Lisa Guardiola and Veronica Cullinan, Sertoma Centre Community Outreach and Education Traners, interview Jennifer Arreola, a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Illinois.  Tune in to learn more about AFSP, suicide prevention resources, how to discuss suicide with children and Jennifer's own story of how the death of a high school friend led to her becoming an advocate for suicide prevention.

Nicole Bowden and Nekohl Johnson bravely served their country, and both experienced some of the invisible wounds of war.  In this episode, these women discuss their military experiences, challenges experienced, transitioning to civilian life, learning to address their own mental health and then using their experiences to help their fellow veterans.  These women have learned how resilient they really are.  Jess Heise, Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator at the Jesse Brown VA later joins the podcast to discuss some of the resources available to veterans.   TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast discusses military sexual trauma.    

Dayna Lei first began to experience mental health struggles as a 14 year old high school student.  The struggles continued as she navigated the adjustment to college.  In this interview, Dayna discusses how stigma played a role in her delay in treatment, how parents might support their child who is struggling, and how she has used her experiences to advocate not only for herself but for others as well.  Dayna has survived thoughts of ending her life and learned what she needs to do to take care of herself. Dayna also discusses the role NAMI (www.nami.org) has played in her recovery journey.

Up to 30% of college students experienced depression in the last year. In this episode, Madison Myers,  a senior at Trinity Christian College, discusses her  extensive research on depression and shares her personal experience as a college student. Please learn more about statistics, signs and symptoms, self care tips, resources accessible on campus, and much more. Join in today to be a part of the conversation!

Listener Discretion- When Anthony was 10 years old, he began to experiment with alcohol and marijuana.  By the time he was 15, he had an alcohol use disorder.  Tune in to hear Anthony describe how his use of alcohol led him to make a decision that not only forever changed his life, but also significantly changed the lives of his family and friends.  

Laura Pedro is the mother of a 26 year old son who has autism.  Laura has advocated for her son throughout his life, supporting him as he achieved many goals.  Today, Laura's son Geordan is a college graduate and productive citizen.  In this interview, Laura talks about some of the early indicators of autism, what the diagnosis process involved, and how she supported her son as he  matriculated through school.    

Up to 20% of women experience post partum depression within a year of giving birth. So how do we support new moms who may be struggling? Is it possible for the partner to also experience depression after a birth?  Dr. Caren Cooper of Cooper Counseling in Houston, TX answers these questions and more in this important discussion about perinatal mental health. www.cooper-counseling.com www.postpartum.net 

Is self-care a luxury or a necessity? Join Veronica Cullinan and Lisa Guardiola, Outreach and Education Trainers at Sertoma Centre, as they explore common misconceptions about self-care and also provide strategies for implementing a self-care plan to manage the stress associated with both the pandemic and the holiday season.

Angela Nino and Lisa Bany of the Improv therapy Group discuss the therapeutic benefits of Improv, some of the activities used in Improv and how they have personally benefitted from Improv. www.improvtherapygroup.org

Dr. Ucehnna Umeh, also known known as Dr. Lulu,   is a Youth Suicide Prevention Advocate. Dr. Lulu is an acclaimed author who has written several books and also hosts the podcast " Suicide Pages".  This episode features an interview with Dr. Lulu, who discusses her own childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and how her life experiences with suicide have fueled her passion for working with youth who are struggling.