• Health, Hope and Happiness

  • By: Dan Mucci
  • Podcast

Health, Hope and Happiness

By: Dan Mucci
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  • Summary

  • Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's podcast will focus on the mental health of student-athletes. C and A has partnered with Dr. Steve Graef, a Columbus-based sports psychologist, to provide information on various topics so coaches and parents can guide athletes to be mentally fit and strong. Each podcast will examine a topic from the perspective of a coach, parent and athlete. The goal is for all participants to understand their role and enjoy the experience of youth and high school athletics.
    Copyright Mission Advancement
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Episodes
  • Eddie McClintock Part 2

    Eddie McClintock Part 2
    Dec 18 2024
    In Part Two of this powerful two-part series, actor Eddie McClintock continues his conversation, offering an in-depth look into his journey of recovery and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. Eddie bravely shares the challenges he faced while rebuilding his life, maintaining sobriety, and emphasizing the importance of mental health support.

    This episode delves into Eddie's struggles with addiction after graduating college, his move to California, and the pivotal moment that led him to rehabilitation. Now, as a successful actor and a father of two, Eddie reflects on how mental health has impacted not only his own life but also his family.

    This candid and inspiring discussion offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own lives and opens a door for crucial conversations within families and communities. C&A is honored to share Eddie's remarkable story, with the hope that it provides valuable insight and encouragement to those who may be on their own path to healing.
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    35 mins
  • Eddie McClintock Part 1

    Eddie McClintock Part 1
    Dec 9 2024
    In this episode of the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast, Eddie McClintock's story sheds light on the complex relationship between mental health, substance use, and personal identity, particularly in the context of adolescence and high school athletics. As a young athlete, Eddie faced the pressures of fitting in socially and maintaining a certain image. These pressures often lead adolescents to seek coping mechanisms, such as substance use, as a way to relax, boost confidence, or belong to a group. Despite having what he describes as a "normal" childhood, the internal challenges of navigating social expectations and the desire to manage stress or anxiety may have contributed to his experimentation with substances.

    For Eddie, using substances initially provided a way to "feel better" or gain temporary relief. This could be linked to the idea of substances acting as a coping strategy for underlying emotional struggles, which many people—particularly those with mental health challenges—turn to in their formative years. Whether it was anxiety, loneliness, or a sense of inadequacy, the temporary relief offered by substances can feel comforting. Unfortunately, this can quickly evolve into addiction, especially when substances become a means of managing emotions that haven't been addressed in healthier ways.

    As a star athlete, Eddie's use of substances was hidden well, showcasing the tension that often exists between outward success and internal turmoil. Many athletes hide their struggles because there is a public expectation to be strong, disciplined, and in control. Parents, coaches, and teachers might overlook signs of substance use due to the athlete's success, focusing more on performance than on personal well-being. This can make it even harder for someone like Eddie to seek help or acknowledge the problem, as there is fear of disappointing others or appearing weak. The double life he led—excelling in sports while struggling with addiction—was an incredibly challenging dynamic that speaks to the broader issues many people face when dealing with addiction and mental health issues in high-pressure environments.

    In Part One of the series, Eddie's honest conversation about his journey—filled with struggles and moments of hope—offers a valuable perspective on how addiction can affect anyone, regardless of outward appearance. His story emphasizes the importance of seeking help, highlighting that recovery and hope are possible even after years of hardship. The episode serves as a reminder that addiction doesn't discriminate, and finding a path to healing often begins with an open conversation about one's struggles.
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    25 mins
  • Coaches - mindful of athlete's body image

    Coaches - mindful of athlete's body image
    Nov 19 2024
    This episode provides a great resource for coaches who work with athletes on managing body image, weight and performance goals. Discussing weight changes and body composition can indeed be a tricky subject, especially in sports where physical appearance or weight categories play a big role in performance, like gymnastics or wrestling. Yet, fostering a supportive environment is essential for the mental and physical well-being of athletes.Dr. Graef’s approach—bringing in an athletic trainer or nutrition coach to help guide these discussions—is a great strategy. It helps ensure that any weight management plans are safe, well-balanced, and individualized for each athlete. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive body image, and focusing on performance rather than just aesthetics, can also reduce the risk of negative mental health impacts.Some key takeaways that may be useful for coaches:
    1. Personalized Approach: Each athlete has unique needs. It's essential to tailor discussions and plans based on their individual goals, sport demands, and health status.
    2. Support and Resources: Involve the right professionals, like nutritionists, athletic trainers, and psychologists, to ensure athletes are getting accurate advice and support.
    3. Open Communication: Coaches should create a culture where athletes feel comfortable talking about body image issues without fear of judgment. This can help address any concerns early before they escalate.
    4. Focus on Health, Not Just Aesthetics: Help athletes see the connection between their body composition, nutrition, and performance goals, emphasizing strength, endurance, and overall health rather than just achieving a certain number on the scale.
    5. Mental Health Awareness: Body image issues can sometimes lead to or exacerbate anxiety, depression, or disordered eating. Coaches should be aware of these risks and be prepared to connect athletes with the necessary mental health resources if needed.
    This sounds like an important conversation for any coach to be having—whether they are working with athletes in high school, college, or professional settings. The balance between promoting performance and maintaining well-being is crucial, and it seems Dr. Graef offers some helpful strategies for navigating this.
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    26 mins

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