Mental Health In Minnesota

In recognition of National Family Caregiver Day, this episode of Parent Perspectives sheds light on the unique and often underappreciated experiences of family caregivers supporting loved ones with mental health challenges. Hosted more »

Host: David Goehl-Manolis, NAMI Minnesota's Suicide Prevention Coordinator Guests: Leah Bourg (Principal, South St. Paul Middle School), Jennifer Danielson (Assistant Director of Student Services, South St. Paul School District), Daniel Hodge (School more »

In this episode, NAMI Minnesota has the privilege of speaking with Dr. Altreisha Foster, a remarkable individual who has dedicated her career to addressing critical mental health needs through a more »

In honor of April being Earth Month, NAMI Minnesota staff interviewed Jocelyn Leung, a public health professional with over four years of experience practicing community-based participatory research, qualitative research, and more »

In this episode, we amplify the voices and experiences of two NAMI Minnesota support group facilitators, Taunisha (she/her) and Seoyeon (they/them). Taunisha joined NAMI Minnesota over six months ago, and more »

In this transformative episode, we dive deep into the heart of therapeutic practice with a focus on decolonization, empowerment, and the power of community in healing. Our guest, Terrence Thigpen, a more »

Welcome to the Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board's, MYAB‘s, podcast series that creates space for and centers education, empowerment, and engagement surrounding mental health within communities of color. We are an more »

Welcome to the Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board's, MYAB‘s, podcast series that creates space for and centers education, empowerment, and engagement surrounding mental health within communities of color. We are an more »

Welcome to the Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board's, MYAB‘s, podcast series that creates space for and centers education, empowerment, and engagement surrounding mental health within communities of color. We are more »

Welcome to the Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board's, MYAB's, podcast series that creates space for and centers education, empowerment, and engagement surrounding mental health within communities of color. We are an advisory board that collaborates with NAMI Minnesota to provide education, outreach, and build positive relationships with Minnesota's diverse communities. Interview Guest: Kabao Yang, ShaNel Gardner Hosted by: Reem Ghanem, Fourth Year Medical Student at the University of Minnesota Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio: Kabao Yang is the Multicultural Program Coordinator at NAMI Minnesota and Lead Supervisor of the Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board. ShaNel Gardner is a Washington University alumni with a degree in Cognitive Psychology and Global Health and Environment, and currently employed at Target Corporate. ShaNel has served on the MYAB for the past two years. This episode was recorded on 06/21/2023 on a virtual recording platform. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy, please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org. You can find more information and upcoming MYAB events at their Instagram, @myabmn (https://www.instagram.com/myabmn/)

Language cannot be separated from our experiences with mental health, identities, cultures, and so many more. There are so many different languages and one language also changes over time. So how does that impact our lives?

The internet and mental health. It feels like we are learning a lot about mental health on the internet like Tik Tok potentially giving us a new diagnosis? The language is also different for multicultural communities' mental health conversations. Multidimensional approach to mental health gives us a new lense to look at the individual's unique mental health experience.

Mental health and illness labels and diagnoses can be reaffirming and invalidating at the same time. Who gets to decide who has what illness? Are the names we have truly used properly and encompass the diverse experiences of people with a certain illness/condition? (*This episode was recorded in June 2022)

