Mental Note
Meet Mental Note – a podcast highlighting both the work and the beauty of mental health recovery. Stories will span a variety of mental illness struggles from eating disorders to depression, OCD and Bipolar. We will introduce you to relatable personalities, and dive deep into how they choose health amidst daunting illnesses. At the end of it all, we will provide hope that recovery is possible—and worth it.
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Choosing Treatment: How Writer Lara Jacobs Reclaimed Her Story from an Eating Disorder
04/22/2025
Choosing Treatment: How Writer Lara Jacobs Reclaimed Her Story from an Eating Disorder
A dangerous secret lurked behind author Lara Jacobs’ ambition: she relied on anorexia to focus her writing, blurring the line between artistic drive and self-destruction. In this episode, Lara shares how years of chasing a story across continents ultimately led her to eating disorder treatment and to rediscovering herself—both as a writer and as a person in recovery. With honesty and hope, she reflects on the pivotal moments that helped her heal, the community that supported her, and how reclaiming her narrative became the most powerful form of self-expression. Now, she teaches others to do the same. Links: Lara’s Website: Lara's Instagram: Mental Note Podcast Eating Recovery Center: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Parenting Through Eating Disorder Recovery: Advice from Those Who’ve Been There
02/11/2025
Parenting Through Eating Disorder Recovery: Advice from Those Who’ve Been There
Supporting a loved one through eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this special Q&A episode, we sit down with experienced parents Beth Ayn Stansfield and Amy Oberholtzer, who have navigated this journey with their own children and turned their experiences into advocacy. Beth Ayn, now the National Family Advocate for Eating Recovery Center, and Amy, founder of the nonprofit CATCH, share their hard-earned wisdom on self-care, technology, community-building, and trusting the process. Their insights offer guidance, hope, and reassurance whether you’re just beginning or deep in the recovery journey. Beth Ayn + Amy's Links: - For caregivers of either children and teens or adults (Support Groups will be at the bottom of the page once you click the link.) CATCH Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast Eating Recovery Center: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Who Gets to Heal? Akiera Gilbert on Access and Equity in Eating Disorder Treatment
12/04/2024
Who Gets to Heal? Akiera Gilbert on Access and Equity in Eating Disorder Treatment
In a world where mental health care is often seen as one-size-fits-all, Akiera Gilbert is on a mission to break down barriers and open the doors of eating disorder treatment to those often left behind. As the CEO of Project Heal, Akiera leads an organization dedicated to transforming the system while offering immediate, life-saving support to those who face financial, cultural, and systemic obstacles to care. Through her work, Akiera emphasizes the power of community and the need to reimagine healing in ways that honor diverse experiences. In this episode, we explore her personal recovery journey, the realities of accessing treatment, and how understanding social identities is key to providing quality care for all. Join us as we discuss the future of inclusive healing and the incredible impact of Project Heal’s work. Project Heal Links Project Heal Website: Clinical Assessment: Cash Assistance: Insurance Navigation: Meal Support: Community Support: Research and Advocacy: Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Body Image and Liberation with Carly Compton
10/30/2024
Body Image and Liberation with Carly Compton
As an eating disorder survivor turned eating disorder therapist, Carly Compton strives to be the person that she wishes she would have known when she was younger. That conviction led her on a rewarding journey to become a therapist, model, host of the Recover with Carly Podcast, and creator of an eating disorder curriculum for adolescents. In all these endeavors, Carly focuses on partnering with individuals to give up dieting, recover from disordered eating, and find genuine happiness and acceptance within themselves — no matter their size, race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. We sit down to discuss the steps that took her on such a liberating journey and also some practical ways you can improve your relationship with your body. Resources: Her Socials: and Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Let’s Discuss ADHD with Landon Bryant
09/03/2024
Let’s Discuss ADHD with Landon Bryant
