In the Open

This is the last episode of “In The Open” and Theresa and America cover healing. They share their perspectives in just the four years they've been doing the podcast and the amount of growth they've both experienced. They reminisce on the process of opening up and how it became extensive therapy over the years, how they've become better equipped to set and handle boundaries and a genuine thank you to everyone that joined the podcast on this journey. 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

America and Theresa have found ways to stop themselves from being negative and they share some techniques they use when those bad feelings hit. On a scale of 1-10 they rank how positive or negative they are and where it fluctuates on that scale. They talk about accepting help, practicing awareness and stepping into the wise mind and stepping out of the irrational mind. 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

Theresa and America can do hard things. There is a discussion about the difficulties of putting the hard things into action; for Theresa it's forgiveness and for America it's letting go of control. They talk about avoiding avoidance, practicing self-kindness and starting with thankfulness. 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

Theresa and America talk about the process of setting boundaries and making sure people are respecting those boundaries. They both explain how boundaries can change over time and some examples of their firm and soft boundaries. They talk about prepping before setting boundaries, taking actions when boundaries are crossed and understanding where and why these boundaries exist for you and others. 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

Theresa and America feel nervous taking on this topic of forgiveness. Theresa explains why forgiveness is complex and why it's intertwined with expectations while America battles with getting past being a grudge-holder to forgive others. They talk about how you must forgive yourself before you can forgive others, trying not to put your expectations on other people and why forgiveness doesn't have to be the end game. 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

America and Theresa start a brand-new series which is now focused on “I Can.” Letting things go takes vulnerability and they get to the bottom of why you might be holding onto things. They talk about capacity and ability to unpack trauma, making the effort to heal and how letting go also requires celebrating success. 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

Theresa and America explore what causes their stress dreams and the effects they feel from them. They both have been going through recent stress dreams and they explain what the dreams were about and the recurring dreams they have when they're stressed. They talk about rituals before going to bed, the benefits of sleep for your brain and journaling about your dreams.  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

Theresa and America continue their “I can't…” series and this episode is focused on wanting control. America gives examples of things in her life she tries to control to make her life easier and help ease her routine. They talk about the good/bad of trying to have a contingency plan, grieving the loss of expectations and trying to accept not everything will always go your way. 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

America and Theresa talk about always having to be right no matter the circumstances. America struggles with this while Theresa does not; they dig in on both of their perspectives. There is a conversation about getting to the bottom of the fear of being wrong, feelings of being misrepresented and the goal of finding a place of common understanding. 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

Theresa and America have a candid conversation about the times they've shut people out of their lives. They talk about the difficulties of creating boundaries and the continual effort in relationships. They share about the complicated process of letting people in, accepting and giving love and the process of committing to and depending on others. 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

America and Theresa discuss the times they can't express themselves appropriately. There is a conversation about the importance of environment and letting go of shame to show up as your true self. They talk about the complexities of figuring out who you are, getting to the root of “why” and how it can be helpful to create rules and structure for 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

The “I can't stop…” series rolls on with the issue of judging yourself and others. Theresa shares the struggles with judging herself too often but why those feelings also come as strength for having empathy for others. They talk about stepping back and separating where the judgement and criticism comes from, evaluating someone's intentions before reacting and unpacking why you're judging yourself or others. 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

Theresa and America have a conversation about doing the things that hurt ourselves – physically and emotionally. Theresa shares how anxiety and depression exaggerates bad situations and the overwhelming physical effects she feels in those situations. They talk about the pros and cons of being solution focused, feelings of myopia and how there's no timeline on your road to 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

Theresa and America continue their “I can't stop…” series and this episode is on something they both struggle with – they can't stop saying things that get them in trouble. While they both say things they regret at times, America and Theresa each follow different paths to get there. They talk about the practice of trying to catch yourself before you say something you don't mean, making an effort to communicate effectively and how the body keeps score. 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

America is back! Theresa and America link back up to start the new “I can't stop…” series. This is one is about how you can't stop getting in your own way. America shares how she doesn't always apply the positive changes to get better and Theresa struggles with not being petty during an argument. They talk about letting external factors get in the way and taking those timeouts before you fall into 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

Theresa has a conversation with Dr. Tonya Battle (Battle Clinical Services) about the effects of cyberbullying on the youth. Dr. Battle explains the expanded access to the internet and social media and how that can morph into cyberbullying. They talk about having a conversation early with your children about personal responsibility and digital safety, appropriate ages for introducing phone usage and creating social media accounts plus finding information and resources if you feel like you need help navigating the internet with your children. 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

Keegan Lee returns to speak with Theresa about how social media can be depressing. Keegan shares her feelings on why social media triggered her sadness because of the fear of missing out and comparisons to others online. They talk about the digital divide, social media creating dopamine hits and figuring out an appropriate age for when kids should get a phone and join social media. “60 Days of Disconnect - A Personal Perspective of How Social Media Affects Mental Health” by Keegan W Lee: https://www.amazon.com/60-Days-Disconnect-Personal-Perspective/dp/1631030876   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

Theresa brought on Keegan Lee to talk about her addiction to social media. Keegan shares how social media, at one time, contributed to a decline in her mental health but how she now has balance and uses social media in moderation. They talked about healthy ways of taking breaks from social media, setting limits when you identify you might have a problem and social media's effect on emotional intelligence. 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

Theresa speaks with Lanee Higgins about their kids and the internet. They both have concerns about their kid's internet usage and how they manage overstimulation and their dependency on tech. Lanee shares her experiences as a teacher and her student's relationships with their devices, they talk about solutions for screen time for kids as well as avoiding setting hard rules with your kids. 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

Khendra Lucas is back with Theresa to share what it is like to discover they have ADHD later in life. Khendra shares when she got diagnosed with ADHD and some of the misdiagnoses that occurred along the way. They talk about the rush Khendra gets from getting stressed out, how for some boredom is painful and getting testing and resources for those who believe they might have ADHD. 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

Theresa has a conversation with Kristen Abell about her journey discovering how she found out she has autism. Kristen shares when she first realized she might be autistic and how the label helped with validation. They talk about what it's like being autistic in social situations, learning how to mimic other people and finding resources. 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

Theresa brought on Suzi Craig so she can share her personal experience with menopause and mental health. Suzi explains how menopause symptoms can be confusing for women and how she handled them. They compare the difference and similarities to puberty and menopause, exploring hormone replacement therapy and starting the menopause conversation early so you can have the tools for when it comes. 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

Allissa Torres is back to talk with Kojo Sarfo about how BIPOC folks can find community online. They discuss Kojo's platform and his goal of bringing people together and promoting mental health awareness.  They discuss the importance of finding community for BIPOC folks, being a champion for equity and ways of finding groups of people with shared interests and experiences online. 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

Theresa is joined by Khendra Lucas to discuss how to create safety in your community. Khendra has experience helping create safe spaces in her community in Memphis, Tennessee and the focus of reframing the “dangerous” label Memphis has been given. They talk about helping others in your community with resources, making connections online with people in your area and defining what safety means 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

Allissa Torres opens up a conversation with Megan Bryant about reconnecting with your culture. They each share ways they connect with their culture and feel a sense of community with the people around them. They talk about how culture impacts mental health, how going to community events is an easy way to connect with your culture, next steps on how to navigate the mental health system and how providers can create more culturally responsive environments. 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

Theresa and America are back to start a new series surrounding community. They each share their particular connection with their community and some feelings of not belonging. They talk about ways of finding community, their draw to their culture's music and food and looking for the positives where community and culture intersect. 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

America got to have a meaningful conversation with Em Skehill and Luis Cornejo about gender identity and culture. Em and Luis share how their queerness opened up new possibilities for them and how it exists outside of the binary system. They talk about how they each navigated their gender identity in their respective cultures and how we're seeing more visibility and representation but yet it's still not safe for everyone. 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

America and Em are joined by Phii Regis to have a conversation about what it means to be Nonbinary. Phii takes us through their journey about when they started expressing their gender and when Phii started really focusing on their queer identity. They talk about why Phii identifies as Nonbinary Transfem and what that means, Phii's ongoing safety concerns about being nonbinary out in the world and being your authentic self. 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

Em Skehill takes over this week with Schroeder Stribling to talk about being confused about the concept of gender. They were both assigned female at birth and they have both spent a lot of time thinking about the concept of gender expression and identity. They talk about reclaiming the word “queer”, Schroeder shares experiences growing up around gay culture and the spectrum of sexuality, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity. 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

Theresa speaks with Cate Desjardins, who provides LGBTQ+ Competent Therapy, to help us better understand gender. Cate explains how she helps explore people's curiosity and why she wants to help deepen people's understanding of gender among other things. They talk about Cate's research project, choosing what gender best fits you and attempting to be wide open to the experiences of the people you love. 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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theresa and America explore the art of making habits stick. There is a discussion about being in tune with your body and building routines. They talk about the importance of rituals and boundaries, how to turn a habit into a routine and trying to replace your bad habits with good 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

Dr. Stew Shankman, a Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Northwestern, joins the podcast to discuss therapy and the brain. Dr. Shankman explains what happens with the brain when it's at rest and when it's doing tasks and he also shares information on the affect therapy has on the brain. They talk about the time it takes to heal the brain, the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and how the real work is done outside the therapist's office. For more information on Dr. Stew Shankman's work visit: https://sites.northwestern.edu/nearlab/ 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

America and Theresa talk about a topic they struggle with…asking for help. They share the scale of asking for little and big types of help and when they first remember asking for help. They talk about why people struggle even asking for any kind of assistance, finding the right people to ask for help and some available resources if you are seeking help. 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

America and Theresa identify what matters and how that ties into personal values. There is a discussion about how in middle school their value systems started to begin to take form and how their culture shaped what mattered to them. They talk about why America values family and why Theresa values honesty plus they speak on why exposure and introspection matters. 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

America and Theresa dive into the topic of finding your purpose. When googling this topic one of the main search results was creating a vision board so they share the process of putting a vison board together. They talk about what they believe their purpose is, finding meaningful roles and why it's more important to accept who you are. 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

Theresa and America talk through what it's like giving love to others. They ask each other if they feel like they are good at loving others and they describe their individual love language. They talk about the signs of a healthy relationship, loving through touch and how to give and receive love genuinely takes vulnerability and humility. 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

America and Theresa go through the feelings of being happy. They both share their relationships with happiness and how it's evolved over time. They describe their versions of happiness, trying to be present in the moment and finding validation and feeling grateful. 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

America and Theresa explore how to be mentally strong. They feel some anxiety when talking about strength, so they explain how society has played such a big part on how the world views strength. They talk about control and power, the differences between strength and confidence and building better mental 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

Theresa and America talk through how they learned how to calm down when tensions are high. America starts off by sharing why she's triggered by the phrase “calm down” in the moment and where that comes from. They talk about using productive and non-productive energy, their personal definition of “being calm” and learning how not to be reactive even when you don't feel calm. 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

America and Theresa add onto their conversation last week and discuss building confidence. They talk about what confidence looks like and believing in your confidence. They link confidence and competence, having friends to help build you up and they talk about building confidence around an illness. 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

America and Theresa are back from their holiday break to bring you a show on the topic on trusting yourself. There is a discussion about personal responsibility and whether or not they each trust themselves. They talk about the importance of healing with others, gaining self-confidence and being vulnerable and trusting yourself with a mental illness. 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