Peer Support Specialist Courtney Hays shares her journey overcoming challenges like alopecia, borderline personality disorder, and infertility. Through raw honesty and humor, she emphasizes the importance of emotional validation, peer connection, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Join Whitney and Courtney as they explore identity and mental health.

Talk to Courtney: https://straightupcare.com/members/courtney-hays/

Links

• Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com, YouTube

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from you - send us your feedback!

Acknowledgements

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production.

Ken Dunn, an experiential recovery coach, shares his unique approach to healing. Learn how nature, play, and community can transform the recovery journey. Discover the power of outdoor therapy and find inspiration for your own path to wellness.

Links

• Expedition Recovery:https://expedrec.com/
• Straight Up Care:straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes:ReduceTheStigma.com, Youtube.com
• Connect with Ken:https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/515

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

Are you an organization supporting individuals with substance use and/or mental health lived experience, a relevant content creator, or a person with lived experience involved in advocacy and want to join us for a conversation? Complete this form.

Acknowledgements

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production.

A fascinating discussion about the power of data in driving change, especially in the context of addiction recovery. Guest David Whitesock, founder and CEO of Commonly Well, reveals how data, technology, and content can power the pursuit of purpose and well-being for everyone. Discover the Recovery Capital Index and how it measures individual recovery capital, highlighting the holistic nature of recovery.

Links

• David Whitesock: https://commonlywell.com/
• Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com, Youtube.com

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

Are you an organization supporting individuals with substance use and/or mental health lived experience, a relevant content creator, or a person with lived experience involved in advocacy and want to join us for a conversation? Complete this form.

Acknowledgements

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production

Dr. Angela Colistra is a dedicated therapist, professor, researcher, and consultant in addiction and behavioral health. Dr. Colistra shares her incredible journey, highlighting her work in co-occurring care, advocating for integrated treatment systems, and her personal experiences that fueled her passion for this field. We discuss the importance of addressing mental health and addiction together, the challenges faced by professionals in this space, and the need for self-care and intentionality in the helping professions. Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Colistra's story and her impactful work in reducing stigma and promoting holistic care.

Links

• Dr. Angela Colistra: https://drangelacolistra.my.canva.site/website
• Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com, Youtube.com
• Linked in: https://drangelacolistra.my.canva.site/website

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
03:06 Dr. Angela Colistra's Work on Co-occurring Care in the ACM Criteria
06:28 The Need for Integration of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care
10:26 Dr. Colistra's Personal Journey and Interest in Co-occurring Care
24:49 The Importance of Spiritual Well-being and Self-care for Counselors
29:50 Creating Space for New Opportunities and Growth
32:38 Empowering Women to Redefine Non-Negotiables in Their Careers
36:12 Reducing Stigma in Addiction and Behavioral Health
46:59 The Power of Personal Stories in Education and Training
55:53 Reduce the Stigma Outro

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

Are you an organization supporting individuals with substance use and/or mental health lived experience, a relevant content creator, or a person with lived experience involved in advocacy and want to join us for a conversation? Complete this form.

Acknowledgements

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production.

Talk to Mikayla: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/445

Mickayla, a certified peer specialist from South Dakota, shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction and the life-changing impact of drug court. Hear how Mickayla turned her struggles with substance use, mental health, and personal loss into a mission to support others on their recovery journey. Discover her insights on the importance of peer support, breaking down stigma, and finding hope in the darkest times.

Links

• Straight Up Care: straightupcare.com
• Watch our episodes: ReduceTheStigma.com, YouTube

Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care, the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.

We want to hear from YOU - send us your feedback!

Acknowledgements

Host: Whitney Menarcheck

Editing by: Sarah Elash

Music by: AudioSphere

This is a Straight Up Care production.

Community support and advocacy are making a real difference in battling stigma. Let's learn how Raven and his colleagues are bringing communities together to find ways to serve the community member needs while spreading empathy. Plus, don't miss the messages from four attendees at the conference who share their thoughts on stigma.

Takeaways

• Breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes is crucial for creating an inclusive and stigma-free environment.
• The Advocacy Against Stigma Conference brings together diverse voices and perspectives to address stigma in various areas.
• Compassion, unlearning stigmatizing behaviors, and elevating lived experiences are key to driving change.
• The future vision for Advocacy Against Stigma includes expanding the conference to other communities and becoming a national platform for addressing stigma.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Raven Areola and the Advocacy Against Stigma Conference

01:58 Messages from Conference Attendees

09:30 The Origins of the Advocacy Against Stigma Conference

11:27 Addressing Stigma Practically and Building Meaningful Relationships

13:20 The Evolution of the Conference and Showcasing Solutions

14:02 Breaking Down Stigma Amongst Ourselves

15:13 The Impact of Language and Building Compassionate Relationships

16:10 Creating a Safe Space for Accessing Resources

16:57 Including Those in Need and Providers in the Conversation

17:49 Sharing Lived Experiences and Addressing Stigma in Various Areas

18:54 Elevating Lived Experiences and the Power of Stories

20:52 The Future of Advocacy Against Stigma: Becoming a Nonprofit and Expanding the Conference

22:11 Continuing Education and Sharing Innovative Solutions

22:48 Addressing Stigma in Various Areas and Sharing Community Programs

23:46 Addressing Stigma in Different Communities and Creating Action Plans

26:30 Having Compassion for Those Who Stigmatize

27:59 Unlearning Stigmatizing Behaviors and Recognizing Human Instincts

29:28 Getting Involved with Advocacy Against Stigma

30:54 The Future Vision of Advocacy Against Stigma

34:23 Key Takeaway: Appreciating and Accepting People for Who They Are