Youth Voices in Mental Health
NAMI NextGen member Daniella Ivanir interviews Ava Smithing, a youth advocate for safer tech and youth mental health. Ava shares what it was like growing up as part of the first social media generation, her struggles with online harms, and the turning point that led her to protect future generations. They discuss the toll of advocacy, pushing back against profit-driven systems, and mobilizing a youth-led movement. Produced by Daniella Ivanir, Haley Amering, and Brad Gage
info_outline Psychology Misinformation on TikTokYouth Voices in Mental Health
Compared to other generations, I think youth have come a very long way in acknowledging and working to better mental health. However, there are certain trends we see on social media with good intentions, but harmful consequences. Today we’re talking about self- diagnoses of mental illnesses and the prominence of “therapy speak.” We had the pleasure of talking with Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces who is Associate Professor Psychology at Indiana University, and is giving their input on the subject. Those on tiktok and other social media platforms have likely seen some version of both these...
info_outline Understanding High-Functioning DepressionYouth Voices in Mental Health
On this episode Tamahina Pierrot speaks with Dr Judith Joseph - a psychiatrist who is famous for her reels on social media about high-functioning depression, how it is different from regular depression, and the impact anhedonia can have on you. Produced by: Tamahina Pierrot, Brad Gage, and Haley Amering Featuring: Tamahina Pierrot and Dr. Judith Joseph
info_outline Parenting a Child Through Mental IllnessYouth Voices in Mental Health
In this episode, NAMI-NYS NextGen member MacKenzie Wood talks with her mother, Mandee Puleo, about her experience parenting children with mental illnesses. The two openly discuss Amanda's experiences in trying to support and address MacKenzie’s illness, hospital visits, and multiple diagnoses, while also feeling inadequate and incompetent as a parent. The duo hopes this open and honest conversation about the difficulty in parenting teens with mental illnesses, and the toll that took on Mandee’s mental health, will help other families have similar conversations. This episode...
info_outline Mental Health Practices and Christianity - Can They Work Together?Youth Voices in Mental Health
Can modern mental health practices coexist with your religious beliefs? NAMI New York NextGen member Sarah Dorme dives into understanding why mental health issues aren't accepted within Christian culture, and other stereotypes that churches may hold against psychology. This episode will cover the stigma between religion and mental health. Harnessing the spirit of the next generation, this podcast explores personal experiences through the lens of how NAMI and the mental health community are serving their community. This Episode is Produced by Sarah Dorme, Haley Amering, and Brad Gage. It...
info_outline Eating Disorders in Young AthletesYouth Voices in Mental Health
In this episode, NextGen NYS member Mackenzie Wood interviews Shannon Goria (24) on her recovery journey with Anorexia Nervosa as a high school and Division I cross country and track athlete. Shannon's story includes signs and symptoms that someone is struggling as well as going more in depth on the pressure to perform and how that can exacerbate the development of eating disorders among athletes. The episode goes in detail about body image within the world of sports, the long term effects and consequences that eating disorders can leave on the athlete, and prevention strategies that can...
info_outline Stress and Burnout in College Students - What Can Be Done?Youth Voices in Mental Health
It’s no secret that college students are stressed. In this episode, NAMI-New York State NextGen member Connor Dalgaard is joined by Wesley Dixon (Vassar College) to investigate the intersection between college students, mental health, and institutions of higher education themselves. The episode features discussion about changes to the climate surrounding mental health on campus, possible institutional interventions, and the barriers to care that students face. Taken with the empirical evidence and literature, it has become increasingly important to foster dialogue surrounding college...
info_outline Social Media, Self-Image, and "FOMO" - a conversation with the NAMI New York State NextGen CouncilYouth Voices in Mental Health
Welcome to the first episode of "Youth Voices in Mental Health" - a podcast produced by and about the personal experiences of NAMI New York State’s NextGen Youth Council. NAMI NYS NextGen is a 10-person, lived-experience young adult advisory group dedicated to guiding the world toward kinder, innovative, and inclusive outcomes for mental health youth and young adults. This episode is a discussion about the ways social media is changing the behavior, style, and self-image of Gen Z, and what can be done to find healthier habits. The group shares tips on how to effectively take a...
info_outlinefamous for her reels on social media about high-functioning depression, how it is
different from regular depression, and the impact anhedonia can have on you.
Produced by: Tamahina Pierrot, Brad Gage, and Haley Amering