Inside Mental Health

Ah, the joys of a food service job: long shifts, irritated customers, and burning your hand on the grill. For most people, this is depressing, but for today’s guest, making smashburgers is part of his strategy to fight depression. Listen in as pop-up restaurateur Zack Fernandes explains how the repetitive routine, the social interaction, and even the burns help him manage the symptoms of his “cocktail of mental illnesses.”To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioZack Fernandes is a food and beverage enthusiast, freelance writer, and proprietor of Lil’ Eagle Burger, a monthly smashburger pop-up. The San Francisco Chronicle called Zack’s burgers “superlative” and “a fleeting, intense pleasure.”Zack and his pop-up are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he has lived and worked for the past 6 years. Zack has suffered with mental illness since young adulthood, and sees cooking as a therapeutic experience.To learn about Lil’ Eagle Burger or to read Zack’s writing, visit zackfernandes.com. You can find Zack on Twitter and Instagram at @zachareats, and Lil' Eagle Burger on Instagram at @lileagleburger.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us can only imagine how deep the pain of losing a child must be. But is there life beyond that grief? What should we do with all those feelings? Is it even possible to move forward?Join us as today’s guest, Lily Dulan, MFT, talks about her experience of losing a child to SIDS. Dulan also shares how this experience caused her to formulate The Name Work method, a way of imbuing the names of ourselves or those we’ve lost with meanings that can help focus us on our journeys through grief and loss.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioLily Dulan is an MFT psychotherapist who played an instrumental role in starting the LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology specialization at Antioch University. Dulan holds a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, and she’s a certified Heart of Yoga Teacher. She studied Spiritual Coursework at Agape International Spiritual Center under the tutelage of Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith. Lily drew on her studies of both Eastern and Western disciplines to create a heart centered system of healing and moving through trauma that she calls The Name Work. After her first daughter, Kara Meyer Dulan, died at home from SIDS at 2 months old, Lily started a foundation in her childʼs memory called The Kara Love Project. The Kara Love Project has teamed with local, national, and international organizations such as the Unatti Foundation in Nepal, Venice Arts in Los Angeles, and Foster Nation to serve marginalized youth. It has also developed and supported programming to benefit the mental and physical well-being of seniors in Los Angeles county. Dulan facilitates The Name Work workshops and educational events in the greater Los Angeles area for universities, organizations, corporations, and small private groups. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters. Find more at LilyDulan.com.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are boundaries, exactly, and how do we know if we have good ones? What types of things keep us from setting good boundaries — and how do we set them in the first place?Join us as today’s guest teaches us how to be a “Boundary Boss,” and explains why women often have extra challenges when it comes to understanding and setting boundaries.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here.Guest BioTerri Cole is a New York-based, licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, and founder of Real Love Revolution, Boundary Bootcamp, and the co-founder of Crushing Codependency. Her female empowerment courses reach women in over 90 countries.She has been featured as an expert therapist and master life coach on A&E’s Monster In-Laws, TED X, The Lisa Oz Show, Real Housewives, and had a weekly radio show on Hay House Radio. Plus, she’s a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Positively Positive, The Daily Love, Well+Good, and has been featured in Italian Elle, Forbes, Origin, Vogue, Self, and was honored to grace the cover of Inspired Coach magazine.Her latest book is “Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen, and (Finally) Live Free.” Learn more about her work at terricole.com.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve never had a panic attack, it can be hard to understand. The worry, the anxiety, the physical sensations — What is going on? If you have had a panic attack, you’ve probably gone to great lengths to avoid another... and probably failed.If you have, or suspect, that you’ve experienced anxiety in any form, or just want hints and tips to better manage anxiety, anxiety attacks, or panic attacks, this is the episode for you. Join us as the Anxiety Sisters, Abbe and Maggie, explain what anxiety is, give us some tips for combating it at any level, and let you know you’re not alone.To read the transcript -- or learn more -- visit the show's official episode page here.Guest BioAbbe Greenberg and Maggie Sarachek are trained counselors, mental health advocates, researchers, educators, writers, and long-time anxiety sufferers. In 2017, they launched their online community, which now includes more than 200,000 people in 200+ countries and territories. Together, the Anxiety Sisters write an award-winning blog and host a monthly podcast (The Spin Cycle). Having learned to live happily with anxiety, they spend their time coaching anxiety sufferers and conducting workshops and retreats all over the U.S. Their book, “The Anxiety Sisters' Survival Guide,” is now available.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Donald Trump is a textbook narcissist.” We’ve all heard that many times over the past 6 years. But what, exactly, does that mean? What is a narcissist? And what makes mental health professionals believe that our former president is one? Join us as Dr. Karyne Messina from Suburban Hospital | Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses narcissism, as well as her book, “Aftermath: Healing from the Trump Presidency.”To learn more, or read the transcript, visit the shows official episode page here.Guest BioDr. Karyne Messina is a psychologist and psychoanalyst. She’s also on the medical staff of Suburban Hospital—Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her books include: “Misogyny, Projective Identification and Mentalization: Psychoanalytic, Social and Institutional Manifestations,” “Aftermath: Healing from the Trump Presidency,” “Aftershock: How Populism and Projective Identification are Changing the Political Landscape Around the Globe,” and “It's Not Me, It's You! How Narcissists use Projective Identification to Get What They Want and How to Stop Them” (coming Spring 2022)Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television’s Jenn Lyon is beautiful and famous; from the outside looking in, she seems to have it all. But Ms. Lyon has a serious eating disorder that, while in recovery, still impacts her daily life.Join us as the “Claws” star shares her lifelong struggle with food and dieting. We also discuss how the smoke and mirrors of Hollywood contribute to diet culture and how that culture affects every aspect of American life — especially for women.Visit the official episode page here to learn more -- or read the transcript.Guest BioJenn Lyon stars as Jennifer in the hit TNT series “CLAWS,” opposite Niecy Nash, returning for its fourth and final season this December.   