Speak Your Mind

Approximately 41% of Americans go to church on a weekly basis, and a whopping 60% have stated that they at least attend church periodically and/or believe in God. But what if religious belief in itself is actually a form of delusion? What if believing an afterlife and God’s existence without any quantifiable proof could be considered a mental disorder? Listen in as we explore the psychological side of religion, while answering questions such as, “when did the founders of famous religions go from being considered a little wacky to being idols (I’m talking about Joseph Smith, L. Ron Hubbard, and even Jesus Christ)?”, "is faith in a higher power in itself delusional?,” '' are there any psychological benefits to going to church and being a member of a religious community?, and “when does religious belief go too far?” It’s an episode that you won’t want to miss!  Slam Poem: “Your God” by Rudy Francisco (11:04-13:30) Commercial Break Media: “Why Religious Beliefs Aren’t Just Silly” by School of Life (27:49-30:50) Also featuring clips from Family Guy (S13E9; S12E18), South Park (S7E12; S16E1), Robot Chicken, ABC News, Sarah Silverman’s “Religion Is Crazy” sketch (2015), Eddie Izzard’s “the Origin of Christianity” sketch from Circle (2000), and Family Feud. If you or a loved one are suffering from feelings of self-harm or suicide, there is a place for you; the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (available 24/7) at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting “HOME” to 741-741 if you live in the United States.

Steve Jobs. Marilyn Monroe. Megan Fox. Angelina Jolie. David Beckham. What do all of these celebrities have in common? They all have a diagnosed personality disorder. Personality Disorders are defined by enduring patterns of inner experience/behavior that deviate markedly from cultural expectations (per the DSM-5). All in all, there are 10 defined personality disorders as well as an 11th type referred to as Personality Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDNOS). Approximately 9% of all adults in the United States experience personality disorders. But, for some reason, this type of mental health disorder still remains to be highly misunderstood and heavily stigmatized in this day and age. Listen in to today's episode to find out why this may be, the history behind the discovery and diagnosis of personality disorders, and how we can work together to break the stigma. To take the Personality Disorder screening mentioned in today's episode, please visit Psych Central's Website here. Intro/Outro Music: "Gasoline" by HalseyIntro Media: "Borderline Talks Back," a TEDtalk by Coral MoreTransition Music: "Cry Baby" by Melanie MartinezCommercial Media: "I AM Borderline," Wright Institute Los AngelesImage: metro.co.ukAlso featuring clips from Gone Girl (2014), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), Disney's Peter Pan (1953), The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 2007-2019), and "What It's Like to Live With Borderline Personality Disorder" (Medline, 2019).

Back in late February, I released an episode all about mental health during global pandemics. But the problem was that at that point in time, there weren't a lot of resources available addressing this. And why? Well, the world had never experienced a pandemic of this magnitude in our lifetime. Things have changed a lot in the last month and I feel a personal responsibility to provide an update on the situation. This episode will inform you of what you can do to protect your mental health during this unprecedented time in history. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and hopefully you'll feel a little more hopeful about the situation after you listen in today!  If you need to reach out for help in this time of crisis, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - it's not just for suicidal thoughts and they are here for you if you are in any form of emotional crisis! You can call them 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or reach them via text by texting "HOME" to 741-741 if you live in the United States. Citizens of Canada can text "TWLOHA" to 686-868. If you're in the United Kingdom, you can reach them by texting "SHOUT" to 852-58. For additional emotional support resources, check out the To Write Love on Her Arms website to find out how to get involved in online support groups, access online therapy, and much, much more! Need financial resources? Check out the UNICEF website to see what type of assistance you may be eligible for.  Intro/Outro Music: "Hold On" by Joy IkeTransition Music: "Good Day" by Jukebox the GhostFeaturing clips from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," "Friends,""Rocko's Modern Life," "Seinfeld," "Conan," "The Daily Show," and more!   

Anorexia Nervosa, a disorder whose name literally translates to “Too nervous to eat,” is now an epidemic in many first world countries. Of course, it’s easy to blame the rise of social media and the “Fitspiration” movement currently taking Instagram by storm, but did you know that Anorexia Nervosa has existed since the Middle Ages (if not earlier)? It’s true! You might also be surprised to know that Anorexia is the deadliest mental health disorder aside from opioid abuse. Irregardless, treatment can often be very inaccessible to those in need due to location, finances, or a variety of other factors. What else don’t you know? Grab a snack and tune in and test your knowledge as we explore one of the most common - but also most commonly misunderstood - eating disorders. If you have reason to believe that you or someone that you care about may be experiencing Anorexia Nervosa, there is an anonymous screening tool available to you at nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool. If you want to reach out for support, you can contact the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) hotline by phone at 1-800-931-2237 (available 11:00am-9:00pm EST Mondays-Thursdays; 11:00am-5:00pm EST Fridays) or you may contact the Chat Line at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline (available 9:00am-9:00pm EST Mondays-Thursdays; 9:00am-5:00pm EST Fridays).To get involved in nonprofit volunteer opportunities that support and further the cause, you can check out nonprofit organizations such as Project HEAL (theprojectheal.org) and the National Eating Disorder Association (nationaleatingdisorders.org). Intro Music: “Scars To Your Beautiful” by Alessia CaraTransition Music: “Skinny Love" by Bon IverOutro Music: “Unpretty” by TLCFeaturing audio clips from Buzzfeed Yellow/Buzzfeed News, TEDxYouth@ChristChurch, CBS Eyewitness News, and the documentary “Miss Americana” (courtesy of Netflix).

Pandemic: a word that is practically inescapable lately. Since the start of this year, news outlets have been throwing the word around as casually and frequently as a dog barking at a mailman. But the word can cause a dangerous phenomenon filled to the brim with xenophobia, misplaced fear, and heightened anxiety (we're talking traumatic stress levels!) on both the general public and healthcare workers alike. Listen in as we break down why all of this hype surrounding a pandemic can be harmful to our mental health and, most importantly, what we can do about it. Slam Poem: "In Sickness" by Duck WashingtonIntro Music: "Hospital Beds" by Cold War KidsTransition Music: "Slammin'" by PandemicArtwork: by Dan Bejar via theispot.comAlso featuring clips featuring Dr. Drew Pinsky, ABC News, CBS News, and CNN.   

Video games - they're seemingly everywhere these days. Heck, you can't even get through a ride on public transportation without spotting someone playing "Candy Crush" on their phone. But are they harming our mental health? Listen in today while Kristina lays down the numerous benefits of modern video games and how game play (in moderation, of course) can actually improve one's mental health. We'll discuss many of the video games leading the pack when it comes to embracing the emotionally healing benefits of gaming. Oh, and while we're at it, we'll crush some common misconceptions that video games are harmful on the psyche of its players. Grab a controller and tune in - this is an episode that you won't want to miss! Intro Music: "Still Alive (Portal Theme)" from "Portal"Transition Music: Theme from "Ms. Pac Man" and "Super Mario Bros" Clips featured from CBS News, ABC News, CNN, TedxOldham, etc. 

Ayo, we're back and ready to tackle 2020 with aplomb! Come grab a fresh pair of Skull Candy earbuds and listen in for our first episode of the new year- one all about Bipolar Depression. Did you know that more people struggle with Bipolar Disorder in Australia than do cancer? Here in the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 50 individuals suffer with this mood disorder at any given time. And the effects of this disorder can be absolutely devastating to the sufferer's personal life and relationships if not managed. But, thankfully hope is absolutely possible and today, we'll break down what the disorder is, what it isn't, discuss treatment options, and even mention why you should never refer to it as "Manic Depression." Get ready to have your mind blown!  Slam Poem: "Some Things You Need to Know Before Dating Me" by Jamie MortaraIntro/Outro Music: "New Slang" by the ShinsTransition Music: "I Wanna Get Better" by the BleachersEpisode Artwork by Stephanie Stephens via bphope.com

