Mind On Mental Health

For this special episode, host Andy Dean interviews Dr. David Clauser, a US Marine Corps veteran. After his time in the military, Dave had a full career in secondary education, and holds a doctorate in education. Today, Dave is a Certified Peer Response Specialist who works with first responders at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health's inpatient hospital. He talks with Andy about something he tells all of his peers who are in the hospital for treatment: the six most important words he's ever learned: “I don't know. I need help.” Those are harder than you would think for first responders to say. Join Andy and Dave as they talk about how loved ones can help the first responder they care about get help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Andy Dean speaks with therapist Nina Narang about the difference parents can make in their children's lives when they are supportive. Being gender divergent or LGBT are not illnesses—rather, therapy helps kids and families deal with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other effects of being different from others while coming of age. Parents can help their kids feel safe and validated, and even powerful knowing that it's US against the problems, rather than the child struggling alone.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Even when teens have come out to their peers about their sexuality or gender identity, it may be harder for them to tell their parents. Andy Dean and Nina Narang talk about ways the therapist can help with that interaction, including helping parents understand and hear what their children are telling them, and supporting parents sort through their grief.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

While the world has unique challenges for LGBT kids, all teens with major depression have much in common, and therapy aims to help strengthen coping skills, to build feelings of safety, and to turn hopelessness and helplessness into action. Nina and Andy also discuss the body issues and eating disorders among LGBT teens as a means to control their own bodies.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Despite broader acceptance than ever before, it's still not easy to navigate both adolescence and becoming part of the LGBT community.  Primary Therapist Nina Narang works with teens and families at Princeton House Behavioral Health, and she speaks with fellow licensed clinical social worker and host Andy Dean.  Andy and Nina discuss the how the American culture affects LGBTQ teens and when they might need help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Can there be sun and rain at the same time? Yes! Being open to “both/and” can make your life more effective and enhance relationships with others. Recognizing that there is more than one way to do or see things can be useful. As time has passed since her treatment for cancer concluded, therapist Danielle Bellina reflects on ways DBT skills helped her to remain engaged with others, even when their attitudes or situations differed from hers.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Being in charge of your own emotions sounds easier than it is. Sometimes you have to do the opposite action than your emotions want you to do in order to solve a problem. Therapist Danielle Bellina talks about this and other DBT techniques that she used to cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatment with host Andy Dean. They delve into anxiety, how to tell people about the diagnosis when your instinct is to protect your friends and family.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Everyone has a different cancer journey, and you can make better decisions about your health if you use the distress tolerance skills outlined in DBT as STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, and Proceed Mindfully) and Radical Acceptance. These are not easy and take practice to use. Join Danielle Bellini, a therapist trained in DBT, and host Andy Dean as they discuss how she used these skills in her own experience and worked through her emotions to take action to protect her own health.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh  

No one knows when they might suddenly face a major health issue. Senior Primary Therapist Danielle Bellina found herself relying on dialectical behavior therapy skills to get her through breast cancer treatment just a few years ago. Danielle and host Andy Dean discuss the reaction to shocking news and how to navigate the health decisions that need to be made during a very stressful time.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

After losing a brother to substance use disorder and ultimately an overdose, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Sarah Devries talks about how complicated the grieving process can be. Grief is messy, and letting grief go can feel like a loss in itself. Over time—and each person grieves at their own pace—you can find enduring connection with the deceased in your new reality. Listen in as Andy Dean interviews Sarah and her colleague, Sarah Carstens.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Whether or not a person with a substance use disorder succumbs to their addiction, there is much grief along the way. Loved ones mourn the loss of the future they imagined for that person, and everyone regrets that life is harder than they imagined. Sarah Devries and Sarah Carstens, both Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors, discuss grief and acceptance with host Andy Dean.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

There were more than 100,000 overdose deaths in 2022 in the US. So far this year, 2023, there have been 15,878 overdose deaths in New Jersey. One Princeton House therapist was directly affected when she lost a loved one. Join Andy Dean, LCSW as he interviews Sarah Devries, Senior Therapist and Team Coordinator, and Sarah Carstens, Clinical Director for Addiction Services, of Princeton House Behavioral Health. Carstens and Devries are both Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Loneliness can have the same effect on the body as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and yet, there's no place to put a Surgeon General's warning. Host Andy Dean speaks with Jamie Winters, LCSW, senior primary therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health, about how to address loneliness and purposefully interact with other people.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

“I don't see color,” say many people about their co-workers. “You are so articulate.” “Is that your real hair?” Microaggressive comments might be said without malicious intent, but they have an impact on the receiver. Therapist Nicole Glover speaks with Andy Dean about how she coaches her clients to respond to micro aggressions in the workplace, using the skills of DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy. Plus, they discuss why receiving microaggression is exhausting. Nicole Glover, LPC, LCADC, is clinical manager of the Women's Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health and owner of Restoring Pieces, a private practice serving primarily people of color.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What's a bigger divide between people in a workplace—being a man working with all women, or being a person of color working with all White people? What's code switching and what is its impact on the person who uses code switching? We continue our exploration of racial trauma with host Andy Dean and guest Nicole Glover.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Now that host Andy Dean and guest Nicole Glover have defined what racial trauma is, in this episode they will talk about its effect on mental health. Depression, anxiety, and acute stress can result from racial trauma.  Listen to hear how and why.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Given everything that has been going on in recent years, racial trauma is a term that most people have heard. But what does it mean, exactly? Host Andy Dean starts a series on this important topic with Nicole Glover, LPC, LCADC, clinical manager of Princeton House's Women's Program in Hamilton, and owner of Restoring Peaces, a private practice where she works mainly with people of color. They will define and discuss the impact of systemic racism, interpersonal racism, and internal racism, and talk about how you can take responsibility for educating yourself on racial trauma.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Cultural issues, immigrant status, and religion inform all of us.  Join host Andy Dean, LCSW, and Jawad Bayat, Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, as they discuss mental health in the Muslim community, the hopeful view of all illness in the Koran/Quran, and ways to avoid “spiritual bypassing” for both the therapist and the person seeking help.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

This week we are examining the many ways that spirituality and mental health overlap.  Andy and guest Imam Jawad Bayat discuss the importance of relationships, mindfulness and self-talk and how they affect mental health as well as spirituality.  Jawad works with the staff and clients of Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in his role as Certified Educator and Associate Director for Clinical Pastoral Education.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Spirituality is belief in something bigger than yourself. It's not necessarily related to religion. Learn how Princeton House Behavioral Health Chaplain Jawad Bayat uses a spirituality group to make the concept of spirituality accessible to every person seeking mental health treatment. Bayat is one of the few hospital chaplains who is also an imam, but his groups are for anyone and are a forum for connection and healing.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What do you do when the child in your life worries about the world? We've had no shortage of tragedies, both natural and human-made over the past few years, and kids of all ages have access to an unrelenting news feed via social media, the news, and peers. Andy speaks with Dr. Chirayu Parikh, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Princeton House Behavioral Health, about how to help your child (and yourself) cope with scary news.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Both little ‘t' trauma and big ‘T' trauma can affect anyone, but for gay men, finding experienced therapists or safe therapeutic groups can be difficult. Host Andy Dean interviews fellow therapist Kyle Bonner, diversity specialist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, about why there are oftentimes more barriers for gay men seeking compassionate mental health treatment.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Working in a helping profession can be both wonderful and emotionally draining.  In this episode, Heather Lynch, LPC sits down with Andy to discuss how helping professionals can learn to prioritize their self-care and what they can do to manage their stress so that they can continue doing what they love.     For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Whether you spend your work days on your feet or sitting in front of a computer, at the end of the day it's often hard to separate work from home, or your profession from your life. Andy Dean, LCSW and Heather Lynch, LPC, Clinical Manager for Adult Services at Princeton House Behavioral Health discuss ways to be fully present at work and at home. Listen for tips that can help you, whether you work from home or at your employer's location.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Part two of our discussion on body size in the media with Dr. Rebecca Boswell and Andy Dean. This week, we'll talk about weight bias in healthcare, and the way to have a healthy lifestyle no matter what your size or body type.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Dr. Rebecca Boswell again joins Andy Dean for a discussion of our attitudes towards body size, including the myth that body size is a determinant of health. Andy and Dr. Boswell also delve into the history of body mass index (BMI), who created it, its original purpose, and its real value in health assessment.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