Cameron Parker is an Activist, writer and organizer. He has been vocal about the black experience as evidence of systemic racism in the workplace, Organized around gathering voters in Atlanta for the electoral process. He shares some of the experiences that led to his understanding of racism as a black man and how this bore the zeal to engage in activism work. He invites us to think about the ways we too can participate in resistance in whichever forms are most accessible that we can contribute our voices to advocating for change. This episode was recorded on 5/14/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song "The Way" produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of "The Way."  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: "The Way" song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Farhia Budul a Muslim Somali woman who is an advocate for treatment in her community and breaking stigma around mental illnesses, specifically Substance Abuse Disorders (SUD). As the founder of a new emerging first Recovery community organization, Farhia addresses the unique needs of the East African community. As someone with lived experience of substance use and mental health disorders, she shares about her recovery story and advocacy as her act of resistance. The aim is to help reduce the shame and stigma particularly in cultural communities, to empower others with education and advocate for recovery from the community to the legislative level. She invites us to think about the process of recovery in contrast to shame but as a journey of incredible resilience that requires all our support. This episode was recorded on 6/11/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ayaan Natala is a community member turned Independent Organizer. We explore how different individuals can explore their journeys and processes of finding ways of resistance that are accessible. Away from organizing on the front lines Ayaan shares the importance of knowing and finding the balance between taking care of ourselves as we hope to take care and resource other members of our community. The title borrows words form a quote from Audre Lorde who pioneered the term self care that says “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”  Find her work Forgotten Youth Elders (https://preview.shorthand.com/0SAQ3lpKkUoRP46G) among other BIPOC storytellers on the Reckoning with Race: A Storytelling Initiative by Living Cities + Living Media. This episode was recorded on 6/22/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Shubhi Yadav shares perspectives as an international student from India who identifies as a pansexual woman. She speaks to the reality of other immigrants and having their first dialogues about race and ethnicity in America, mental health and therapy. Identifying as an activist, we engage in different ways to participate in social and political issues as a non resident. At the core she believes activism isn't complete if it isn't intersectional and discusses how to create nurturing spaces for intersectional identities within spaces and movements. This episode was recorded on 6/11/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cydi Yang is a content creator, artist and healer. Her interests and work centre around creating safe spaces and workshops for the girls and women in using art as a medium of healing. She speaks about different facets of her work that are forms of resistance including, physical and emotional healing practices, cultural expression, learning and unlearning the role of culture in upholding mental health and wellness. This episode was recorded on 5/26/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mai Moua Thao is an artist passionate about filmmaking as a digital art form to imagine and create a world unlike the one we live in. She speaks on her art as a double hit on aesthetic and importantly as social commentary. She shares her artistic journey as resistance to gatekeepers in creating space to highlight voices not often heard, bodies not often showcased and stories that need to be told louder and in greater numbers. Find her work and piece she explores at Projectopenwords.com.  This episode was recorded on 6/29/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Traci Badu is a student of neuroscience who reflects on her field of study in understanding trauma and emotions. In exploring resistance she invites listeners to think about what it means to be themselves and push back against the things that disallow that. The conversation explores the ways in which healing and identity connect, identities both imposed by others and those individually claimed. We talk about relearning how to feel emotions acknowledging what they inform about our experiences and the process of healing that it results in. This episode was recorded on 6/22/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Maria Xiong shares her resistance story with us as a second generation Hmong-American woman who is a first-generation college student pursuing psychology. She speaks to the draw towards activism, the role it plays in informing the masses and what each individual can do to contribute to the bigger mission of social justice. The conversation expands on lessons we can learn in engaging with activism work, educating ourselves on how to find then lend our voices to fighting against oppression. This episode was recorded on 6/18/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Said Shaiye is a Somali writer. In his words, “Resistance is living”. The conversation digs into the journey that is life seeking to find peace in acknowledging trauma and extending yourself forgiveness. As a resistance tool, Said explains how writing allowed reflection, keeping an account of different parts and a place to go to be with himself. He shares the importance of finding your voice both metaphorically and literally as a journey of finding home. His debut book, Are You Borg Now?, was recently released by Really Serious Literature. It's an experimental combination of poetry, self-interview, memoir, photography & Star Trek: Voyager tribute. Find more of his work and engage with him on his website saidshaiye.com. This episode was recorded on 6/30/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Natasha Sohni reflects on her undergraduate journey at the University of Minnesota as her process of exploring resistance. She shares the role of involvement, from student government, movements, volunteering and dialogues, in empowering both one's self and the community around them. As a problem solver she talks about operating in kindness and extending it generously through empathic listening to view individuals and their circumstances in a holistic manner. Further reflections with Natasha can be found on her blog at natsohini.wordpress.com. This episode was recorded on 6/18/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Christine Cariño is the Founder and the Head of Learning & Training at Conscious Thrive, a consulting firm with a mission to bring back the human at the center of corporate businesses. Her resistance work challenges and centers on the need for leaders and institutions to create inclusive and safe spaces outside of mere checked boxes. We engage on how spaces should combine both intellectual and emotional intelligence in order to have wellbeing as the center of all things to create systems that attend to the wellness of the human need. Diversity and inclusion work should refocus on the who in order to instruct the practical how. This episode was recorded on 6/29/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Dr. Lavonne Moore is a doctor of nursing practice, the founder and CEO of Chosen Vessels Midwifery Services a subsidiary of Kemet Circle, LLC. In a bid to address health disparities for women of color, she provides training through the Chocolate Milk club offering intimate services such as health counseling, lactation and birth support for all women. The conversation explores breastfeeding as an act of resistance against systems that have created a lack of control for women over their own bodies. Her resistance work is medical activism centered locally on the ground work to create accessible solutions that protect marginalized communities from systems that have often disfavored them. We talk about what individuals need to do to be engaged about their own health and providers on how be culturally informed to ensure patients know how to navigate the health care system in the best serving way. This episode was recorded on 7/08/2021. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota. Visit us online at https://namimn.org/. All music used in this episode came from the song “The Way” produced by MIKE LEITE and made available via a Creative Commons license. Loops were created from various sections of “The Way.”  Find the full song by MIKE LEITE via the following links: “The Way” song page on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite/the-way-instrumental Mike Leite's additional music on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Mike Leite's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43d6_zlCOZUWz42z5asZkQ/about Creative Commons license info:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

(Recorded 1/28/2020) This episode is an interview with author and former Minnesota state Representative Mindy Greiling and her son Jim Greiling. Mindy Greiling served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 20 years, including 14 after her son, Jim, was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder in 1999. She initiated the first state bipartisan mental health caucus where legislators worked together to pass legislation, including allocating the most annual funding for mental health in Minnesota history up to that date. She also has served on the national and state NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) boards. Mindy’s son Jim is on staff at NAMI Minnesota and has been a part of NAMI’s mission for about five years. This interview includes discussions on Mindy’s and Jim’s journeys with NAMI, their views on mental health and the mental health system, as well as Mindy’s new book which is titled:  “Fix What You Can: Schizophrenia and A Lawmaker's Fight For Her Son”  Mindy’s book will be published in early October 2020.  Prior to publication, the book is available for pre-order at: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fix-what-you-can-mindy-greiling/1137053077?ean=9781517909598 https://www.amazon.com/Fix-What-You-Can-Schizophrenia/dp/1517909597/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mindy+greiling&qid=1594493771&sr=8-1 https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781517909598 This episode was recorded on 1/28/2020. “Mental Health In Minnesota” podcast is produced by NAMI Minnesota.  Visit us online at https://namimn.org/.