Hey friends! We're off this week as we try to get back into the swing of things after the extended holiday break. But we left you with a classic episode that you may have missed! For those of you who may be considering going back to therapy or trying out therapy for the first time, this episode is a must-listen if you're curious about the whole intake process. It's harmless, I promise!  Also, here are the resources that I mentioned in the episode for helping you to find a therapist in your area: 1. Zocdoc.com: On this website, you can enter your insurance information and your zip code to search for therapists in your area that are covered by your plan. 2. Your insurance company's website (Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc.): You can find this resource by doing a Google search for your insurance company3. APA Psychologist Locator: Run by the American Psychology Association, this website lists esteemed psychologists in your area and lists the insurance plans that they accept. From here you can also read reviews and email the providers directly to setup an appointment.  Intro Music: "I Wanna Get Better" by the BleachersTransition Music: "Better" by Regina Spektor 

Ah yes, climate change! A phrase that has not been absent from the news, the Presidential debate stage, nor our every day vernacular for at least the last decade. Look, we know climate change is happening and harming our dear Mother Earth. But that's it, right? Mmm, not so fast - Did you know that climate change has some strong negative implications on our mental health? As victims of natural disaster or even as weary citizens fearing global warming's wrath, it's easy to get caught up in the trepidation and anxiety that can come with such a massive threat. Today we'll explore how and why climate change can harm our mental well-being and what to do about it. Spoiler: It's all about mindfulness, baby!  Intro/Outro music: "Carbon Monoxide" by CakeTransition music: "Young Folk" by Peter Bjorn and John; "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni MitchellSlam Poem: "Dear Future Generations: Sorry" by Prince EA Image: nature.com

Hey babes! We're off this week, but don't worry - we still wanted to leave you with something to grace your earballs - a classic episode! Maybe you missed this episode last season, you're new to the podcast, or you want to have a refresher on this episode - either way, you're in the right place! CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide ideation, which is a topic that may be sensitive for some listeners. If you are not in a place to listen to an in-depth discussion of suicidal thoughts, methods of suicide, or symptoms of severe mental illness, I recommend skipping today's episode and tuning in another time. Intro/Outro Music: "1-800-273-8255" by Logic feat. Alessia Cara

Ho, ho, ho! Thanksgiving is over and we're now staring down at the final month of the year. And boy, is it an especially eventful one! December is chock full of parties, gift giving, family get-togethers, and putting on an extra few pounds (wait, I thought you said that these Christmas cookies were non-fat?). Regardless of what you celebrate this time of year, you have to admit that the holiday season isn't all that it's Nutcrackered up to be. Maybe you're in grief over the loss of a loved one, grappling with Depression, or find yourself miles away from home during this time of year. Let's talk some tips and tricks that can help you tackle your seasonal lows and feeling more yourself in December and all year long. Intro/Outro music: "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses Transition Music: "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid MichaelsonSlam Poem: "The Holidays" by Meta Also including sound clips from the classic holiday films, "Elf," "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." If you are interested in purchasing a Memory Bear for someone in your life, you can find Mary Mac's Facebook Business page here.To reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, you can navigate to their website here. You can also reach them via email by contacting info@nami.org. You can also contact their hotline between the hours of 10am-6pm EST by dialing 1-800-950-6264.

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who's the thinnest of them all? Eating disorders are the most deadly form of mental health disorder with 1 person dying internationally every 62 minutes. It's an epidemic that has been increasingly coming to a head since the mid-to-late 1980s. But did you know that the first case of Anorexia was actually diagnosed over 150 years ago? Come learn more about the most commonly diagnosed eating disorders - namely Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder - with me and learn how to help yourself or someone in your life that may be struggling with their body image and in turn, an eating disorder.  Intro Music: "Don't Let Me Get Me" by P!nkTransition Music: "Radio" by India.ArieSlam Poem: "When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny" by Blythe BairdOutro Music: "Good As Hell" by LizzoYou can take an eating disorder screening on the NEDA websiteIf you need help on Thanksgiving Day, you can chat with a NEDA helpline volunteer at their Online Chat Line (open 10am-2pm EST)To volunteer/give to Project Heal, check out their website

