It's the most wonderful time of the year... or is it? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Let's face it, the holidays are tough. Whether you're navigating tricky family dynamics or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of finding the perfect gift, many of us experience the holiday blues. What are some ways we can cope with the stresses of this time of year?
Dec 2, 2021
48 min
In the conclusion of our conversation with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q), we learn about his long road towards getting diagnosed with PTSD and his advice for anyone dealing with a mental health crisis. Additionally, Sgt. Q shares his insights on how the faith-based community can better support those struggling with mental health issues. Also, we ask Sgt. Q for his list of things NOT to do when going through a hard time.
Nov 18, 2021
39 min
We talk with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) about his journey in overcoming childhood trauma, homelessness, two tours of duty in Iraq, PTSD, and suicidal ideation to living a life of service and mental health advocacy. Sgt. Q recalls his childhood trauma and how it impacted his time serving in Iraq. He discusses what it is like to suffer from PTSD. He explains the feeling of inadequacy that led him to becoming suicidal and how a small action by a friend served as the intervention in suicidal thoughts.
Nov 4, 2021
34 min
Shame around suicide is pervasive and exists in many different forms. We may feel ashamed if we lost someone to suicide. We may feel shame if we've ever had suicidal thoughts. We sometimes even use shame as a tactic to try and stop someone from taking their own life. We talk with Dr. Jana Tran, psychologist, about shame. Dr. Tran examines the message "suicide is selfish." It is harder to seek help when there is no safe space to talk about how badly you feel without getting shamed.
Oct 21, 2021
47 min
Why do some people claim, "Therapy didn't work for me"? In part two of our series, we discuss some of the issues that stand in the way of success in therapy. Some quit before they've really given the process a chance. Others are reluctant to seek help, believing they can relying on friends and family for support. If you are suicidal, it's unlikely that your loved ones know enough about mental health to provide the exact support you need.
Oct 7, 2021
34 min
We've heard it before. "Therapy can't work for me! My problems are too complicated!" Or a million other reasons why people are skeptical to reach out for help. In terms of suicide prevention, you've got to be willing to give help a chance. It's quite common for people, even suicidal people, to drop out of therapy after only a couple of sessions. Like any other endeavor, in order for therapy to be successful, you've got to put in the work. Therapy can benefit everyone, including you.
Sep 16, 2021
32 min
Many people have a hard time understanding how a new mom could contemplate taking her own life. However, there are many parts of being a new parent that overlap with conditions that are known to increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Lack of sleep, stress, feeling isolated, feeling like the situation is hopeless, or that you are somehow a burden are hugely related to suicidal thoughts. Additionally, giving birth can be a triggering experience and bring up unresolved trauma from the past.
Sep 2, 2021
49 min
In the third part of our conversation with Sherry Duson from The Center for Postpartum Family Health, we focus on some of the most hot button issues for new parents-- breastfeeding versus formula, infertility, and marital satisfaction. The strong emotions around these topics may prevent many new parents from speaking up when confronted with challenges. In general, the less people are able to talk about their struggles the more isolated they may become. We know isolation is related to suicidal thoughts.
Aug 19, 2021
36 min
In this episode, we continue to explore the relationship between Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and suicide with our guest Sherry Duson. Sherry is the founder and director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health in Houston. She shares the sense of shame some women feel around the struggles of being a new mom. In those moments, it's easy to feel isolated and to get trapped in a train of thought that says you are an unfit mother. We know that feeling isolated is related to suicidal thoughts.
Aug 5, 2021
40 min
Suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year following birth. Yet, the importance of postpartum mental health is rarely discussed. Some moms get the "Baby Blues," others may develop Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety. Let's talk about Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and how it relates to maternal suicide. We have a guest with us for this episode, Sherry Duson. Sherry is the Founder and Director of The Center for Postpartum Family Health.
Jul 15, 2021
28 min
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