Resilient and Real

Chief Aaron Seibert retired from the United States Navy after serving 20 years of honorable service. He is currently serving as the Southern California Chapter, Veteran Coordinator for the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Foundation of America and joins the podcast to talk about veterans mental health. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Ulysses Valor is a local mental health advocate using his passion and business to help young men recognize the importance of expressing their emotions and focusing on their mental health. Ulysses shares his story and what inspired him to do his work. June is Fatherhood Awareness Month, and Rodney Barrios from the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department shares information about the Fatherhood FIRE Program and the importance of a father figure in children's lives.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Hear about the importance of mentorship and how it can positively impact the mental health of  mentees and mentors as Juan Ochoa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire Match Engagement and Enrichment Manager, and Christian Dauz, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire Enrollment & Recruitment Specialist, join as guests of the podcast. Plus, Juan and Christian share meaningful stories of impact on youth and the importance of male mentors as DBH celebrates Men's Health Week. Later in the episode, Dr. Christopher Schreur, Behavioral Health Associate Medical Director, provides stats about men's mental health and provides information on how to combat the stigma and assist men in seeking help when needed.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/ For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Stan Collins, co-founder of Directing Change, has worked in the suicide prevention field for more than 20 years after his friend died by suicide in high school. Hear a powerful episode about how youth are engaged in talking about mental health and suicide prevention, and get practical tips on how you can start the conversation. Stan also shares how Directing Change helps equip youth to have mental health and suicide prevention conversations through creative outlets. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Happy Mental Health Month! In this episode, hear about the importance of workplace wellness, setting boundaries, and self-care. Get practical tips and information from Dr. Ashley Zucker, Assistant Area Medical Director for San Bernardino County Area for Kaiser Permanente. Don't forget to register for May Mental Health Month events, hosted by the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health at CelebrateMHM.com.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

In 2018, Theresa Clower's son, Devin, passed away from a drug overdose. To work through her grief, Theresa took up portrait work and started drawing her son's portrait. After completing Devin's portrait, she was inspired to find others who lived and died like her son. Theresa then founded the INTO LIGHT project, an exhibition that puts a human face on the disease of addiction through hand-drawn portraits and written narratives.Theresa joins the podcast, along with Barbara Francois, INTO LIGHT Project Assistant Director and Narrative Writer, to talk more about the project and changing the conversation about drug addiction. The California INTO LIGHT project exhibition, sponsored by DBH, is on display in the Anthropology Museum at California State University, San Bernardino through June 10, 2023. For more information, visit https://intolightproject.org/.For more information about San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health's Substance Use Disorder Services, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/sudrs/ or call the 24-Hour Substance Use Disorder Helpline at (800)968-2636. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

In this episode, we're keeping it real with Chris Chavez as he shares his story of recovery from alcohol and benzodiazepine dependency. Listen to this inspiring story as Dr. Jonathan Avalos, DBH Associate Medical Director, joins the podcast as guest host.For more information about San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health's  Substance Use Disorder Services, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/sudrs/ or call the 24-Hour Substance Use Disorder Helpline at (800)968-2636. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Dr. Rishi Parikh, Associate Medical Director for the Department of Behavioral Health who specializes in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry, shares information about navigating relationships with our loved ones and friends; the rising numbers of people experiencing loneliness; and how to talk to a loved one if you have a mental illness. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit https://sbcounty.gov/dbh.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

It's African American Mental Health Awareness Week, a week designed to expand understanding of mental health issues among the African American/Black population, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote culturally responsive service delivery. In this new episode, hear about mental health in African American communities, the challenges and stigmas that can contribute to African American mental health access, and steps to take to help further the conversation about mental health in African American communities.  The episode features perspectives from Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, Community Development Specialist with Pacific Clinics and Co-chair of DBH's African American Awareness subcommittee, as well as Daphne Hawkins, Founder, and President of The LOVE Program, an organization that aids in the advancement of young women of color at risk in high school and throughout college. Plus, Tricina Edwards, DBH Nurse Manager, shares information about some of the barriers African Americans face that affect their decisions to seek mental health care.Register for the Know the Signs event taking place on Friday, Feb. 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the San Bernardino Unified School District Professional Development Center Building.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Resilient and Real is back with an all-new season! As we start the new year, people tend to set New Year's resolutions and get discouraged when they do not reach their goals. In this episode, CycleBar Lead Instructor Melissa Murray joins the podcast to share her journey, provide great motivation, and talk about shifting the mindset of setting fitness goals and creating healthy habits that benefit our mental health. Plus, DBH Associate Medical Director Dr. David Block ends the episode with educational information about eating disorders. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