Do you experience uncharacteristic lulls and all over feel more sluggish and unmotivated during the winter season? It's possible that you're experiencing Seasonal Depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD). But don't worry, you're not alone - over 3 million Americans experience SAD every year. Tune in and listen to some tips and tricks for how to combat your Seasonal Depression before winter gets the best of you!  Intro/Outro Song: "Seasonal Depression" by mxmtoonTransition Music: "Into Your Sun" by No Second TroyAlso featuring "5 kleine Fische" by die Bremen Vier (because reasons)

Happy #MentalHealthMonday, crew! Today, we're exploring if there's any weight to the correlation between having a diagnosable mental illness and committing acts of mass gun violence. Spoiler alert: It's a no from me, dawg. If you're interested in getting more involved in the prevention of future acts of gun violence in the United States, here are the links to some of the helpful resources that you'll hear mentioned in today's episode:1. To find a local anti-gun violence group in your state, you can visit the States United to Prevent Gun Violence website by visiting ceasefireusa.org.  2. You can make a tax-deductible donation to either March for Our Lives (marchforourlives.com) or the Violence Policy Center (vpc.org)Intro/Outro Music: "Pumped Up Kicks Remix" by Foster the PeopleTransition Music: "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles

The United States is infamous for its poor treatment and care for the mentally ill in our society. Sure, things have come a LONG way since the days of lobotomies and forced institutionalization but care options are often still very expensive and inaccessible for a lot of people. Why is this the case? What can we do and where do we even go from here? Listen here and help me brainstorm on this week's episode!  Intro: "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor SwiftTransition Music: "Better" by Regina Spektor Outro: "Overthinking" by Acid Ghost/"Better" by Regina Spektor

And she's BAAAACK! Happy Mental Health Monday! I'm so completely stoked to be back in action and talking about the most frequently diagnosed mental health disorder, the anxiety disorder. Did you know that approximately 30% of the population have a diagnosable anxiety disorder (me included, let's be honest)? It comes in many forms, such as OCD, PTSD, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety. Do you or someone you know suffer from anxiety? Let us know in the comments! Introductory poem written and performed by Jae Nichelle Intro music: "Be OK" by Ingrid MichaelsonOutro music: "This Year" by the Mountain Goats

Hey friends! Last week, our host Kristina went back to therapy for the first time in over 3 years. For those of you who may be considering going back to therapy or trying out therapy for the first time, this episode is a must-listen if you're curious about the whole intake process. It's harmless, I promise!  Also, here are the resources that I mentioned in the episode for helping you to find a therapist in your area: 1. Zocdoc.com: On this website, you can enter your insurance information and your zip code to search for therapists in your area that are covered by your plan. 2. Your insurance company's website (Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, etc.): You can find this resource by doing a Google search for your insurance company3. APA Psychologist Locator: Run by the American Psychology Association, this website lists esteemed psychologists in your area and lists the insurance plans that they accept. From here you can also read reviews and email the providers directly to setup an appointment. 

Is it Monday ALREADY? Never fear, because another episode of "Mental Health Monday" is waiting for your ears! While you're browsing the socials today, take a moment to listen to today's episode all about social media sensitivity. Do you think you experience social media sensitivity? Hit us up and let us know how it affects you. Also, special shoutout to Shel Silverstein for writing the impeccable poem - "The Gardener" -  featured in the first few seconds of today's episode. I have a feeling that he'd appreciate what I did with his masterpiece. 

Happy "Mental Health Monday," crew! Have you ever been in a dating relationship with someone that struck you as flakier than a fresh croissant? It's entirely possible that this person was experiencing commitment phobia. While “commitment phobia” is not considered a diagnosable mental health disorder, it can absolutely have an adverse effect on your own mental wellbeing. So, how can you overcome you or your partner's commitment phobia? Tune in to find out! 

You've all heard the saying that "laughter is the best medicine," but is there any actual weight to that statement? Join me as I untangle the mental, emotional, and physical benefits that laughter has on the body and mind. Special appearance by my boyfriend Carter who shares some of his best jokes with us. This is one you won't want to miss! 

