2 as we continue to change the conversation around mental health.

In this week’s episode I talk with Ryan Schwartz, founder of Mental Health Match, a free & confidential service that can match you to the therapists and counselors who best meet your needs. Ryan knows the power of therapy and is passionate about helping people find the support they need. We talk about his personal journey with therapy, how impactful it was in a time of crisis, and maybe even more so as he navigated everyday life. He’s also no stranger to the barriers of finding the right therapist. That experience lit a fire under him to change that process and remove those barriers. Ryan shares with us the steps and research that went into starting Mental Health Match by identifying the most important aspects people look for in a therapist, which, at the end of the day, will and should be one of the most impactful relationships in your life. We recorded this episode back in January and are excited to announce that Mental Health Match is now available here in Louisiana as well.Learn More About Mental Health Match

In this week’s episode I talk with Breanna Catucci about her long journey through OCD, trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, to now actively pursuing her mental health counseling degree at NYU. Breanna is from New York, and I was lucky enough to meet her through our online graduate program. So often we try to separate professionals from their personal life, but, as counselors, it’s important for us to understand our journey before we can help others navigate theirs. Breanna shares about her traumatic experience as a patient at an in-patient behavioral health clinic. We also talk in detail about her OCD symptoms, specifically hypochondriasis, now more widely recognized as Illness Anxiety Disorder. And finally, we delve into trauma and how unique it is to each person that experiences it, but that doesn’t make it any less real. As a warning, this episode touches on self-harm and suicide. If you are feeling triggered at any point, please take the time you need, reach out to someone for support, and listen when you feel more comfortable doing so, or ask someone else to listen with you. ResourcesIllness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis, a term which has been revised in the DSM-5 due to its disparaging connotation) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition.[1] People with an illness anxiety disorder (IAD) experience persistent anxiety or fear of developing or having a serious medical illness that adversely affects their daily life.[2] This fear persists despite normal physical examination and laboratory testing results.[2] People suffering from IAD pay excessive attention to normal bodily sensations (such as functions of digestion or sweating) and misinterpret these sensations as indicators of severe disease. IAD is typically a chronic condition.[1]Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which patients experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts that are only relieved by performing behaviors or compulsions.[7] Compulsive behaviors demonstrated in obsessive-compulsive disorder are typically ritualized, repetitive, and stereotyped, e.g., repetitively checking door lock. Furthermore, patients with OCD usually have obsessions and concerns pertaining to more than one concern.[7] Patients with IAD may experience intrusive thoughts about the illness and have associated compulsive behaviors, such as typically body checking or seeking reassurance. Still, these concerns are primarily preoccupied with health and disease only. They are not present in other areas of life.[7]For Immediate HelpIf you are in crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency.If you are thinking about harming yourself or thinking about suicide:Tell someone who can help right away.Call your licensed mental health professional if you are already working with one.Call your doctor or health care provider.Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.

In this week’s episode, I talk with Mason Dupre about his traumatic diagnosis of, and subsequent journey living with, Bipolar Disorder. In 2014, Mason started Woolly Threads, a collegiate apparel company, out of his apartment. On October 23, 2016, Mason was booked into LA County jail as a consequence of the actions that would later be attributed to the onset of bipolar disorder. At the time of his arrest, the company was a gross sales multi-million dollar company and held collegiate licenses for over 250 universities, from Harvard Square to Palo Alto. Mason opens up about that experience and the drastic steps he took next to shift his life, which would ultimately save his life. Today, Mason uses his art to tell his ongoing story. Read Mason's Full StoryFollow medsmeds_ on InstagramMore ResourcesFor Immediate HelpIf you are in crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency.If you are thinking about harming yourself or thinking about suicide:Tell someone who can help right away.Call your licensed mental health professional if you are already working with one.Call your doctor or health care provider.Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.

In this week’s episode, I talk with Ellie Young, a Louisiana-based yoga instructor and the creator of 'My Modern Mantra' blog. As an added offering, she is Reiki 2 certified, and is deeply interested in energy work and studying the mind-body-spirit connection. Ultimately, her calling is to "create space" for others – whether it’s virtual through the My Modern Mantra platform, or in-person via weekly yoga classes. Bringing yoga and other practices into a modern, relatable and accessible setting teaches students tools to support themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, all while having fun and a little laughter along the way. Always a student of yoga and life, Ellie aims to share authentically from the heart and guide others who seek to build wellness and spiritual foundations to support and fulfill them, as well.We delve into all of this and so much more in this episode. I even get a little emotional in the end, but it was absolutely worth it. You can learn more about Ellie’s journey and practice through her blog, and by following along on her social media channels. @mymodernmantrafacebook.com/mymodernmantra

In this week’s episode, I get the chance to talk with Hunter Horenstein about his long journey with depression and anxiety. Hunter is the current Director of Fan Engagement for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Adv., an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. In his role, he oversees the Pelicans’ promotions and social media departments. Hunter is an eight year veteran of the sports industry, with experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. Originally from Long Beach, Ca., Hunter went nearly 22 years without addressing his mental health. Now 28, he works and lives in South Carolina with diagnosed social anxiety stress response syndrome and depression. Over the years, he’s become much more outspoken about his own struggles and journey, as well as an advocate for the normalization of mental health. We talk about how therapy, medication, a strong support system, and just being open to the process and, especially, to the help, has gotten Hunter to where he is today. “There's nothing wrong with taking your time on your journey. This wasn't an overnight thing. The journey has been long. It's sometimes gone backwards. Not every person's journey is the same, but that doesn't change the fact that you are absolutely not alone.”To learn more about Hunter’s journey, you can follow @h_horenstein on Instagram & Twitter ResourcesIn this episode, we talk about stress response syndrome, formally referred to as adjustment disorder. According to WebMD, Stress response syndrome is a short-term condition that happens when you have great difficulty managing with, or adjusting to, a particular source of stress, such as a major life change, loss, or event. Stress response syndrome changes the way you feel and think about the world and your place in it. In adjustment disorder/stress response syndrome, the reaction to the stressor is greater than what is typical or expected for the situation or event. The symptoms may cause problems with a person's ability to function; for example, the person may have trouble with sleep, work, or studying. It can have a wide variety of symptoms that are changes from someone's usual self.Treatment for AD/SRS may include:Psychotherapy or talk therapyMedications, including antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugsSupport groups

This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with mental health professional, Dr. Maria Shantell Williams about her meaningful journey in mental health and leadership development. Dr. Williams has over 14 years of experience working with education systems, mental health agencies, and community organizations. She has her own private practice, The Relationship Institute, offering counseling, coaching and consulting services. Dr. Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor, a Certified Organizational & Leadership Consultant trained under the phenomenal John Maxwell. She is known for her wisdom, innovation, and approachable way of relating to others. In this episode, we explore how her family dynamic and certain moments in her life brought her to where she is now, and how important self-care has been along the way. We also talk about her work with professional black women and their mental health, especially as we continue to see the grave effects of systemic racism in our country. Finally, we discuss the power of therapy and what she hopes for the future of mental health. Dr. Williams also introduces us to her new book launching soon, so we’ll be sure to share as soon as it does. Check back here for updates!

In this episode, Allison Reed opens up about her 10 year struggle with depression and anxiety, and how clean eating, and tons of therapy, ultimately saved her life. While not the only answer, Allison’s goal is to open up the conversation of how food can truly impact your body and your mind. We also delve into the power of therapy and how a strong support system helped her along the way. “I know I can’t be alone in this food thing. From anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts to a healthy mind and body, I am here to tell you there is hope...it can get better!” ResourcesIf you want to chat more about the topic, get in touch with Allison on Instagram or through email. Instagram: @alreed13Email: laine.industries13@gmail.comAdditional Reading:Grain Brain by David Perlmutter with Kristin Loberg Brain Maker by David Perlmutter with Kristin Loberg

In this episode, Matt Bahnick gives us an inside look into his journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Matt Bahnick founded the Positive Vibe Movement in 2015 with a dream to end the stigma surrounding mental health. For Matt and his family, the struggles of mental health have been part of every day life for as long as they can remember. Matt was diagnosed with OCD at 8 years old, while it had taken over 20 years for his brother to be properly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Matt was able to find escape playing baseball but his brother wasn’t as fortunate. Matt delves into his and his brother’s experience in and out of mental hospitals, and the faults they witnessed in the mental health system first hand. “All human beings are wired differently, what works for you might not work for me. Mental health has been misunderstood for so long. We want to be the voice of change. To educate, inform, and eventually end the stigma. No matter what you’re going through, just know you’re not alone. We’ll always have your back. This is so much more than clothing, it’s a Movement.” -Matt Bahnick on the story of the Positive Vibe MovementAs a partner to the You Aren’t Alone Project, 5% of all profits are donated in support of ending the stigma.Visit the Positive Vibe MovementResourcesUnderstanding OCDObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life, and occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease his or her distress. Many people with OCD know or suspect their obsessions are not true, but they still have a hard time keeping their focus off the obsessions or stopping the compulsive actions. A diagnosis of OCD requires the presence of obsession and/or compulsions that are time-consuming (more than one hour a day), cause major distress, and impair work, social or other important function. About 1.2 percent of Americans have OCD and among adults slightly more women than man are affected. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood; the average age symptoms appear is 19 years old.In this show, Matt credits Ali, OCD Recovery Coach, for saving his life at a moment when he was on the verge of losing all hope. Learn more about Ali Greymond, OCD Recovery Coach and get some free resources.

Brittany Hebert is a Louisiana-based full-time private practice licensed professional counselor. Her focus is on children and young adults, along with older adults on a case-by-case basis.She believes that by working with her clients she can help them on their life journey. This journey is not always easy because sometimes we may need help developing the skills we need for handling stress, negative feelings, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal communication, impulsivity, poor social skills, and more.She works not only with her clients but also parents and families, as necessary, to ensure maximum support in working toward their best self.Learn moreIn this episode, Brittany delves into her own struggles with anxiety and depression and how that led her to the field. We also touch on what therapy looks like, when it may be time to seek professional help or get help for your child, and techniques she uses with her younger clients. We specifically explore the unique benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially for children to help them manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Finally, we discuss the, often overwhelming, process of finding a therapist and what to consider in your search. Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral TherapyHow do I find a Good Therapist?

In her journey with postpartum depression, Meagan found solace in writing about her experience, and was able to help other moms to realize they were not alone (or crazy). Read more on her blog. Meagan also talks about how pivotal Dr. Bruno was for her healing. Dr. Bruno is in the private practice of Psychiatry specializing in Women’s Mental Health and Reproductive Psychiatry. She is Medical Director of selected Psychiatric Services at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences at Tulane School of Medicine, and Gratis faculty at LSU School of Medicine.Additional ResourcesTherapists in BR with a focus on Pregnancy, Prenatal & PostpartumWhat is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?Facebook Support GroupWhen the Bough Breaks