The holidays and winter season can be a difficult time for many individuals and families. The winter blues can stir up negative emotions and create symptoms that take a toll on your overall wellbeing. Dr. Ambarin Faizi, the Department of Behavioral Health's Associate Medical Director, provides information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how to manage grief during the holidays. Tune in to the Department of Behavioral Health's Resilient and Real podcast to learn coping strategies to maintain wellness during the winter months. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Allie Mink, San Bernardino Area President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), joins the podcast to provide practical ways to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health and to talk about the difference between mental health and mental illness. Plus, learn more about the NAMI Walks Your Way 5K on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Diamond Valley Lake Marina in Hemet. To register, visit https://bit.ly/NAMIWalksIE. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Sondra Savage, Department of Behavioral Health Peer and Family Advocate II, joins the podcast to share her story, how addiction can affect the family and the importance of finding hope in recovery as a family member and as an individual. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Arlene Molina, Assistant Director for the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department, joins the podcast to talk about the collaborative services the department provides, including the Preschool Prevention and Early Intervention Program. The program assists children and their families with comprehensive services to meet their needs, including their emotional and behavioral health needs.For more info about Preschool Services, visit psd.sbcounty.gov.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

National Recovery Month is celebrated to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members who make recovery possible. Listen to this all-new episode with Donnie Harris, DBH Mental Health Education Consultant! For more info about how you can celebrate Recovery Month with DBH, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/recoverymonth/.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Students are heading back to school and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health's Resilient and Real podcast is back with a new episode about student mental health. Sonia Rubio, DBH Program Manager of the Office of Prevention and Early Intervention, and André Bossieux, DBH Program Manager II of the One Stop TAY Center, talk about the importance of focusing on student mental health and provide helpful resources for youth and adults. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Additional Resources:Suicide Prevention: You're Not Alone Podcast EpisodeKnow the Signs WebsiteSan Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health WebsiteFor more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

The Resilient and Real podcast is BACK! In this new episode, Ashley Patterson, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Media Specialist II, talks with Kristen Mungcal,  DBH Program Manager I, about what Clubhouse and Community Connections is and how it helps individuals who are managing their behavioral health. Plus, Kristen gets real about how she practices self-care. For more information about Clubhouses, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/otherservices/. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Sue Abito, DBH Volunteer Services Coordinator, shares her story of recovery, resiliency, and how mental illness impacted her family. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month last month, she also speaks about the importance of celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

It's Mental Health Month and San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman joins the podcast to talk about the importance of mental health and reducing the stigma. San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Dawn Rowe shares how she practices self-care and the importance of finding a healthy way of practicing self-care.  For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

We're less than a week away from Mental Health Month in May and DBH has a lot of exciting events planned. Listen to the all-new episode featuring staff from the Public Relations and Outreach team as they chat about the fun activities and explore why mental health is important to focus on. To learn more about how you can celebrate Mental Health Month, visit CelebrateMHM.com. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and we have a special guest from the County family! Jeany Zepeda, Interim Director of San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of child abuse prevention and about the stigma surrounding reporting child abuse. To report suspected child abuse and neglect (800)827-8724. Visit https://hs.sbcounty.gov/cfs/ for more info. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

It's National Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness Month! Podcast Host and DBH's Public Relations Manager Aimara Freeman speaks with Enrique Gonzalez, DBH Alcohol and Drug Counselor, about substance use disorders, prescription drug abuse and treatment options. He provides advice for loved ones who may know someone struggling with substance use disorders and also shares his own inspiring story of recovery. Later in the episode we celebrate National Social Work Month as Fabeola Lazaro, Social Worker II, shares why she became a social worker.  For more info about the San Bernardino County Dept. of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/dbh.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

With the ongoing effects of the pandemic and growing up in general, times can be tough for the youth population. Dr. Timothy Hougen, Deputy Director of Outpatient Clinics And Youth Services, talks about behavioral health in children and youth, and how parents/guardians can assist kids who may be struggling. For more information about services, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

As we celebrate African American History Month, Jonathan Buffong, DBH Mental Health Education Consultant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion, speaks about the stigma surrounding mental health within African American communities and faith-based communities. He provides practical steps we can take to reduce the stigma. Plus, Victoria Hall, DBH Mental Health Education Consultant, shares how she practices self-care! For more information about the African American Awareness Subcommittee and the special event they are hosting Feb. 28, contact Jonathan Buffong at Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Ever wonder what it's like to be nurse within the behavioral health field?  Tricina Edwards, DBH Nurse Manager, joins the podcast to highlight how DBH nurses serve San Bernardino County and provides an inside look at how DBH nurses assist with COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Plus, Jamesia Brown, Quality Management Analyst, shares her self-care story!  For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Hear an all-new episode featuring Dr. Jonathan Avalos, DBH Addiction Medicine Physician, and Shaun Bennett, a DBH client who shares his incredible and inspiring journey in recovery.Subscribe to the podcast today to check out Resilient and Real! For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Is seasonal depression real? Assistant Medical Director Dr. Christopher Schreur joins the podcast to answer that question, as well as provide helpful information about managing stress during the holidays. Plus, a DBH employee shares her self-care story! For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

It's Native American Heritage Month! Maribel Gutierrez, DBH Equity/Cultural Competency Officer, and Marcelina Shackleford, Native American Awareness Subcommittee Chair, join the podcast to talk about recognizing and acknowledging the important contributions of Native people.  Plus, hear a poem about recovery and a story of self-care from DBH employees. For more info about DBH, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Jennifer Alsina, DBH Deputy Director for Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Services, talks about how the community can get involved in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, as well as information about alcohol and/or drug abuse treatment options. Sondra Savage, a DBH Peer and Family Advocate II, shares a poem about recovery and Fabiola Yañez, DBH Secretary, shares her self-care story. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Dora Mejia, Supervising Medical Emergency Planning Specialist at the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), shares insight about how DBH assists the community during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Alex Cordova, a DBH Alcohol and Drug Counselor, shares a poem about recovery. Visit SBCounty.gov/dbh for more info about the services the department provides.  To view info about The Overbook Club, visit DBHNow.org/the-overbookedFor more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

It's National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month! Sonia Rubio, Program Manager I of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health's Office of Prevention and Early Intervention, provides insight into  the importance of suicide prevention and provides some helpful tips and words of encouragement.

Cesar Garcia, actor, producer and writer and Recovery Happens keynote speaker, shares how he changed his life for the better while in recovery. Plus, a DBH employee shares how he practices self-care in this week's Self-Care Corner. Don't forget to RSVP for the virtual Recovery Happens event on Sept. 18 to hear Cesar's full story. RSVP at bit.ly/RecoveryHappens21  For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Tony Hoffman, former BMX Elite Pro, motivational speaker and  Recovery Happens keynote speaker, speaks with DBH Director Dr. Veronica Kelley!  Tony gives a sneak peek into his journey of recovery and provides some helpful tips for listeners. Hear Tony's full story and RSVP for the virtual Recovery Happens event on Sept. 18:  bit.ly/RecoveryHappens21For more information about behavioral health services in San Bernardino County, visit SBCounty.gov/dbh. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Dr. René Keres, Program Manager II for the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Homeless and Supportive Services, shares how the she mentally overcomes the stigma related to her physical disabilities. Plus, she shares her journey from being in the Paralympics to working in behavioral health. And a DBH employee shares how they practice self-care. For more info about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

For some therapists or behavioral health professionals, it may be difficult to seek therapy themselves when they need it because of the idea that they "should know what to do" when life gets tough. Julie Hale is a Senior Program Manager of the 24-Hour and Emergency Services Division for the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who shares her resilient story story in hopes of destigmatizing mental illness in the field of behavioral health.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Andrew Gruchy, LCSW,  takes a look back on his 33-year-journey at DBH as he prepares to retire at the end of July. We'll miss you, Andy! Plus, Michael Knight, DBH Assistant Director, shares how he practices self-care.  For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Erin Zamora, LMFT, LPCC, Program Manager II of DBH Community Crisis Services, shares her personal story of coming out as gay and surviving suicide attempts as a young girl. Dr. Kelley, Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, provides resources in preparation of National Suicide Prevention Month in September. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255. Remember, you're never alone. Help is available.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Steve Jacobs, a local community member, shares his powerful story of surviving the loss of two loved ones to suicide and Dr. Kelley, Director of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, provides helpful tips on how to help someone who expresses thoughts of suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255. Remember, you're never alone. Help is available.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Public Relations Manager and Podcast Host Aimara Freeman speaks with Stephen Diaz, a Peer and Family Advocate II with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, about helping those with suicidal thoughts. Plus, Anthony Castro, Clinical Therapist I, provides deep insight into the importance of self-care. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

This week's episode features David R. Block, MD, MMM, a San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health Psychiatrist II. Dr. Block shares his mental health journey and what inspired him to do the work he does. Plus, a DBH employee shares their self-care story! It's Mental Health Month and you can visit CelebrateMHM.com for more info. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Georgina Yoshioka, DSW, LCSW, MBA, Deputy Director of 24 Hour & Emergency Services Division with DBH joins the podcast with Director Veronica Kelley, DSW, LCSW. Dr. Yoshioka shares how mental illness impacted her family and what led her to pursue her career in behavioral health. Plus, a DBH employee shares their self-care story.  For more info about Mental Health Month, please visit CelebrateMHM.com.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

Michael Sweitzer, DBH Program Manager II of Substance Use Disorders and Recovery Services, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of alcohol awareness and shares his own story about recovery. Plus, DBH Secretary Sheena Felix opens up about overcoming self-care guilt and why self-care is now important for her to incorporate in her routine.May Mental Health Month is coming up! Visit CelebrateMHM.com for more info.  For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

DBH Director Dr. Veronica Kelley joins as the first guest on the podcast to speak about social work and what led her to become a social worker. Plus, a DBH employee shares how they practice self-care.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.

The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health is proud to present the Resilient and Real podcast, a podcast dedicated to providing mental health and substance use disorder resources including field-expert interviews and department news that promotes prevention, intervention, recovery and resiliency for individuals, families and communities. For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, please visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.For more information about the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, visit SBCounty.gov/DBH.