From Chaos to Creativity: Storyteller and artist Landon Bryant explores his journey from struggling with life’s basic challenges to finding success and support after an adult ADHD diagnosis. Landon shares how he navigated the difficulties of his condition, including years of trial and error with medications and strategies, and how he ultimately embraced the creative potential of ADHD. This conversation sheds light on the importance of self-awareness, support systems, and the unique strengths that can arise from challenges. His journey is a source of hope for anyone on a similar path. Resources: Get to Know Landon: Instagram TikTok: Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Ozempic, Eating Disorders, and Diabetes: GLP-1 weight loss drugs explained with Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar
07/23/2024
Ozempic, Eating Disorders, and Diabetes: GLP-1 weight loss drugs explained with Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar
GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have exploded in popularity due to their weight-loss potential. But what do they actually do? How do they function? And why are they the subject of so much controversy? With insight from Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Regional Medical Director for the Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center, this episode will empower you to make an educated decision when it comes to your body and these medications. Crucially, we will also focus on how GLP-1s may affect individuals with eating disorders - even if they are being taken as diabetes medication rather than to lose weight. If you’d like to learn more about GLp-1s from Dr. Wassenaar — and earn CE credits along the way — join Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight’s virtual annual conference August 21-23 . Dr. Wassenaar will lead a special discussion on GLP-1s and their relationship to Binge Eating Disorder treatment. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: 16th Annual Conference: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Addiction, Incarceration, and Transformational Love - How Queer Filmmaker Vik Chopra Found His Voice
06/27/2024
Addiction, Incarceration, and Transformational Love - How Queer Filmmaker Vik Chopra Found His Voice
Growing up, Vik Chopra was not the kid most people assumed would end up serving a sentence in Federal prison. A student leader with straight A’s and numerous volunteer hours, Vik secretly hid pain and shame beneath a shiny outward persona - with disastrous consequences. Now a filmmaker, actor, and writer who has embraced his queer and South Asian identities, Vik takes us on a transformational journey through addiction, incarceration, and rebirth. His story is a testament to the powers of embracing community, fostering daily practices, and forgiving ourselves. We encourage you to check out the podcasts and films he is making with justice-impacted individuals. Find them at his website linked below. ___________________________________________ Resources: Website - Instagram - @ Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Substance Use Disorders Part 2 - How to Make an Effective Change with Leah Young
05/21/2024
Substance Use Disorders Part 2 - How to Make an Effective Change with Leah Young
Welcome to part two of our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Discussion with Leah Young where we focus on the proactive steps you can take to find recovery from a SUD. Today’s episode is all about what to do once you realize you have a problem with substances or addictive behaviors. We’ll discuss topics like: Different strategies for ending destructive behaviors spanning from abstinence to harm reduction How to develop boundaries to enable healthier behaviors Easy ways to measure the success of your approach If you missed our last episode, you can easily find it in your podcast feed or by clicking the link in the show notes below. You don’t necessarily need to listen to Part 1 to understand Part 2. However, you may want to pull it up if you are trying to figure out whether or not you have a substance use issue. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you. - Self Harm & - Sex and Love Addicts Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional
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Substance Use Disorder 101 - How much is too much? with Leah Young
05/02/2024
Substance Use Disorder 101 - How much is too much? with Leah Young
In our next two episodes, we will explore a disorder affecting nearly one in five Americans - Substance Use Disorder (SUD). From knowing when your patterns are problematic, to building new neural pathways, to measuring success - we want to dig deep. And we’ve got the incredible expertise of Leah Young to show us why there’s so much reason for hope when dealing with addictive behaviors and substances. You can think of today’s podcast as Substance Use Disorder 101. It answers the questions, “How do you know if your use of alcohol or drugs is a problem?” and “Are you exhibiting problematic addictive behaviors?” We will cover topics like Early warning signs Denial Sober curiosity Next steps for getting support.
Our second episode will examine recovery models for SUD - abstinence, moderation, and harm reduction - and how to know what works for you. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you. - Self Harm & - Sex and Love Addicts Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional
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Securely Attached - Why Relationship Patterns Matter with Eli Harwood aka Attachment Nerd
04/02/2024
Securely Attached - Why Relationship Patterns Matter with Eli Harwood aka Attachment Nerd
Close relationships set the tone for how we experience love and security. Yet, keeping those relationships healthy is rarely easy. Fortunately, Attachment Theory researchers have spent decades scrutinizing why we connect the way we do and what actions help make friendships, partnerships, and family bonds flourish. For therapist, mama, and author Eli Harwood - aka Attachment Nerd - her journey into understanding attachment patterns was deeply personal. Her early life programmed her to believe that she could not consistently rely on her needs being met. As an adult, this belief severely impacted her ability to connect with others, prompting Eli to find the best tools for healing and growing new attachment patterns. She benefited from that growth so much that she spent the past 17 years inviting others to discover how fun and stress-free this transformation can be. Today’s show is all about understanding basic Attachment Patterns, how they affect our relationships, and how we can enjoy becoming more secure parents, friends, and humans. Resources: Website - Instagram - Podcast - Book - Securely Attached - Free webinar - 2 Minute Attachment Quiz - Collection of coaching tips - Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones
02/26/2024
What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones
Today, we investigate Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) - a diagnosis that can be as confusing as its name suggests… But fear not! We are lucky to have Dr. Michelle Jones as our guide. As a clinical psychologist who studied ARFID since it first became a diagnosis, she's uniquely qualified to distill years of research into succinct explanations. Together, we unpack all the fascinating ways ARFID affects our relationship with food, plus what to do if you or someone you love is diagnosed with it. Resources: Book - ARFID information: videos, resources, and treatment options - Quiz if you think you or a loved one have ARFID - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Medication: Musician David Wimbish Normalizes Psychiatric Care Through Art
01/24/2024
Medication: Musician David Wimbish Normalizes Psychiatric Care Through Art
One chilly Maine morning, enveloped in a snowed-in cabin, musician DW sat at a piano recording a melody that had just popped into his brain. As he played, the phrase “I deserve to be well” tumbled out of his mouth in song. He immediately broke down in tears asking, “Wow, do I really believe this?” That question, and the ensuing album he created with his band The Collection, fueled an artistic journey to make sense of depression, the stigma of psychiatric medication, and asserting self-worth. We sit down with David to hear his mental health story, why he chose to share it publicly, and enjoy a special performance of two new singles from The Collection’s upcoming album. _________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: David’s Links The Collection's Website: TikTok: Instagram: Link Tree: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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How Have You Grown This Year?
12/21/2023
How Have You Grown This Year?
The end of the calendar year packs a lot into a short amount of time and it can be easy to deprioritize your mental health in all that noise. One of the best ways to refocus on your values is to remember the ways you’ve grown this past year. So to honor the journey of 2023, we created an audio mural using six short stories from listeners and past guests. Storytellers focus not only on specific challenges but also on how they have built resilience, fostered mental health, leaned on therapy, and tapped into community. Ultimately, these collective vignettes whisper a comforting reminder that we are not alone and that hope is stronger than defeat. Storytellers Alex Carrie Zhang Eric Dorsa Gloria Jen Ponton Shay Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Calming Moody Storms - Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with Dr. Allison Chase
12/06/2023
Calming Moody Storms - Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) with Dr. Allison Chase