For some people, anorexia nervosa is a chronic disease. Dr. Rebecca Boswell, Supervising Psychologist for Princeton Center for Eating Disorders at Princeton Medical Center, explains to Andy the medical complications of having an eating disorder, the differences between this illness and substance use disorder, and how those with enduring eating disorders cope with their illness.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders can have serious consequences on an individual's well-being.  But what happens when someone is struggling with both types of disorders at the same time?  On this week's episode, Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health's Addictions Clinical Director and Andy Dean, LCSW discuss why these types of disorders oftentimes go hand in hand.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The Harm Reduction Model of care is becoming mainstream among the substance use treatment community. However, many myths about this type of treatment persist. In this episode of the Mind on Mental Health podcast, Andy Dean, LCSW, discusses these myths with Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health's Addictions Clinical Director.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

More and more, professionals and treatment facilities who work with those with substance use disorder seem to be embracing a Harm Reduction Model as opposed to Abstinence-Only Based Treatment. But, what does Harm Reduction really mean? Listen in on Sarah Carstens, LCSW, LCADC - Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health's Addictions Clinical Director and Andy Dean, LCSW on this week's Mind on Mental Health to learn more.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this episode, Andy talks with Donna Kiley, who in addition to being a licensed clinical social worker, directs an outpatient behavioral health site with 60 clinical and administrative staff members. Their conversation: tips on how individuals (including bosses) can prioritize their mental health during the workday.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In part one of our look at PTSD responses in Star Wars, we learned about fight, flee, and freeze, three common reactions to perceived threats. In this episode, Mind on Mental Health's Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes resume the discussion. Listen in to hear more about how Anakin Skywalker and C3PO cope with PTSD.  Remember: When dealing with PTSD, all responses are valiant if they protect you in the moment.      For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this episode, Licensed therapist Aracely Reyes joins host Andy Dean for another dive into pop culture by explaining human reactions to PTSD, and how the characters of Star Wars exemplify the different responses to perceived threats.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this second episode focusing on nutrition and mental health, registered dietitian Rachel Daddio discusses different diets and how they can affect mental health.  Rachel also discusses different vitamins and minerals and what roles they play in mental health.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this episode, registered dietitian Rachel Daddio sits down with Andy to discuss the connection between nutrition and mental health.  Rachel talks about different nutrition considerations she discusses with her clients at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health as well as how making different nutrition decisions can affect one's mental health.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In this episode, Erica Munger, MA, senior utilization management reviewer at Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health sits down with Andy to discuss the discrepancies between the different levels of care in mental health treatment.  Erica also breaks down the different insurance considerations for each level of care and gives practical tips on how to determine approximately how much money will be coming out of your pocket when you access mental health services.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Does reading a statement from your health insurance company feel like reading hieroglyphics to you?  In this episode, Erica Munger, MA, senior utilization management reviewer at Penn Medicine - Princeton House Behavioral Health sits down with Andy to discuss what to consider when selecting a health insurance plan.  Erica also explains how to make sense of health insurance premiums and deductibles.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

When someone is part of a family that experienced trauma in previous generations, they may adapt to that trauma much as Abuela's grandchildren did: taking on roles they didn't necessarily want, and making choices to please the family rather than being true to themselves. It's a lot of pressure. Mind on Mental Health's Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes wrap up this deep dive into the topic in this week's episode.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

In our second episode working through the Disney movie Encanto, we'll explore family roles in intergenerational trauma. Mind on Mental Health's Andy Dean and therapist Aracely Reyes dig into the movie a little deeper to discuss how the Madrigal family each react to the matriarch's trauma, and how that can relate to real-life families.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

What can a Disney movie teach us about trauma?  It turns out, quite a bit!  In this series, Aracely Reyes, LSW primary therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, sits down with Andy to discuss the role intergenerational trauma plays in the film Encanto.  Aracely breaks down how trauma has affected the different characters in the film as well as the real-world implications of these concepts.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