(Recorded 5/14/2020) This episode is focused on Lisa Nasseff’s experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help her achieve recovery and maintain mental wellness.  Lisa also talks about exposure therapy.  Lisa is a trained volunteer presenter in the NAMI “In Our Own Voice” program through which she shares her personal recovery story of living with a mental illness.  She discusses her diagnoses of anorexia, chronic major depression, panic and anxiety disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. NAMI Minnesota fact sheets related to this episode: NAMI Minnesota fact sheet on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): https://2a392k31wksy2wkejf1y03dp-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/188/2018/05/CognitiveBehavioralTherapy_TreatmentOptions_2018.pdf NAMI Minnesota fact sheet on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): https://2a392k31wksy2wkejf1y03dp-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/188/2018/05/OCD_Illnesses_Adult_2018.pdf Psychotherapy for OCD. There are two types of psychotherapies that are helpful for treating OCD: Exposure and Response Therapy (ERT). ERT exposes a person to the cause of their anxiety. For example, a person with a fear of germs may be asked by a doctor or therapist to put their hand on something considered dirty, such as a doorknob. Afterwards, they will refrain from washing their hands. The length of time between touching the doorknob and washing hands becomes longer and longer. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on the thoughts that are causing distress, and changing the negative thinking and behavior associated with them. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the goal of this therapy is to recognize negative thoughts and, with practice, gradually lessen their intensity to the point of harmlessness. For all NAMI Minnesota fact sheets, visit https://namimn.org/education-public-awareness/fact-sheets/. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota.  Visit us online at https://namimn.org/.

This episode is a conversation with Danny Evans and is focused on his experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to experience recovery and help maintain his mental health.  Danny Evans is a performer of a rap-style of poetry he calls “gift rap poetry” through which he talks about mental illness and addiction awareness.  Danny talks in this episode about how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Therapy (ERT) has helped him as a parent, as an employee, and with many other aspects of his life.  Danny is a presenter in the NAMI “In Our Own Voice” program through which he courageously shares his personal recovery story of living with mental illnesses.  Danny is in recovery from bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety.  Danny performs his “gift rap poetry” with the stage name of “Dan Triple E.”  He performed at the 2018 and 2019 NAMIWalks event in Minneapolis, MN.  He was also invited to perform during some NAMI Family-to-Family classes while he attended to share his personal recovery story with the class members. Listen to Danny’s poetry on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/danny-evans-189602744 NAMI Minnesota fact sheets related to this episode: NAMI Minnesota fact sheet on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): https://2a392k31wksy2wkejf1y03dp-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/188/2018/05/OCD_Illnesses_Adult_2018.pdf Psychotherapy for OCD. There are two types of psychotherapies that are helpful for treating OCD: Exposure and Response Therapy (ERT). ERT exposes a person to the cause of their anxiety. For example, a person with a fear of germs may be asked by a doctor or therapist to put their hand on something considered dirty, such as a doorknob. Afterwards, they will refrain from washing their hands. The length of time between touching the doorknob and washing hands becomes longer and longer. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on the thoughts that are causing distress, and changing the negative thinking and behavior associated with them. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the goal of this therapy is to recognize negative thoughts and, with practice, gradually lessen their intensity to the point of harmlessness. NAMI Minnesota fact sheet on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): https://2a392k31wksy2wkejf1y03dp-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/188/2018/05/CognitiveBehavioralTherapy_TreatmentOptions_2018.pdf For all NAMI Minnesota fact sheets, visit https://namimn.org/education-public-awareness/fact-sheets/. This episode was recorded on 4/17/2020. “Mental Health In Minnesota” is produced by NAMI Minnesota.  Visit us online at https://namimn.org/.

This episode is an interview with Keely Herron (click) who shares her experience of going through DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and continuing to use DBT skills to help maintain her mental health. Keely is a strategist, marketing communications specialist, and mental health speaker. She lost her father to suicide in 1999 and has contributed to mental health awareness by sharing her personal recovery story through various platforms such as the NAMI In Our Own Voice program and the NAMI Minnesota Speakers Bureau. Keely presented a TEDx Talk (click) titled “Leaving the Cult of Happiness” given at TEDx Jackson Hole in 2017 which has been viewed over 525,000 times as of the publication of this episode in late June 2020. Keely is available for speaking engagements on her personal experience with mental illness, Complex PTSD, suicide, sexual violence, trauma, and invisible disabilities. You can learn more about Keely and connect with at https://www.keelyherron.com/ which includes links to her TEDx Talk (or listen here) as well as info about a radio show and podcast she co-hosts with Par Wright titled “Opera for Everyone” which makes opera understandable, accessible and enjoyable for a mainstream audience. Keely’s TEDx Talk, “Leaving the Cult of Happiness” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnovQVRHj5c

This episode is Part 1 of a series on DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as touching on CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  Included in the series are bits and pieces of how people might maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The series begins with a conversation with a mental health professional and will be followed by future episodes consisting of conversations with people who live with mental illnesses and who have benefited from DBT and CBT. Dr. Helen Valenstein-Mah (click) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused treatments for adolescents and adults. Dr. Valenstein-Mah co-leads the DBT Program in the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, through which she provides training and supervision for psychiatry residents, psychology interns, and psychology practicum students. Dr. Valenstein-Mah’s research interests include treatment development for individuals with PTSD and co-occurring disorders (e.g., substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder). She is also broadly interested in dissemination and implementation science, particularly improving the delivery of evidence-based mental health treatment in large healthcare systems and community settings. As part of this effort, Dr. Valenstein-Mah is interested in evidence-based training and supervision methods for mental health providers. Visit https://med.umn.edu/bio/psychiatry/helen-valenstein-mah for Helen’s bio and contact information. Recorded 4/30/2020.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Houa Moua Hosted by: Vang Xor Xiong (Xorr) Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio: For Houa Moua, healthy means being happy. From a moderately traditional Hmong household, Houa’s parents and elders believed that most anything could be fixed through shamanic intervention. However, if there are signs of mental illness, it was the doing of your soul or spirits trying to communicate. This is the reason that she believes, Hmong folks don't seek medical treatment for mental health, especially for depression and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and then healing rarely happens. Yet in spite of this, her wellness goals are to have healthy, communicative, and inclusive relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community. This episode was recorded on 05/20/2019 at NAMI Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Seyeon Bae Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio:  Raised in South Korea, current Minnesotan Seyeon Bae says her relationship with mental health is both love and hate. Fears that others would think she was “crazy” or “ill” were always initially present, yet she was never afraid to seek help and sought therapy with the support of her family. Ultimately, change is incremental, and her views towards mental health have been shaped by her time spent in the U.S. Her plans are to shift opinions on mental health not only within herself, but also within her culture, which drives her to constantly reflect on her own journey to knowing but flipping the status quo in order to destigmatize mental health issues. This episode was recorded on 05/06/2019 at NAMI Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Jasmine Q’ian Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio:  Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 21 year-old Jasmine Q’ian battles two worlds, the rigors of student life attending college in Minnesota while also navigating her cultural background where talk of mental illness remains heavily stigmatized. Today she talks to “Wellness In Color” about the barriers she has faced both personally and culturally growing up first generation Chinese American. Working hard to knock down personal and cultural barriers, she shares how years of mental health treatment and support have given her a brighter outlook on the future of her wellness journey. This episode was recorded on 05/02/2019 at NAMI Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Lauryn Daniel Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio:   A native of Chicago’s South Side, Lauryn Daniel describes herself as multifaceted. Living with anxiety and depression, she talks to Wellness In Color about her experiences working in the mental health field as an Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Service (ARMHS) worker with plans to continue her career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Eventually she wants to reconnect with her roots in Chicago with plans to open her own clinic. She learns as much from her clients as she does from herself and wants people to know that empathy starts from within. Her mantra is “Be empathetic with yourself. Never stop watering your roots.” ARMHS info: https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=ID_058153 This episode was recorded on 05/01/2019 at NAMI Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Bree Zimmerman Hosted by: Maritza Steele Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio:  Bree Zimmerman is a 29 year old black, queer, physically disabled woman living in the Twin Cities area. Also an introverted “cat mom”, Bree is a passionate advocate who works to help create greater accessible spaces for disabled people including amplifying the voices surrounding disability justice. In her current venture she is excited to observe and take part in the growing number of conversations about healing practices while exploring different modalities- specifically ones prioritizing the importance of what holistic collective care and healing can look like for black and brown folks, both as a community and as individuals. Bree' Recommended Websites on Disability Justice: Instagram: Access Centered Movement https://www.instagram.com/accesscenteredmovement/ Leaving Evidence "Changing the Framework: Disability Justice / How our communities can move beyond access to wholeness" https://www.google.com/amp/s/leavingevidence.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/changing-the-framework-disability-justice/amp/ “Disability Justice” is Simply Another Term for Love https://www.google.com/amp/s/leavingevidence.wordpress.com/2018/11/03/disability-justice-is-simply-another-term-for-love/amp/ Bree's book recommendation: "Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure" by Eli Clare This episode was recorded on 04/26/2019 at NAMI Minnesota in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Vang Xor Xiong (Xorr) Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) GUEST BIO:  Being a 1.5 generation immigrant and mental health advocate Vang Xor Xiong (Xorr) has an ability to bridge both worlds in a unique way. Within his role as Partnership Organizer for the Minnesota based Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP), his plans include expanding on his current work to open up opportunity for voices from other marginalized communities such as the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AA/PI) queer population. Contact Information: Instagram: Xorr_X Email: vangxor@aaopmn.org Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP): A Minnesota based non-partisan, non-profit organization that supports the Asian American and Pacific Island Communities across many social platforms including language access, immigration reform and civic engagement. For more information and resources please visit http://aaopmn.org/. Glossary: [i]Soul Calling Ritual: Hmong culture there is the idea that the soul needs to be called if the person is sick or has a broken limb. [ii]The use of herbal medicines or “ khawv koob” (magic formulas) is used to extract the soul form the sick individual. If illness is attributed to a spiritual presence then shamans are used to perform the ritual. [iii]Secret War (Laotian Civil War): Over a nine-year period, between the years 1964 – 1973, more than 2 million tons of artillery were dropped in Laos by the United States. As a result Laos became the most heavily bombed country in global history. Thousands of Hmong soldiers were recruited to fight the Vietnam War by the U.S. during the Secret War.  As a result of the hundreds of thousands of Hmong refugees were displaced, with many resettling in the United States. [iv]18 Clans: In Hmong-American culture there are 18 clans that are related by a common ancestor. Family is a sub component of clan culture. [i] “The Split Horn: The Life of a Hmong Shaman in America”. Public Broadcasting Service.2001. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/splithorn/shamanism1.html [ii] “Hmong Traditions Rituals and Ceremonies: Soul Calling”. Hmong And Native Americans.2019. Retrieved from http://www.hmongsandnativeamericans.com/hmong-traditions-rituals-ceremonies-soul-calling/ [iii] “Secret War in Laos”.Legacieis of War: History, Healing,Hope.2019.Retrieved from http://legaciesofwar.org/about-laos/secret-war-laos/ [iv] “Family/Clan Culture”.Ethnogeriatrics: Standford School of Medicine.2019. Retrieved from https://geriatrics.stanford.edu/ethnomed/hmong/introduction/family.html This episode was recorded on 04/17/2019 in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color," a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: True Thao Interviewers: Amy Wang and Mai Yee Chang Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) GUEST BIO:  For twenty years True Thao has provided bilingual and bicultural mental health services to adolescents and adults and has experience working with organizations in the areas of employee mental health, refugee issues and Hmong culture. Understanding the complexity of Hmong lives and the issues affecting the Hmong families and community True currently works with clients at his practice True Thao Counseling Services based in St. Paul, MN. True Thao's website: https://truethaocounseling.com/ True Thao's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/True-Thao-Counseling-Services-141059885976834/ This episode was recorded on 02/28/2019 in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org Efforts related to "Wellness In Color" podcast episodes were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color", a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: John Anthony Burchall Interviewers: Caroline Ludy and Cynthia Fashaw Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) GUEST BIO:  A native of Bermuda, a former newspaper reporter, writer, EMT and currently an ordained Baptist Minister, 49 year old John Anthony Burchall talks to Wellness in Color about his understanding of hope and its connection to his own mental health after surviving two suicide attempts. Related Article: "On Vocation: Where Gladness Meets Need" http://www.lyndaleucc.org/sermons/on-vocation-where-gladness-meets-need/ This episode was recorded on 02/11/2019 in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org These efforts were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color", a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Aneela Kumar Interviewer: Maritza Steele Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) Guest Bio: Born and raised in New York to parents from India, Aneela Kumar shares her story on growing up with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and trichotillomania (an impulse control disorder in which individuals have the compulsive urge to pull out their own hair). Currently a mental health advocate, Aneela talks to Wellness in Color about her struggles with identity, race and religion and how her path to recovery began with the words “shy”, “weird” and “wrong” but continue with “love” and “awareness.” Resources mentioned in this episode: The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors https://www.bfrb.org/ Free video series "The Noise in Your Head" https://noiseinyourhead.com/free-video-series/ HabitAware Keen device https://habitaware.com/ This episode was recorded on 01/23/2019 in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org These efforts were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Welcome to "Wellness in Color", a podcast series that explores perspectives on mental health to reshape the cultural language of mental illness. Interview Guest: Geetanjali Mittal Interviewer: Maritza Steele Hosted by: Caroline Ludy Produced by: NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org) GUEST BIO:  An educator, artist, and internationally-published researcher Geetanjali Mittal shares her Wellness in Color story about navigating the mental health field while establishing roots in the United States. Originally from India, Geet grew up in a variety of cities and has a deep appreciation for different cultures. Before coming to the US, she taught post-graduate English Literature at Panjab University. A strong advocate for social justice Geet is currently studying Community Health at Normandale College. Geet’s Recommended Books: - Book of Mirdad by Mikhail Naimy - Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom - Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak - Secret by Rhonda Byrnes - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho This quote by Christine Caine helps Geet to motivate her through even the toughest days:  "Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but you've actually been planted." - Christine Caine In understanding her own journey, Geet commented on how people of color are at a continual odds to feel acceptance and often this parallels their own mental health challenges: "I would also like to say that people of color have to struggle more as there is always a preconceived notion about them, which does not let people see their true self, intelligence and identity. This adds a lot of mental stress in life. I was reading a Disney book to my daughter the other day and I read this quote which very clearly defines the situation of people of color. The story is about a princess Sofia who is not a born princess but becomes one when her mom marries a king. To quote her, "I wasn't born a princess, so sometimes I feel like I have to keep proving I belong."" This episode was recorded on 01/17/2019 in St. Paul, MN. For more information and resources on mental illness, education and legislative advocacy please visit the NAMI Minnesota website at namimn.org These efforts were supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1TR002494. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