Today’s episode is all about giving you an incredibly practical tool for navigating emotion-focused conversations anywhere and with anyone. To do that, we’ve invited Dr. Allison Chase to walk us through Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT for short). Mostly, we will focus on Emotion Coaching - a skill that creates shortcuts between two very different parts of the brain. The results are powerful and can help you and your loved one feel connected and empowered rather than confused and upset. It’s important to note that Dr. Chase discusses EFFT skills in the context of a caregiver’s relationship with someone battling an eating disorder, but you can take EFFT skills into any relationship that gets sidetracked by intense emotional outbursts - be they at work, home, or out in the world. Resources: Dr. LaFrance’s book: EFFT Basics: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Getting Feely - Embracing Emotions with Nōn Wels
10/31/2023
Getting Feely - Embracing Emotions with Nōn Wels
Have you ever been told that you’re too emotional? Or felt the need to hide your heart in order to be accepted and productive? Community builder and writer Nōn Wels can relate. As a sensitive kid growing up in an environment that didn’t always feel safe, Nōn learned to guard his heart so that nobody could find their way in. This led to a lot of pain and struggle: substance abuse, an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depression. Along the way, Nōn realized that empathetic communities play a crucial role in finding wholeness, love, and nourishment. As a result, he started creating projects and groups designed to empower each of us to grow our capacity for empathy, vulnerability, and emotional curiosity. Today, we talk with Nōn about the journey that prompted him to create the Feely Human Collective and why we should even care about empathy and community in the first place. __________________________________________ Resources: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Fat in a Thin World: Weight Inclusivity with Aubrey Gordon and Kara Richardson Whitely
09/26/2023
Fat in a Thin World: Weight Inclusivity with Aubrey Gordon and Kara Richardson Whitely
Have you ever wondered why our culture treats fat and fat bodies with such vehement scorn? What about the experiences of people who are fat? What does it mean to exist in a thin-obsessed society? With humor, personal stories, and research Aubrey Gordon & Kara Richardson Whitely - two fat authors and storytellers - explain how the world works differently for people depending on their size. Along the way, we talk about the unintended and sometimes deadly consequences of weight stigma in the medical world as well as what you and I can do to end weight discrimination. Resources: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with April Snow
08/24/2023
Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with April Snow
Have you ever noticed that you simply notice more? Therapist, author, consultant, and Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) April Snow wants you to know that you are not alone. In fact, the genetic trait responsible for Sensory Processing Sensitivity - aka what makes HSPs more attuned to the world around them - is present in 20% of individuals, regardless of gender. It can be both a superpower and an Achilles heel. And that’s why we are so excited to talk with April. April built her career by helping highly sensitive individuals move beyond feelings of overwhelm and guilt to discover the best parts of being more aware of their surroundings. Together, we examine HSP Characteristics, misconceptions, and how to thrive as a highly sensitive person. ___________________________________________________________________________ Resources: April’s Website - April's Instagram - HSP Self-Test - Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Unlocking Radical Authenticity with Moe Ari Brown
07/20/2023
Unlocking Radical Authenticity with Moe Ari Brown
Have you ever felt like the real you - the one that exists deep, deep down - is not aligned with how you live your life? What would it be like to let the true you break free? That’s why we created today’s podcast. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Moe Ari Brown has spent his career helping others live their most authentic lives. He is one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity, with a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality. And he’s here for a discussion about Radical Authenticity - what it is, how to find it, and who it is for. So join me, my delightful co-host Eric Dorsa, and Moe Ari as we focus on discovering radical authenticity and learning to love ourselves while accepting the world around us. ________ Resources: Moe Ari’s Website: Moe Ari’s Instagram Be Your Own Love Goals Podcast: Eric Dorsa Instagram: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Anxiety, Depression & Coming of Age as a Dreamer with Mario Gonzalez
06/12/2023
Anxiety, Depression & Coming of Age as a Dreamer with Mario Gonzalez