Jenn has graced both stage and screen, starring opposite the likes of Timothy Olyphant in “Hold On To Me Darling,” and as his love interest in FX’s “Justified,” (seasons three and four). She also starred opposite George Lopez and Danny Trejo in the sitcom “Saint George.”Having struggled for many years with an eating disorder that almost ended her life, Jenn has become a tremendous advocate for mental health; she serves as an activist for NEDA, as well as The Loveland Foundation (an organization that provides healing and opportunities to women and girls of color). Jenn also sits on the board for Martha Plimpton’s A is For (a nonprofit organization that advocates for women’s reproductive rights), and volunteers for Black Women Lead. In her spare time, she works at a food pantry in Brooklyn twice a week.Aside from her on-camera talents, Jenn is also a writer/producer/co-founder of internet sketch group POYKPAC, which has produced sketches with more than 100 million views to date. They have written for and been seen on MTV, IFC, G4, CBS, and CNN. Find Jenn on Instagram and at jennlyon.net.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time of year again — the holidays are upon us! We all want that to mean family, parties, and good cheer. But what if that isn’t working out for you? What if you have trouble getting along with your family or you have trouble navigating drinking at holiday parties? Join us as Dr. Nicole Washington helps us out with some quick hints and tips for surviving the holiday season.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page here.Guest BioDr. Nicole Washington is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to matriculate at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completion of her residency training, Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental illness, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking and writing, she seeks to provide education in efforts to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric illness. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resilience is a word we’ve been hearing a lot lately, but does anyone really understand what it means — or if you have it? Good Morning America’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton knows a thing or two about resilience. In today’s episode, she helps us understand it, too. Join us as we learn what we all need to know to be resilient in the face of COVID and other adversities. We also discuss the different types of resilience, from financial to psychological, and how to tell if we’re resilient — and if we’re not, Dr. Ashton shows us how to be.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page here.Guest BioDr. Jennifer Ashton is ABC News’ Chief Health and Medical Correspondent. As part of the ABC News medical unit, she reports on major health and wellness issues across all ABC News platforms. She also reports the latest breaking medical news for “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” informing viewers about how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic and beyond.Ashton has been at the forefront of ABC News’ COVID-19 coverage, visiting the NIH Vaccine Development Lab and the White House, meeting with Vice President Pence and White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx. Ashton also interviewed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Dr. Anthony Fauci.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we using the wrong criteria to diagnose mental illness? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the gold standard used by healthcare professionals as the authoritative guide to diagnose mental health conditions. But is it the best tool for clinicians to use? Were you even aware there are other options? Today’s guest, Dr. Margaret Chisolm, a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, tells us all about the “Perspectives Approach,” a method of evaluating a patient using multiple perspectives of their lives and experiences. This method has existed for over 40 years and is taught and researched at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Chisholm will explain how this method is superior, and some limitations and flaws of the DSM. To read the transcript -- or learn more -- please visits the official episode page here.Guest BioDr. Margaret S. Chisolm, MD, FAMEE, FACP, FAAP, is vice chair for education, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences; professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; and professor of medicine, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She directs the Paul McHugh Program for Human Flourishing, which fosters a humanistic clinical approach to patient care. Find out more at MargaretChisolmMD.com.Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When “Twin Peaks” and “Riverdale’s” Mädchen Amick’s son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she was already a famous actress. Many would think that would shield her family from the worst of the American mental health care system, but as we hear about the difficulties she and her husband faced getting their son the care he needed (and needs), we discover that their family’s story sounds very much like many family’s stories. Join us as a mother walks us through her son’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment and realize that mental illness cannot be contained by celebrity or fame.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page here.Guest BioMädchen Amick is the lead of Greg Berlanti’s “Riverdale” for which she directed her second episode and simultaneously reprised her role in David Lynch’s acclaimed “Twin Peaks” reboot for Showtime. Previously, she starred on such prolific series as “American Horror Story,” “Witches of East End,” “Damages,” “Californication,” “Gossip Girl,” and “ER” among others. Mädchen recently launched her don’t MiND me mental health foundation, and next makes her feature directorial debut with “Reminisce.” Inside Mental Health Podcast HostGabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices