• STREET STRONG: Mental Health Tips and Support for the Homeless

  • By: Thomas Sarti
  • Podcast

STREET STRONG: Mental Health Tips and Support for the Homeless

By: Thomas Sarti
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Street Strong, a unique podcast dedicated to providing practical mental health tips to combat homelessness. Hosted by Tommy Sarti, a Duke graduate and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who devotes three hours weekly to treating mental health symptoms in Skid Row, Los Angeles. Who Should Listen? Mental Health Professionals: Gain insights and strategies to better support your clients. Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: Find hope and practical advice for coping with mental health challenges. Curious Minds: Learn about addiction, trauma, relationships, depression, anxiety, and ways to cope, hope, heal, and thrive. What You’ll Get: In-depth Discussions: Dive into topics like addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationships. Practical Tips: Get actionable advice to improve mental health and well-being. Community Action: Engage with community initiatives and hear inspiring stories of resilience. Unique Approach: Part Sermon: Inspirational messages to uplift and motivate. Part Lecture: Educational content to inform and empower. Part Community Action: Stories and initiatives that drive change. Join Our Community Become part of the Street Strong family today and support our mission to provide mental health support to the homeless community!
    Thomas Sarti
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Episodes
  • The Nail in Your Tire: The Power of Asking for Help
    May 23 2024
    Join us as we explore the importance of seeking assistance, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the empowerment that comes from admitting we can't do it all alone. We'll delve into a personal story of being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire and only $62 to my name. This episode will help you understand that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can lead to profound personal and communal growth. What You Will Discover: The Power of Asking for Help Learn why asking for help is a courageous act and not a sign of weakness.Discover how seeking assistance can lead to personal empowerment and stronger community bonds.Understand the psychological benefits of admitting when you need help.Keywords: motivation, empowerment, self-help, confidence, mental health support Overcoming Stigma and Embracing Humility Explore the societal pressures that make asking for help difficult and how to overcome them.Hear a real-life story about a flat tire and the humility required to ask for assistance.Keywords: overcoming stigma, embracing humility, societal pressures, real-life story The Complexity of the Human Brain vs. Simple Problems Compare the complexity of the human brain to simpler issues like a flat tire to illustrate why seeking mental health help is crucial.Understand the importance of recognizing when professional help is needed for mental and emotional well-being. Real-life Analogies: Don’t Slash Your Other Three Tires Learn from the metaphor of not letting one problem escalate into multiple issues.Discover how to address problems early on to prevent them from becoming overwhelming. The Importance of Making SMART Requests Get practical tips on how to make Specific, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) requests when seeking help.Understand how clear and actionable requests increase the likelihood of receiving effective support. The Freeway of Life: Maintaining Mental Health Reflect on the analogy of driving on a highway with a flat tire and how it relates to ignoring mental health issues.Learn strategies to recognize and address mental health challenges before they become more severe. Building a Supportive Community Discover the benefits of fostering a community where asking for help is normalized and encouraged.Learn how to build strong, supportive relationships that can provide assistance during tough times. Personal Growth Through Vulnerability Understand how vulnerability and asking for help can lead to personal growth and stronger interpersonal connections.Learn about the empowerment that comes from acknowledging and addressing your own limitations. Helping Others by Asking for Help Realize that by asking for help, you are also giving others the opportunity to contribute and feel useful.Discover the mutual benefits that come from a culture of support and assistance. Practical Mental Health Tips Get actionable mental health tips that go beyond clichés, focusing on real, practical strategies for improving your well-being.Learn how to integrate these tips into your daily life for sustained mental health improvements. Join us for this enlightening episode of Street Strong as we break down the barriers of stigma, embrace the power of asking for help, and learn to change our metaphorical tires with pride and confidence. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a crucial step toward a healthier, more connected life. website: www.streetstrong.life https://www.instagram.com/streetstrong444/ email me with questions, comments, or, if you'd like to be on the show at: streetstrongpodcast@gmail.com 911 - EMERGENCIES! Mental Health or Substance Use Treatment Referral and Information Hotline. 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Need Help Finding Treatment? https://findtreatment.gov/ Call 211 for LOCAL ASSISTANCE! You can always call 211 to speak to someone and find local assistance, but there are also dedicated helplines available to anyone in the U.S. Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1; or text 838255 Crisis Text Line: text the word 'Home' to 741-741 The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386 The Trans Lifeline: call 1-877-565-8860
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    23 mins
  • A Major Question that Decides Your Mental Health
    May 16 2024
    Welcome to another empowering episode of Street Strong, entitled “To Have or To Be?” In this enlightening discussion, we explore the profound difference between the relentless pursuit of material possessions and the true essence of simply being. Hopeful Affirmation: Let's begin with a moment of reflection and hope. In every day, there lies immense potential to be blown away by beauty and bliss. If we can let go of the past and have faith in the future, the fog will clear, unveiling unseen possibilities. Remember, tomorrow can be today. Introduction: In a world where having is often equated with happiness, we lose sight of the true goal: to be. Whether living on the streets or on a yacht off the Florida coast, the quest for more possessions often leaves us feeling unfulfilled. This episode invites you to reflect on the difference between having and being, to find peace in who you are rather than in what you own, and to rise above the pressures of materialism. Conquering Nature and Its Consequences: Our society celebrates the conquest of nature, but this relentless pursuit often leads to environmental destruction and personal disconnection. We measure success by the size of our homes and the brand of our clothes, leaving us lonely and anxious. In our mad dash to have, we cease to be. The Empty Self: True fulfillment comes from shifting our focus from having to being. This requires letting go of selfishness and material attachments. By embracing simplicity and emptiness, we discover genuine joy and connection. "When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be." The Joy of Being: Exist in a state of joy and connectedness, where true happiness resides not in possessions but in experiences and relationships. Erich Fromm reminds us that we are a society of unhappy people, striving to save time yet glad when it passes. We must shift our focus from having more to being better. Parable of the Fisherman and the Businessman: Through the story of a wealthy businessman and a humble fisherman, we learn the futility of striving for more. The fisherman finds joy in simplicity and connection, while the businessman realizes that true wealth lies in being present and content. The Problem with Materialism: Materialism promises happiness but often delivers emptiness. Our worth is not determined by what we own, but by the depth of our character. As Marcus Aurelius said, "To live best, live simple." The Beggar's Wealth: A parable of a rich man and a content beggar illustrates that true security and joy come from within. The rich man learns that letting go of his fears and appreciating the present brings deeper fulfillment than all his wealth ever could. Living with Intent: Live a life of being with intention and mindfulness. Value experiences over possessions, relationships over status, and inner peace over outward success. Cultivate gratitude and mindfulness to connect deeply with yourself and others. The Power of Community: Recognize the importance of community in your well-being. Build strong, supportive relationships that create a sense of belonging and purpose. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations to strengthen your sense of community. The Role of Service: Shift from having to being through service to others. By giving your time, talents, and resources, you find joy and fulfillment. Service helps you cultivate compassion, empathy, and gratitude, and to live a life of purpose and meaning. Overcoming Fear: Confront your fears and let go of material attachments to live more fully and joyously. Acceptance helps you find peace in the present moment and trust in the natural flow of life. The Gift of Presence: Be fully present to connect deeply with yourself and others. Presence allows you to see the beauty in everyday moments and find joy in simply being. Finding Joy in the Journey: Focus on the journey rather than the destination to find joy in the present moment. Appreciate the process of growth and discovery, and find meaning in the everyday moments of life. The Importance of Gratitude: Shift from having to being through gratitude. Focus on what you have rather than what you lack, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and relationships. The Gift of Service: Serve others to move beyond your own needs and find joy in making a difference. Service helps you appreciate the richness of your own life and cultivate compassion and gratitude. Conclusion: Embrace the path of being over having. Find joy in the present moment, in the simple pleasures of life, and in your connections with others. Release your attachment to material possessions and discover the true richness of your existence. Remember the words of Rumi: "When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be." Walk this path together, supporting one another in our journey toward a more joyous, connected, and meaningful life. Tune in to this episode of Street Strong to explore these profound insights and find ...
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    19 mins
  • Feeding the Mind: How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Our Mental Health and Homelessness
    May 8 2024

    Episode Title: Feeding the Mind: How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Our Mental Health and Homelessness

    Welcome to another engaging episode of "STREET STRONG," where we bring attention to the challenges and growth opportunities within our urban landscapes. Join your host, Tommy Sarti, as we delve into the critical intersection of nutrition and mental health, especially among our most vulnerable populations—those experiencing homelessness.

    What You Will Discover:

    • Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods: We start by breaking down what ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are and why they dominate our grocery aisles. Learn about the NOVA classification system which sheds light on how different foods impact our health.

    • Impact on Mental Health: Discover the significant effects that UPFs have on our mental well-being. Studies show that high consumption of these foods is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. We'll explore how these foods alter our gut microbiome, affecting our overall brain health.

    • Real Stories, Real Impact: Hear firsthand accounts of how diets consisting predominantly of UPFs can exacerbate mental health issues, lead to increased drug cravings, and impact overall life quality. These stories illustrate the profound effect nutrition can have on our mental state, especially for those in precarious living conditions.

    • Practical Advice for Better Nutrition: Get actionable tips on how to make healthier food choices. From understanding food labels to navigating grocery stores for better options, these strategies are designed to empower you and others to make informed decisions that support mental and physical health.

    Join us as we discuss how transforming our food choices can be a powerful step towards combating homelessness and enhancing mental wellness. Remember, what we eat not only fuels our bodies but also feeds our minds.

    Stay tuned and stay strong as we continue to tackle real issues affecting our communities and fight against homelessness. Stay Street Strong!

    website: www.streetstrong.life https://www.instagram.com/streetstrong444/ email me with questions, comments, or, if you'd like to be on the show at: streetstrongpodcast@gmail.com 911 - EMERGENCIES! Mental Health or Substance Use Treatment Referral and Information Hotline. 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Need Help Finding Treatment? https://findtreatment.gov/ Call 211 for LOCAL ASSISTANCE! You can always call 211 to speak to someone and find local assistance, but there are also dedicated helplines available to anyone in the U.S.
    • Veterans Crisis Line: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1; or text 838255
    • Crisis Text Line: text the word 'Home' to 741-741
    • The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386
    • The Trans Lifeline: call 1-877-565-8860
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins

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