Mario Gonzalez moved to the United States when he was only three years old as the son of undocumented immigrants who followed seasonal harvests up and down the West Coast. As a result, his childhood was filled with constant change, insecurity, & financial stress. Determined to build a life of greater stability, Mario chose to focus on school and finding a legal foothold in the US. His path has been one of bravery, heartbreak, and determination. You won’t want to miss it! Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explores Mario’s upbringing, how he manages clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression, and what empowers him to stay present as his legal status remains unresolved. ___ Resources: Help with loneliness and isolation: I Know Lonely Podcast: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: Free Group Support: Free evaluation with a trained Pathlight therapist: (877) 850-7199 Mario’s Instagram:
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Breaking Free from Binge Eating Disorder with Dave Vrablik
05/09/2023
Breaking Free from Binge Eating Disorder with Dave Vrablik
Dave Vrablik’s lifelong habit of emotional eating never felt like a serious problem. That is, until one heartbreaking phone call five years ago… Upon receiving news about the death of his beloved older brother, Dave’s occasional compulsive eating quickly morphed into uncontrolled binging. All of a sudden he was enveloped by Binge Eating Disorder. Dave’s discovery and treatment of the eating disorder sent him on a five-year journey - one that highlights the importance of community as well as what we all should know about America’s most prevalent, yet under-diagnosed, eating disorder. _______________________________________________________________________________ Links: Binge Eating Information: Virtual At-Home Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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Healing Through Grief and Loss with Kaylee Kron
04/04/2023
Healing Through Grief and Loss with Kaylee Kron
For more than 10 years Kaylee Kron has walked alongside the bereaved, companioning them and honoring the memory of their lost loved ones. In a culture that treats death and grief like they are contagious, she is a wise guide prompting us to reevaluate that fear. This compassion and insight did not come easy. It grew out of personal tragedy - the unexpected death of a partner and a tumultuous path back to peace. She now works tirelessly to showcase the rich world of grief and why we should embrace it rather than hide from the pain. On today’s episode, we discuss: Kaylee’s story Common misconceptions about grief The do’s & don’ts of talking about loss The life-altering power of recognizing loss with your community __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Kaylee’s Links & Grief Education Kaylee Kron’s Website: Workbook for Families in Grief: Instagram: Companioning Model: Four Tasks of Mourning: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Adult ADHD & How to Get Things Done with KC Davis
02/27/2023
Adult ADHD & How to Get Things Done with KC Davis
Right as therapist KC Davis gave birth to her second baby, Covid-19 began shutting down normal life. Not only that, but KC had just moved to a new city, her husband began a demanding new job, and pandemic restrictions caused their carefully planned support system to crumble. All of a sudden it was just her - and her two babies - home alone. Everyday. In the chaos that ensued, KC began an unexpected new journey. From grappling with mental health barriers to becoming TikTok famous and writing a best-selling book - KC has ventured out on a quest. Her goal? To connect the dots between mental health and the daily care tasks we tend to take for granted. So on today’s episode, we’ll talk with KC about the last few years - focusing specifically on the ADHD diagnosis that answered so many questions about her past. Along the way, we will learn her signature workarounds for completing tasks that feel impossible. __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: KC Davis KC Davis’ Website: Struggle Care Podcast: How to Keep House While Drowning: TikTok: Instagram: Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:
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Anorexia in Diverse Bodies: Nothing Atypical About It
01/26/2023
Anorexia in Diverse Bodies: Nothing Atypical About It
American culture praises weight loss. A quick scroll of social media, magazine racks, or even the news will yield numerous “transformation” stories documenting how a fat person turned their life around by shedding pounds. But at what cost? Today, we’re exploring an eating disorder so camouflaged, you probably didn’t even know it exists - Atypical Anorexia. Or, more accurately, anorexia in people with larger bodies. With our guide - recovery advocate Joanna Nolen - we will unpack how fatphobia impacts the medical system, insurance, and even treatment centers. Plus, Joanna will share her most practical wisdom about navigating this weight-loss-obsessed world as a person in recovery living in a larger body. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist: "Don't Weigh Me Cards"
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How Do You Heal at Home?
12/13/2022
How Do You Heal at Home?
Beyond the rush and noise of the Holiday Season, hides an amazing treasure - the passing of stories and wisdom from our elders. And we're not just talking about tales of the good ol' days from grandparents! Because an elder is simply someone who’s gone before you, no matter their age. So, to celebrate this special time of year, we are featuring short stories from some of you - the elders in our community who have already walked the road of recovery. We wanted to know how you have integrated recovery into your homes and living spaces. Each featured response is brief. Our hope is that they spark your imagination to consider ways that home might become a partner instead of an opponent to mental health. Many thanks to Kara Richardson Whitley, Ashton Grooms, Jen Ponton, Jane Zeltser, Patrick Devenny, Tony Wilson, Niki Dubois, Chris Henry, Ivy Watts, Katie Kittredge, & Jayne Mattingly for sharing. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: Eating Recovery Center: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist:
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Bipolar Disorder, Motherhood, and Relationships: Choosing Connection with Kea Yamamoto
11/09/2022
Bipolar Disorder, Motherhood, and Relationships: Choosing Connection with Kea Yamamoto
As a teenager, Kea Yamamoto’s behaviors transformed from being respectful, creative, and empathetic to ones that alienated the people she cared most about. Not only did she lash out, but she also stopped sleeping, began hallucinating, and felt immune to consequences. Kea’s eventual diagnosis of proved to be both a relief and a frightening look into the unknown. Would she be able to enjoy the relationships and experiences that make life worthwhile? Or would she move deeper into isolation and pain? Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast and the non-profit - explore’s Kea’s 10-year journey towards a fulfilling life. We cover how she mended relationships, what dating with a Bipolar diagnosis was like, and why she decided to become a mother despite the hereditary nature of her disorder. Resources: Help with Loneliness and Isolation: I Know Lonely Podcast: Mental Note Podcast: Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: Free Group Support: Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist: (877) 850-7199
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How Temperament Influences Eating Disorder Recovery with Dr. Laura Hill
10/12/2022
How Temperament Influences Eating Disorder Recovery with Dr. Laura Hill
Discover how your personality can be both your biggest asset and greatest stumbling block on today’s fascinating episode. When Dr. Laura Hill first encountered research showing that a person’s temperament - the baked-in personality traits dictated by their genes - dramatically influences the type and expression of their eating disorder, she was thrilled. For decades, she had felt that eating disorder treatment only focused on external behaviors, while ignoring root causes. But through brain-based research, she was finally able to see how and why disorders begin growing in the first place. This excitement compelled Dr. Hill to devote the next ten years of her career to working alongside colleagues and patients in developing the first-ever eating disorder treatment focused on genetic traits. The result? Temperament Based Treatment with Supports - TBT-S for short. Influenced by Dr. Hill’s playful and inquisitive spirit, this approach promises thrilling possibilities for long-term recovery. Resources: Our Website: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Free mental health assessment: (877) 850-7199 Her Book - Dr. Hill’s TED Talk: Eating Disorders From the Inside Out: Video of Wire/Re-Wire Activity: Three levels of TBT-S training from Level 1 Training - Level 2 Training - Level 3 Training - Eating Recovery Center Website: Free Group Support:
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Suicide Prevention with Hope for the Day
09/06/2022
Suicide Prevention with Hope for the Day
Suicide is one of those words that stops us in our tracks. Often, we treat it tenderly — acting like saying it too loudly will inspire someone to do something awful. But the truth is that not talking about suicide is what actually increases the chance a person with suicidal thoughts will act on them. So how do you have such a loaded conversation? Well, it helps to get advice from people who’ve been there before. September is Suicide Prevention Month and in recognition of that goal, we reached out to the experts on dialoguing about difficult mental health topics - an organization called Hope for the Day. Hope for the Day is a non-profit movement empowering conversations on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. While based in Chicago, their resources are global. Their whole approach focuses on peer-to-peer led conversations that are guided by clinical oversight. It’s incredibly effective. So today, I’ll speak with five members of their team about tools, programs, and mindsets that can help prevent suicide in the communities we love. Also, be sure to check out our resources list below for an abundance of ways to get the help you or a loved one may need. Resources: Hope for the Day’s Website: A searchable, international list of resources for suicide prevention and mental health help: The Things We Don’t Say Program: Project R.E.D. Team: Identity & Orientation Resources: Proactive Workplaces Program: Free Live Educations via Zoom or In-Person: E-Learning On-Demand Education: Emergency Resources: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988 Mental Health Emergencies: Dial 911 and say, "I need an ambulance, at this address, for a mental health crisis." Our Show’s Resources: Our Website: Free mental health assessment: (877) 850-7199 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988
