What role does structure play in mental health recovery, and could it be the missing piece in your journey to well-being? This episode explores the transformative power of adding structure to your life (Building Block #1), drawing from my own "dark years" when the absence of grounding activities led to a mental health crisis. Through attending community college classes and participating in NAMI support groups, I discovered that even simple, consistent commitments can act as a lifeline, providing both stability and a newfound sense of connection with others.

I explore how engaging in various activities, such as work, school, volunteering, or attending support groups, can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. The discussion underscores the importance of incorporating structure as a foundational element of recovery, offering a 'reset' in daily life that fosters balance and accomplishment. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own lives and consider adding structured activities to support their path to recovery and overall well-being.

*AI was used to create the episode title and description

For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

Imagine growing up in a household shadowed by bipolar disorder, only to find yourself struggling with your own mental health challenges as a teenager. That was Debbie Brazil's reality, and she's here to share her deeply personal story of overcoming panic and anxiety disorders and agoraphobia.

Her experiences as a mother with children living with mental health conditions, and her mission to normalize mental health conversations and fight the stigma, offer invaluable insights for anyone affected by mental health struggles.

Debbie and I talk about mental health through the lens of Building Block #3 (trusting the process of recovery) and Building Block #4 (finding your community). Specifically, we discuss the importance of managing expectations along the mental health recovery journey for oneself and for loved ones, the fallacy of ever being fully healed, and what to look for in community.

Finally, the episode ends with Debbie sharing her hopes for the future related to mental health for herself, her family, and the world at large. You don't want to miss it!

*Debbie can be followed through her Instagram account at fiercely_hopeful

*AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and description

For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)

Francesca Reicherter shares a deeply personal journey from the pressures of competitive cheerleading to becoming a beacon of hope in mental health advocacy. Her story lays bare the impact of media, social media, and societal pressures on self-worth, and how writing and podcasting became her refuge and platform for change and breaking the stigma. We explore how her struggles led to the founding of multiple different entities and projects, such as:

• “Inspiring My Generation” -- a nonprofit on a mission of suicide prevention
• “Normalize the Conversation” -- a podcast which amplifies diverse voices in mental health
• “Gracefully Chaotic” -- an online community for mental empowerment

Furthermore, her insights on self-care practices (Building Block #2) and meaningful relationships (Building Block #4) paint a powerful picture of resilience and community as cornerstones of mental health recovery. Francesca's journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the pursuit of meaningful education and support systems.

To learn more about Francesca and to get in touch with her, check out her websites and her podcast:

francescareicherter.com

inspiringmygeneration.org

open.spotify.com/show/4jRxkfg2SjvzkCidaUG3ho

*Francesca's story about her mental health journey in the beginning of the episode went longer than expected, but it was incredibly inspiring!

*trigger warning we do talk about suicide

*AI was used to help with the creation of the episode title and the episode description

For more information about the Five Building Blocks of Recovery and/or to contact Jared, go to Five Building Blocks of Recovery (thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com)