It's the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes, and probably the most stressful, too. Host Andy Dean and licensed clinical social worker Chrissy Isaac explore ways to minimize stress and maximize meaning this holiday season.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Someone you love is hurting. It's the holidays. You want to help. What should you do? Host Andy Dean is joined by licensed social worker Chrissy Isaac to explore how to be supportive of a friend or loved one who is grieving during this usually festive time of year.   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life.  Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers. Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted older adults' mental health in many ways. This week, we'll talk about the changes the pandemic has wrought, and how caretakers can best support older adults during this time. In this episode, Andy interviews Jamie Winters, LCSW who is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ.  Jamie has worked with older adults for more than 10 years.   :37         Senior-specific mental health challenges during COVID-19   6:30       Be patient with seniors while they're learning how to use technology   9:19       How to talk to seniors about your frustration   12:52    The importance of maintaining structure   18:20    Push yourself to learn how to better use technology to connect   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life.  Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers. Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Have you ever heard someone say that a person is “bipolar” or describe themselves as “OCD”? In the Mental Health Misnomers series, we discuss what these terms actually mean in a clinical mental health setting and compare that to how people tend to use the terms in everyday life.  Each of the three episodes focuses on one singular mental health issue including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Licensed Clinical Social Workers Andy Dean and Peter Maclearie deconstruct our misnomers. Guest Pete Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager of Adult Outpatient Services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, NJ.    For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Resiliency is a word we hear often these days. For those who are retired (or getting ready to retire), developing adaptability is important as this phase of life is very different from the working years. Andy and guest Jamie Winters discuss how discusses how retired people can build mental health resiliency during their golden years. Jamie Winters, LCSW is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ who has worked with retirement-aged people for more than 10 years.    Taking it one day at a time and focusing on the present moment     3:10   The importance of limiting your news intake      5:47   Going outside of your comfort zone for optimal mental health      10:14   Why staying connected is vital     14:00     For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Retirement is a marker in life that most people look forward to, yet many are taken by surprise when this supposedly perfect time is accompanied by depression, anxiety or loneliness. In this episode, Andy and Jamie Winters, LCSW discuss why retiring can come with significant mental health challenges and why building back structure is vital to good mental health. Jamie Winters, LCSW is a Senior Primary Therapist at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick, NJ.  Jamie has worked with older adults for more than 10 years.    Why adjusting to retirement can take a toll on mental health   3:30    The Grief Process and its relationship to retirement    4:45   Why building and maintaining structure is so important for mental health   9:00     For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org)   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

Oftentimes, having an eating disorder may be the most visible of several problems people face. Many people don't know that eating disorders are often accompanied by anxiety, depression, or trauma. Sometimes the eating disorder is a way of coping with the relentlessness of other afflictions. Therapists and doctors take a team approach—working together to help a patient and working on multiple issues at the same time.   Anxiety and Depression Symptoms   1:10   Eating Disorders and trauma   5:32   How to start treating eating disorders and mental health issues   7:58   The importance of support from family and friends   12:10   Why underlying mental health issues need to be treated along with the eating disorder   14:11   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton Center for Eating Disorders: Princeton Center for Eating Disorders   Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

“Just eat!” Having an eating disorder involves so much more than wanting to be thin. Andy is joined by Dr. Kristyn Pecsi, attending psychiatrist at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, who demystifies eating disorders and discusses common misconceptions surrounding the illness.   5:45 Why it's dangerous to rapidly lose weight 12:00 What do people with eating disorders look like? 13:52 The complexities of eating disorders and other mental illnesses 23:00 Is not eating a suicide attempt?   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh

How can you build your own self-esteem? There are incremental steps you can take, including finding ways to “fail safely”. Andy's guest, Peter Maclearie, LCSW, is Clinical Manager for Adult Programming at Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health in Eatontown, New Jersey.    4:10 Why therapy is so helpful in addressing self-esteem issues   6:28 How your thought process and cognitive distortions affect your self-esteem   12:00 What are core beliefs and how do they impact self-esteem?   16:55 The importance of finding ways to “fail safely”   For more information on Penn Medicine – Princeton House Behavioral Health: Princeton House Behavioral Health (princetonhcs.org) Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/princetonhousebh