In this podcast episode of "Mental Health Today" hosted by Ken, Ken sits down with Warner Buxton. Warner shares a transformative journey from an unexpected career path in the casino business in Mississippi to becoming a counselor. Originally an agriculture major in college, he started working in a casino and eventually rose through the ranks. Despite financial success, Warner felt unfulfilled. The turning point came when his spouse found joy in teaching and encouraged him to follow his own passion.

Warner's journey through a midlife crisis in his thirties, lead him to go back to school for nearly 12 years, obtaining a master's in counseling and getting licensed. Despite the difference in income, his newfound career in counseling brings him deep intrinsic satisfaction.

Warner has been practicing counseling for almost eight years, specializing in marriage and family counseling, addiction treatment as the director of a chemical dependency center, and general clinical work. His fascination with human behavior and a genuine concern for people drives his commitment to the field.

Warner discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his work. The pandemic led to an increase in addiction and mental health issues due to the isolation and the presence of triggers within households. It also exacerbated co-occurring disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing both addiction and mental health in treatment.

Warner discusses the importance of destigmatizing anxiety, viewing it as a natural and useful part of being human. He explains that a certain level of anxiety is necessary for survival, as it triggers the fight or flight response, keeping us alert in potentially dangerous situations. However, he also emphasizes the importance of allowing anxiety to ebb and flow, as excessive, chronic anxiety can lead to physical and mental health issues.

Using an analogy, Warner likens anxiety to a sports car built for speed, explaining that while anxiety serves a purpose, it shouldn't be constantly revved up, as this can lead to negative consequences. Warner shares a personal experience of hitting a deer while driving and how the anxiety from that incident could have paralyzed him if allowed to persist. Instead, he discusses the importance of managing anxiety and not letting it control one's life.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of empathy and caring for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, as well as the challenges and rewards of helping individuals on their journey to recovery.

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Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.