(Recorded 07/03/2018) NAMI Minnesota (click) staff member Kay King discusses anxiety in older adults, a topic focused on in a version of “Gray Matters” older adults programming available from NAMI Minnesota. See full descriptions below. Kay King can be reached via email at kking@namimn.org or by phone at 651-645-2948. NAMI Minnesota website: www.namimn.org “Gray Matters” is a series of five educational programs available for people who work with older adults. Targeted audiences could include senior workers in assisted living, long-term care facilities, adult day programs, rehab facilities, senior centers and senior housing. Pastoral care, health clinic staff, parish nurses, case managers, Meals on Wheels volunteers, hospice staff and volunteer befrienders are also potential audiences. Gray Matters: Depression is a good first choice for programming if the audience has just beginning knowledge about older adults and mental illness. Gray Matters: Understanding Depression in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Feelings of sadness, loneliness and grief are normal. However, when this sadness is intense, is felt for a long period of time, interferes with our ability to get along with others or to carry out the activities of everyday life…..than it could be depression. Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about risk factors, warning signs, stigma, treatment, recovery and resources for depression in older adults. Suicide prevention resources will also be discussed. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Gray Matters: Understanding Anxiety in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about anxiety disorders in older adults. You will learn symptoms and risk factors of anxiety disorders in older adults, the different types of anxiety disorders, treatment and management and resources to support older adults living with anxiety. Gray Matters: Mental Illnesses Co-Occurring with Dementia – 2.5 hour program Learn the basics of mental illness and dementia as well as the risk factors and warning signs of both disorders in older adults. Join NAMI Minnesota and the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota to discuss treatment, management and recovery. You will learn some strategies for working with someone living with both disorders and learn about resources for both conditions. Gray Matters: Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn why abuse of alcohol, drugs and prescription medications, among older adults, is one of the fastest growing health problems in the U.S. Recognize the negative consequences of improper use or overuse of those substances and identify age-related changes that can elevate an older adult’s sensitivity to their effects. Learn about co-occurring disorders and older adult resources. Gray Matters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn the risk factors and warning signs of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder in older adults. Participants will also learn about treatment, management and recovery; learn strategies for working with someone with acute symptoms or emerging symptoms; and learn about suicide prevention resources and other resources for older adults. Older Adult Mental Health First Aid – 8 hour national certification program (nine hours with lunch and breaks) Learn basic first aid skills needed to help an older adult who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Learn about common mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders with a focus on older adults. Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person appropriate care and treatment. Participants will receive a course manual and certificate. This nine hour workshop is for individuals seeking basic information on geriatric mental health issues and how to help someone in crisis.

(Recorded 07/03/2018) NAMI Minnesota (click) staff member Kay King discusses substance use disorders in older adults, a topic focused on in a version of “Gray Matters” older adults programmingavailable from NAMI Minnesota. See full descriptions below. Kay King can be reached via email at kking@namimn.org or by phone at 651-645-2948. “Gray Matters” is a series of five educational programs available for people who work with older adults. Targeted audiences could include senior workers in assisted living, long-term care facilities, adult day programs, rehab facilities, senior centers and senior housing. Pastoral care, health clinic staff, parish nurses, case managers, Meals on Wheels volunteers, hospice staff and volunteer befrienders are also potential audiences. Gray Matters: Depression is a good first choice for programming if the audience has just beginning knowledge about older adults and mental illness. Gray Matters: Understanding Depression in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Feelings of sadness, loneliness and grief are normal. However, when this sadness is intense, is felt for a long period of time, interferes with our ability to get along with others or to carry out the activities of everyday life…..than it could be depression. Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about risk factors, warning signs, stigma, treatment, recovery and resources for depression in older adults. Suicide prevention resources will also be discussed. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Gray Matters: Understanding Anxiety in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about anxiety disorders in older adults. You will learn symptoms and risk factors of anxiety disorders in older adults, the different types of anxiety disorders, treatment and management and resources to support older adults living with anxiety. Gray Matters: Mental Illnesses Co-Occurring with Dementia – 2.5 hour program Learn the basics of mental illness and dementia as well as the risk factors and warning signs of both disorders in older adults. Join NAMI Minnesota and the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota to discuss treatment, management and recovery. You will learn some strategies for working with someone living with both disorders and learn about resources for both conditions. Gray Matters: Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn why abuse of alcohol, drugs and prescription medications, among older adults, is one of the fastest growing health problems in the U.S. Recognize the negative consequences of improper use or overuse of those substances and identify age-related changes that can elevate an older adult’s sensitivity to their effects. Learn about co-occurring disorders and older adult resources. Gray Matters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn the risk factors and warning signs of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder in older adults. Participants will also learn about treatment, management and recovery; learn strategies for working with someone with acute symptoms or emerging symptoms; and learn about suicide prevention resources and other resources for older adults. Older Adult Mental Health First Aid – 8 hour national certification program (nine hours with lunch and breaks) Learn basic first aid skills needed to help an older adult who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Learn about common mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders with a focus on older adults. Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person appropriate care and treatment. Participants will receive a course manual and certificate. This nine hour workshop is for individuals seeking basic information on geriatric mental health issues and how to help someone in crisis. It is not intended for professionals who have a backgrou...