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The Basics on Mood & Anxiety Disorders with Dr. Howard Weeks
08/03/2022
The Basics on Mood & Anxiety Disorders with Dr. Howard Weeks
Researching anxiety and mood disorders can be daunting - and deciding who is credible and what research holds up under scrutiny is even harder. That’s why we made today’s episode! Welcome to our little one-stop-shop-overview of the basics for anxiety and mood disorders. We’ll spend this episode asking an expert in the field the most common questions about anxiety disorders, mood disorders, the treatment experience, and treatment methods. Sound good? Dr. Howard Weeks will be our gracious question answerer. He is the Chief Medical Officer at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. Most importantly, he has a special way of communicating complex information that brings clarity rather than getting lost in the weeds. Since this episode is a little longer than our typical show, we’ve included time stamps for different subjects below. Subjects Timestamps Anxiety 2:20 -15:00 Types - 6:00 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias OCD PTSD Panic Attacks Getting help - 10:30 Treatment Options Is Recovery Possible? Mood Disorders 15:00 - 29:30 Overview - 15:15 Depression Mania Genetics Getting help - 22:35 When to Get help Hotlines Support Groups Is Recovery Possible? Treatment 29:30 - 42:00 Overview - 29:30 Acute Residential Partial Hospitalization Intensive Outpatient Virtual Intensive Outpatient Traditional Outpatient Pathlight - 34:30 What Sets it Apart? What Treatment Looks Like Age Categories Insurance Resources: Our Website: Free mental health assessment: (877) 850-7199 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988 Pathlight Behavioral Health Center Website: Free Group Support: Family Involvement Link:
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Reframing Joyful Movement for Limited Mobility
07/13/2022
Reframing Joyful Movement for Limited Mobility
Four years ago Jayne Mattingly discovered something was seriously wrong with her health. Not only was she starting to see a loss of mobility, but physicians told her these physical limitations would only progress for the rest of her life. For this former dancer and self-described “doer,” losing mobility was devastating news. Jayne leaned heavily on the wisdom she'd cultivated earlier in life when recovering from anorexia to cope with her uncertain future. Today, we’ll talk with Jayne about shifting the relationship with her body. From feelings of anger and betrayal to a place where gratitude can exist alongside grief. She’ll reveal a few of her best strategies for living a values-centered life while also grappling with her own ableism and chronic illness.
We'll also chat with Eating Recovery Center Nutrition Director Kathryn Johnson about mindful movement for different ability levels. ________________________________ Mental Note Podcast is brought to you by Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center and Eating Recovery Center. If you’d like to talk to a trained therapist or learn more about their programs and free support groups, please call them at (877) 850-7199 or visit our website Resources: Recovery Love & Care: The AND Initiative: Jayne on Instagram: Our Website: Virtual Treatment: Free mental health assessment:
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They/Them: Creating Affirming Spaces with Lor Sabourin
06/15/2022
They/Them: Creating Affirming Spaces with Lor Sabourin
Lor Sabourin knows a thing or two about resilience and the power of thoughtfully approaching a relationship - be it with a sport or gender. A professional rock climber who grew up in Detroit, they spent years figuring out how to not hide their queer identity in a very male, heteronormative, and competitive world. Lor now works to spread the wisdom they’ve gathered by creating affirming spaces in outdoor communities and also training other climbers on mental stability. They are also the subject of a recent documentary film put out by Patagonia called They/Them. We invited Lor to talk about their personal journey, creating inclusive spaces, and how to simply find more Joy in the lives we choose. We also hear from Sand Chang, PhD (They/Them) about the relationship between our society and mental health trends in the Queer Community. RESOURCES: Our Website: Free mental health assessment: (877) 850-7199 : A crisis hotline staffed by all-trans operators (877) 565-8860 : a resource specifically for LGBTQ youth in crisis : Support and education for people with marginalized bodies who have disordered eating - Find a free provider who will write letters to help you receive gender-affirming healthcare.
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