Episodes

  • The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis--Part One: Personal Perspectives from a Sibling and a Spouse

    The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis--Part One: Personal Perspectives from a Sibling and a Spouse
    Oct 30 2024
    When a family member faces a mental health challenge, family relationships can become formidable and problematic, while being loving and supportive, as well. The complicated nature of these relationships has launched Helen and Valerie on a five-episode series – The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis. Their goal is to define and demystify the impact of mental illness on the family; and to enlighten and strengthen the impact of the family on mental illness. In Part One: Personal Perspectives from a Sibling and a Spouse, Valerie has invited her own husband and sister for intimate conversations with her about their journeys together for the years she was drastically sick before her recovery. This riveting episode reveals the dramatic impact on a marriage, children, siblings, friends, and caregivers. A surefire classic, not to be missed. Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • OCD: The Reality, the Research, the Recovery—Part Two

    OCD: The Reality, the Research, the Recovery—Part Two
    Sep 23 2024
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is so vast and perplexing, Valerie and Helen devoted two episodes to OCD. They discovered a complex and harrowing mental illness often trivialized and misunderstood by those who don’t have it. To legitimize the severity of the disorder, they turned to the experts. In Part Two, their searching questions are answered by a seasoned OCD professional, Dr. Ginny Fullerton. Her encyclopedic knowledge of OCD encompasses causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods and breakthroughs, along with profound insights for individuals battling OCD, their families and loved ones. To supplement this invaluable education, Helen and Valerie urge audiences to listen to Episode 45, which features the miraculous story of Mel, a woman who had OCD from early childhood into her adult life, and who made a heroic recovery. Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Show Notes: International OCD Foundation — https://hiocdf.org Family Accommodation Behaviors — https://ysph.yale.edu/familyaccommodationocd/about/ When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment: How to Promote Recovery and Reclaim Your Family’s Well-Being by C. Alec Pollard PhD, Melanie VanDyke PhD, Gary Mitchell LCSW, Heidi J. Pollard RN, MSN, Gloria Mathis PhD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • OCD: The Reality, The Research, The Recovery -- Part One

    OCD: The Reality, The Research, The Recovery -- Part One
    Aug 29 2024
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an illness many people trivialize because they don’t understand it. OCD proved to be a condition so vast and complex that Valerie and Helen divided it into two episodes. In this first episode, they explore the components of OCD: diagnosis, causes, symptoms, treatment, and hope for recovery. To fully enlighten listeners, there is the firsthand account from Mel, a woman who struggled with OCD from early childhood until her hard won recovery years later. Her experiences, insights and courage are not to be missed. OCD Part Two will focus on the professional expert’s perspective through an in-depth interview with OCD specialist, Dr. Ginny Fullerton. Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Show Notes/Resources: The International OCD Foundation—iocdf.org Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz, MD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Overcoming My Eating Disorder: One Woman's Story

    Overcoming My Eating Disorder: One Woman's Story
    Jul 24 2024
    Eating disorders are pernicious and powerful, with dangerous symptoms and sometimes lethal consequences. However, researchers and scientists are developing effective methods to treat them. Valerie and Helen share some of the most recent breakthroughs in eating disorders treatment. Though these disorders are damaging and destructive, a life in recovery with an eating disorder is possible, as we hear in Valerie and Helen’s insightful interview with Cailin. We don’t often hear about the long-term impact of these disorders on one person’s life. Cailin affords us the rare opportunity to do so by sharing her first-hand account of her life-long battle and subsequent triumph. Cailin shares the accessible, impactful strategies and skills she uses effectively during tough times and in on-going recovery. Cailin’s story of her fight and victory over eating disorders is empowering and invaluable. Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • The Healing Power of Animals and Pets

    The Healing Power of Animals and Pets
    Jun 30 2024
    The Healing Power of Animals and Pets is a revelation and celebration for Helen, Valerie and listeners everywhere. The positive impact of animals on people with mental health challenges is as uplifting as it is irrefutable. Science shows that the closeness and touch of a pet can stimulate mood-enhancing hormones in the brain; help with emotional regulation; ward off depression and sadness; promote healthy connections. The use of animals began sixty years ago, and now is recognized as an effective method in many cases. Two expert animal therapists, one in Equine Therapy with horses, and one in Canine Therapy with dogs, are fascinating guests whose experiences and successes bring tears to the eye and hope to the heart. Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • It’s More than a Job: The Role of Work in Mental Health Recovery

    It’s More than a Job: The Role of Work in Mental Health Recovery
    May 31 2024
    In this important episode, Valerie and Helen explore the subject of work and its critical role in recovery. For people with a mental health condition, work is a weighty challenge that can evoke anxiety and fear, hopes and dreams. Given their extensive backgrounds in the workplace, both successes and the inability to have a job due to acute mental illnesses, Helen and Valerie understand the great benefits of work as well as the downsides. Research shows that for American workers, employment is far more than a paycheck. It provides structure, a social network, meaning, and a positive identity. Few things can be as meaningful to recovery as a job. Don’t miss this full exploration of work, and finding, getting, and keeping employment. Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Thriving in Mental Health Recovery

    Thriving in Mental Health Recovery
    Apr 30 2024
    In this episode, Valerie and Helen pursue the holy grail of recovery—thriving in the aftermath of mental illness. For centuries, the ability to thrive would seem almost inconceivable, as traditional treatments focused on the cessation of symptoms and basic survival. But recent studies prove that thriving is possible, even for those who’ve suffered from severe, long-term illness or multiple diagnoses. Helen and Valerie reveal how they progressed into thriving after long years of struggle. Three guests also share their insights and methods for thriving today. As proven in research, thriving after mental illness is becoming recognized as an achievable outcome. Helen and Valerie’s wish for their listeners is the chance for a rich, fulfilling, meaningful life worth living. Find Helen and Valerie at www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com NAMI: “Thriving with Bipolar” by Maureen Goldman Mental Health Nursing Magazine. 2012, Issue 11. From Survive to Thrive: Living Your Best Life with Mental Illness by Dr. Margaret S. Chisolm, 2021 A Guide to Thriving with Mental Illness by Mequell W. Buck, 2016 Canadian Community Health Research Survey: Thriving with a Mental Illness, 2012 University of Southern Florida, Mood and Emotion Lab Research Study: Thriving with a Mental Illness; Dr. Andrew Devendorf, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Loneliness Part Two: Pathways to Connection

    Loneliness Part Two: Pathways to Connection
    Mar 25 2024
    Loneliness has been declared the new American epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General. Its destructive impact on an individual life and on society as a whole was explored in the previous episode. Nowhere is loneliness more debilitating and dangerous than for those with mental health challenges. In this second part, Valerie and Helen provide multiple methods for overcoming loneliness through relationships, skills and strategies, goal setting, social activities, and community. Their research shows the impact loneliness has on the brain, and how the brain is hardwired to need and seek human connection for basic survival. In light of this human necessity, science now shows that the brain distorted by loneliness can be regenerated through new behaviors, beliefs, and practices. Do not miss this opportunity to learn about new pathways of recovery from the loneliness epidemic. Find Helen and Valerie online at www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins