Katie Dale, advocate and author, joins us on Recovery Diaries In Depth to share her powerful journey through mental health challenges and advocacy. Known for her poignant essay "Finding My Faith Despite Losing My Mind," Katie opens up about her experiences since 2017, including her role as a case manager at a nonprofit in Missouri. She discusses the profound connections she has built with individuals facing hallucinations, underscoring the importance of trust and empathy in her work. Now residing in Germany, Katie continues to explore new life chapters, emphasizing recovery's ongoing nature and the transformative power of embracing change.

Our conversation with Katie delves into the profound intersection of faith and mental health, particularly through her experience of losing a child at the onset of COVID-19. This life-altering event prompted deep reflections on spirituality and personal development, highlighting the necessity of evolving one's narrative. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal stories with future possibilities, and the indispensable role of medication and therapy in managing conditions like bipolar disorder. Katie's insights provide a compelling reminder of life's unpredictability and the vital importance of gratitude in the face of uncertainty.

Reflecting on her journey, Katie shares the lessons she wishes she could impart to her younger self, especially the importance of perseverance and extending compassion. We explore the journey toward being less judgmental, understanding others’ beliefs, and fostering empathy in our communities. As we envision a hopeful future, there’s a call for truth and empathy to spread like wildfire, contrasting with the prevailing societal divisions. Through the metaphor of an iceberg, Katie encourages us to see beyond the surface of people's struggles, fostering greater compassion in our daily interactions.

https://katierdale.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/

Ever wondered how anxiety and creativity intersect? Join us as we sit down with the multi-talented Jerzy Jung, who opens up about her personal battles with anxiety, fear, and shame in the world of performing arts. Discover how the devastating loss of her father to cancer became a turning point in her mental health journey and creative endeavors. As we discuss the art of accepting compliments as gifts rather than dismissals, we explore the powerful impact of therapy and the shift in societal attitudes towards mental health from the late 90s to today.

Reflect on the enduring nature of anxiety with us, as Jerzy shares insights from her essay "Everything Will Kill You: Anxiety, Fear, and Shame on Stage." Growing up in a loving family didn’t shield her from the burden of hiding her anxieties, mistakenly believing they were uniquely hers. As we navigate through her stories, we uncover the hereditary aspect of anxiety and the importance of self-kindness and humor in managing mental health challenges. From childhood fears to the irrational worries amplified by shame, we learn how to focus on what can be controlled in the present.

Finally, we delve into the transformative power of music as a means of connection and self-discovery. Jerzy’s journey through grief and healing emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, especially in creative pursuits like songwriting. With host Gabriel Nathan as a comforting anchor, we unpack the complexities of grief, control, and acceptance. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of presence, authenticity, and embracing our true selves, even amidst life's inevitable hardships.

https://www.instagram.com/jerzyjung/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/

Discover the transformative journey of Tree Franklyn, a best-selling author and founder of the Empathic Awakening Academy, as she candidly recounts her battle with mental health and the inspiration behind her poignant letter, "Mom, I Want to Kill Myself." Tree's story is one of resilience and humor, often finding solace in nature despite her amusing struggle with allergies. Together, we challenge the harmful "suck it up" mentality and reflect on how societal attitudes can impact personal well-being.

Tree opens up about the silent shadows that shaped her upbringing, with her father's PTSD from the Vietnam War and her mother's experiences as an orphan in Vietnam coloring their family dynamics. Despite growing up in an environment where mental health was a taboo topic, Tree's determination to advocate for mental health blossomed through her personal blog. Her message is clear: even in the darkest moments, there is a path to healing and a future filled with light.

Through insights inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers and her own experiences, Tree emphasizes the incredible power of empathy and active listening. Her heartfelt essay on the Recovery Diaries site continues to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. As we explore Tree's journey from despair to happiness, we extend an invitation to stay engaged with our content and join us in supporting mental health awareness.

https://treefranklyn.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/

This conversation is a heartfelt and intimate discussion between two individuals, Kavita Sarmah and her partner, about their experiences with mental illness and their journey towards a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Kavita shares her childhood experiences of growing up in an abusive home and the impact it had on her mental health, particularly her anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and learning to have empathy for her own needs. The conversation also touches on Kavita's aversion to video calls and the challenges they faced in their long-distance relationship. The essay, 'Bringing Both Feet in Love and Mental Health,' written by Kavita, explores her journey of self-discovery, therapy, and finding love with her partner. It highlights the significance of investing time in making a healthy and warm life for oneself.

https://www.instagram.com/kavitasarmah/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/

Gabe Howard and Gabriel Nathan discuss their friendship, Gabe's mental health advocacy, and living with bipolar disorder. Gabe shares his experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the challenges he faced in accepting his diagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bipolar disorder beyond the highs and lows. Gabe also discusses his concept of recovery and how he manages his mental health with the support of his wife, Kendall. The conversation touches on the envy Gabe feels towards mentally healthy individuals and the unique perspective of being married to someone without bipolar disorder. Gabe Howard reflects on his journey with bipolar disorder and how it has shaped his life and relationships. He discusses the impact of his illness on his marriage and the fear of being abandoned or getting sick again. Gabe also talks about the toll of being a mental health advocate and the challenges of navigating different perspectives within the advocacy community. He shares his podcast projects, Inside Bipolar, Inside Mental Health, and Inside Schizophrenia, which provide a platform for both lived experience and medical perspectives.

https://www.gabehoward.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/