So, you've been feeling extra stressed out lately. But is it just lately or do you almost always feel worried, anxious, or otherwise discontent? This "Mental Health Monday" episode will help you decode whether your stress is just that - normal stress - or something more serious like a mood disorder.  Feel free to take a mental health screening for any array of mental health disorders (anything from addiction and eating disorders to Depression and PTSD) by navigating to the following link: https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/screening-tools

Solitary confinement is a common practice within the U.S. prison system, primarily in the private prison sector. But why? Does it really rehabilitate prisoners as well as we're led on to believe? Or is it damaging to their mental health in ways that we cannot even imagine? To learn more about how you can fight against the inhumane practice of solitary confinement, please check out the resources available on the ACLU's website: https://www.aclu.org/issues/prisoners-rights/solitary-confinement

To date, our full-length episode on antidepressants is "Speak Your Mind" the podcast's most popular one - with hundreds of downloads worldwide! So, I figured it was time to revisit the topic. Join me as I explore if there is any solid evidence to support the claim that antidepressants cause violent behavior. 

Today we're exploring the phenomenon/emotion commonly referred to as nostalgia - a sentimental yearning or adoration for the past. Did you know that nostalgia used to be considered a mental health disorder? So, is nostalgic yearning bad for our mental health? Before you throw out your Tamagotchi and those late '90s boy band albums for good, take a listen to this episode and find out! 

We've all heard the saying that the 'pen is mightier than the sword,' so why not practice what we preach? Journaling has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for our mental health and we'll discuss some of those reasons in today's episode. I hope it inspires you to get writing!  As mentioned in this segment, you can find some awesome journaling prompts to help you get started writing on the Tiny Buddha website here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-writing-prompts-to-help-you-let-go-of-anxiety-and-find-peace/

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses suicide and suicidal ideation/thinking and may not be suitable for listeners under the age of 18 or anyone that may feel mentally/emotionally triggered by this topic of conversation. It takes a village, but together we can prevent suicide. You can find the crisis plan link that I discuss in this segment by navigating to the following link: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Being-Prepared-for-a-Crisis

Today's episode of Mental Health Monday will cover how to discuss a loved one's mental health with them from the standpoint of someone that does not have a diagnosed mental health disorder themselves. #opentheconversation

Join me as I speak with listener Steph about navigating the debilitating effects of performance anxiety while trying to seek out a career as a musician. 

After a bit of a hiatus, we're back with a new episode all about how a toxic workplace environment can adversely affect us and our wellbeing. Listener Rachael and I sit down and shoot the breeze about our own toxic work place experiences. We also have a great conversation with author AJ Mullican about her book series all about a dystopian future where people are judged by their abilities and financial wealth. Come join us!

It's here! The highly anticipated LGBTQ community and mental health episode with co-guest hosts, Sam and Katie Hebert. Sam is an old friend of mine from high school who came out as a lesbian at the age of 22 with aplomb. Her wife, Katie, had an entirely different coming out experience. Together we discuss the various mental health struggles (i.e. stigma, minority stress, family acceptance, religion) that are specific to the LGBTQ community. 

Our first bonus episode is here! Did you know that setting goals that are too unfocused can actually harm your mental health? Check out our short little podcast episode about how to set smarter, more focused goals that will give you that dopamine boost that you crave. #guacagoals 

Episode 2 is here! Today, we're unpacking how the stressors of college life can adversely affect one's mental health and how college campuses nationwide are handling the current mental health crisis that they face with increasing severity. Spoiler alert: there is MASSIVE room for improvement.

Feeling a bit of the Monday blues? Good news for you - episode one of "Speak Your Mind" the podcast just DROPPED! *insert happy dance here* Today's episode explores antidepressants. Enjoyed today's podcast? Please be sure to "like," rate, and subscribe to SYM on PodBean or iTunes so that you never miss a new episode! 

It's almost here - the first season of "Speak Your Mind" the podcast! Season one will tackle topics such as antidepressants, body image, mental health during the college years, friendship "breakups," mental health "glow-ups," and so much more. To share ideas, be featured on an episode, or to just reach out, please email the podcast at speakyourmindthepodcast@gmail.com.