(Recorded 07/03/2018) NAMI Minnesota staff member Kay King gives an overview of the various “Gray Matters” older adults programmingavailable from NAMI Minnesota. Kay King can be reached via email at kking@namimn.org or by phone at 651-645-2948. “Gray Matters” is a series of five educational programs available for people who work with older adults. Targeted audiences could include senior workers in assisted living, long-term care facilities, adult day programs, rehab facilities, senior centers and senior housing. Pastoral care, health clinic staff, parish nurses, case managers, Meals on Wheels volunteers, hospice staff and volunteer befrienders are also potential audiences. Gray Matters: Depression is a good first choice for programming if the audience has just beginning knowledge about older adults and mental illness. Gray Matters: Understanding Depression in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Feelings of sadness, loneliness and grief are normal. However, when this sadness is intense, is felt for a long period of time, interferes with our ability to get along with others or to carry out the activities of everyday life…..than it could be depression. Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about risk factors, warning signs, stigma, treatment, recovery and resources for depression in older adults. Suicide prevention resources will also be discussed. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Gray Matters: Understanding Anxiety in Older Adults – 1.5 hour program Join NAMI Minnesota to talk about anxiety disorders in older adults. You will learn symptoms and risk factors of anxiety disorders in older adults, the different types of anxiety disorders, treatment and management and resources to support older adults living with anxiety. Gray Matters: Mental Illnesses Co-Occurring with Dementia – 2.5 hour program Learn the basics of mental illness and dementia as well as the risk factors and warning signs of both disorders in older adults. Join NAMI Minnesota and the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota to discuss treatment, management and recovery. You will learn some strategies for working with someone living with both disorders and learn about resources for both conditions. Gray Matters: Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn why abuse of alcohol, drugs and prescription medications, among older adults, is one of the fastest growing health problems in the U.S. Recognize the negative consequences of improper use or overuse of those substances and identify age-related changes that can elevate an older adult’s sensitivity to their effects. Learn about co-occurring disorders and older adult resources. Gray Matters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder in Older Adults – 2 hour program Learn the risk factors and warning signs of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder in older adults. Participants will also learn about treatment, management and recovery; learn strategies for working with someone with acute symptoms or emerging symptoms; and learn about suicide prevention resources and other resources for older adults. Older Adult Mental Health First Aid – 8 hour national certification program (nine hours with lunch and breaks) Learn basic first aid skills needed to help an older adult who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Learn about common mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders with a focus on older adults. Understanding and recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person appropriate care and treatment. Participants will receive a course manual and certificate. This nine hour workshop is for individuals seeking basic information on geriatric mental health issues and how to help someone in crisis. It is not intended for professionals who have a background in mental health.  Participants must be present for entire curricula to receive certifi...

Arvind Naik What can meditation and mindfulness do for your health and wellness? Arvind Naik speaks about these topics. Arvind Naik, MBA, educated as an Electronics Engineer, works as Technology and Business Professional in Minneapolis area. Working with his wife he leads the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center (http://sosmn.org) Programs and as a Public Relation and Outreach coordinator. He has been studying a practical form of meditation under a world renowned spiritual teacher Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj for over 12 years. He has been conducting talks, classes and workshops on the topic of meditation, where he discusses how incorporating meditation into our daily routine could be life changing. In his programs Arvind, explores how this practice can help each of us achieve holistic health physically, mentally, and spiritually. Arvind also lead a meditation program at Target and regularly speaks, conducts meditation talks at local community organizations. Recently he spoke at Boston Scientific to introduce meditation as a tool for stress reduction in the workplace. Arvind lives in Minnesota and is married with two teenage sons. Arvind can be reached through email: anaik@sos.org. This episode was recorded on 02/15/2018 at the Rondo Community Library in Saint Paul, MN.

“Grant the Pharmacist” shares tips on how to stay organized and manage medications properly.  He shares advice on how to communicate effectively with your pharmacist and talks about resources that pharmacists provide. This episode was recorded on 02/15/2018 at the Rondo Community Library in Saint Paul, MN.

The link between good sleep and mental well being has been documented – we have learned that you cannot have one without the other. Learn more about that relationship, and how our sleep can positively impact our day. This episode is a recording of an interactive workshop which includes discussion and advice from a health expert. This class was taught by Sarah Moe, RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist), Sleep Health Specialist. This episode was recorded on 01/18/2018 at the Rondo Community Library in Saint Paul, MN.

NAMI Minnesota volunteer Sandy joins us to share her personal NAMI journey to help celebrate NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary. CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org Recorded 06/01/2017.

Vivian Henry Here's another personal story of hope to help celebrate NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary. Vivian Henry is a NAMI "In Our Own Voice" volunteer presenter and a long-time NAMI member and supporter. Vivian enjoys photographing all of NAMI Minnesota's events and producing photo/video slide shows. Vivian is team captain of NAMIWalks 2018 team "SurVIVin the Journey!" (click for team info) You may donate to her team and/or register to join her team (you can help fund-raise even if you can't attend the walk!) at 1 of 2 links: 1. NAMIWalks-MN 9/24/17:Team Captain Viv Henry http://www.namiwalks.org/participant/VivHenry 2. Team “SurVIVin The Journey” http://www.namiwalks.org/team/SurvivinTheJourney 2012 National NAMI's "You Are Not Alone"  (click)campaign video submission via NAMI "You Are Not Alone In This Fight" campaign(2012): Vivian's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixEhpfBYAdw&feature=youtu.be Thank you Vivian for sharing your story with us! CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org Recorded 05/22/2017. **********  **********  ********** From Vivian...Vivian Henry's personal bio: Bio info: I'm a "small-town girl" from Xenia,OH. I survived the 1974 Xenia (F5) Tornado! My grandparents had 12 kids, and later raised me as my legal guardians. My mother Josephine battled severe BiPolar Disorder along w/other Mental Health Challenges! My Grandma Vivian was a musical prodigy! She could play piano + organ by ear! Got my love of music from her! My Grandpa James, was the 1st Black City Commissioner of Xenia, OH, and the 1st Black Mayor! My activism + humor come from him! After graduating college in 1993, I moved to MN to each elementary school. Lasted approx 7 months before my 1st severe depressive episode ended teaching career. My main work experience has been in the customer service industry, including almost 13 years as a part-time professional mobile Disc Jockey! As of 2015, I have not worked for 2 years. This is due to many of my pre-existing conditions, including Major Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder + recently diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. I'm in the midst of battling for Social Security Disability...again! Volunteered w/NAMI-MN since 2008, when I took part in my first NAMIWalks-MN! I became an "In Our Own Voice" speaker in 2014. I've done many IOOV presentations for Crisis Intervention Training, and I like working with law enforcement! Also, I'm like the unofficial amateur photographer for NAMI-MN! Love photography (massive "shutterbug"), crafts + scrapbooking, music, movies, cats, etc. Also, after I had to put my 19yr old cat to sleep on 10/10/10, I became a foster cat mom. This is how I came to adopt my amazing furbaby cat MacTavish! Unfortunately, I had to have him euthanized in November 2016. Fortunately, I do have a new cat named Precious,who is 12 years old! Love her, and no cat will ever be able to take the place of MacTavish. Finally, I've been a diehard JOURNEY fan for approximately 34 years! Have seen them in concert approximately 17x! Even flew to California in 2005, to see them receive their Hollywook Walk of Fame Star! Have had the blessings + miracles of meeting all of classic Journey (Neal Schon, Steve Perry, Steve Smith, Ross Valory + Jonathan Cain), and also Steve Augeri, Deen Castronovo, Jeff Scott Soto, and Arnel Pineda! I do believe these Journey blessings/miracles help counterbalance (a bit) my continued battles w/Mental Health Challenges! IF I won the lottery, I would become a permanent Journey concert goer, as their music brings that much joy + happiness into my life! Don't Stop Believin'! 1. YouTube Channel: luvjrny4ever 2012 National NAMI's "You Are Not Alone" campaign video submission via NAMI "You Are Not Alone In This Fight" campaign(2012): Vivian's Story.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Here's another personal story of hope to help celebrate NAMI Minnesota's 40th anniversary. Jenna Erickson is a NAMI "In Our Own Voice" volunteer presenter, a program through which she shares her personal mental health recovery story with many types of audiences. Jenna discusses being particularly interested in presenting to law enforcement professionals during their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. Jenna Erickson is team captain of NAMIWalks team "In Our Own Voice." Thank you Jenna for sharing your story with us! CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org Recorded 05/10/2017.

"Get to Know NAMI" - Kay King, Community Educator at NAMI Minnesota, presents a full "Get to Know NAMI" session at the NAMI Minnesota office in St. Paul, MN. Included is an introduction from Sue Abderholden, NAMI Minnesota Executive Director. You'll also hear two short personal stories, one from Bob Swanson and a second from Maureen Edstrom. Bob shares his experience as a father who lost his son to suicide. Maureen discusses living with a mental illness. Both Bob and Maureen talk about they have been helping NAMI by volunteering in different education and support programs. We invite you to attend a session in person to "Get to Know NAMI" better. Meet our staff and volunteers to hear firsthand how our work directly affects the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. Learn about our education and support programs and what we are doing to advocate for good mental health policies. Learn how you can get involved, take action and make a difference. "Get to Know NAMI" sessions are held monthly both at the NAMI Minnesota office and various locations in the community. For the latest information visit http://www.namihelps.org/about-nami.html or call 651-645-2948. CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org Recorded 05/03/2017.

Blogger Kiara Buchanan, NAMI Minnesota volunteer presenter, with her husband Kiara Buchanan is the "LIFE BETWEEN THE POLES" blog author at www.convexity.weebly.com on the topic of her mental health recovery and her journey living with bipolar disorder. Kiara is a volunteer presenter in the NAMI "In Our Own Voice" program and in the NAMI Minnesota speakers bureau through which she shares her personal recovery story and anti-stigma presentations. Kiara shares what brought her to NAMI and discusses her journey living with a mental illness including finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Recorded 05/03/2017. Visit Kiara's blog: www.convexity.weebly.com This episode is one of 40 Stories of Hope related to NAMI Minnesota's (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 40th anniversary. Find other video and written stories at www.namihelps.org. CONTACT US: NAMI Minnesota, www.namihelps.org, phone: 651-645-2948, toll free: 1-888-NAMI-Helps (1-888-626-4435). fax: 651-645-7379. email: namihelps@namimn.org