Inside Mental Health

There’s a common misconception that, due to asylum closures, only “dangerous” people get committed to a psychiatric wards and hospitals. We also believe that forcing someone with mental illness into treatment is rare. However, millions of Americans are subjected to psychiatric detention or forced treatment every year. Often well meaning family members are trying to “help,” but end up traumatizing and permanently damaging their loved ones. Join us as investigative journalist Rob Wipond explains how most states have broadened their criteria for psychiatrically detaining someone far beyond “imminent harm” and that as a practical matter, this could happen to almost anyone. Join us for a special two part episode of Inside Mental Health. (part 2 of 2)To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Rob Wipond is a freelance investigative journalist who writes frequently at the interfaces between psychiatry, civil rights, policing, surveillance and privacy, and social change. His articles have been nominated for 17 magazine and journalism awards for writing in medicine, science and technology, business, and law. He has taught journalism and creative nonfiction at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University and also works and volunteers with non-profit groups that do neighborhood community building.Gabe 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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you name a millionaire tech mogul with bipolar disorder? Well, you can now. Today’s guest is Paul English, the tech mogul best known as the founder of travel website Kayak. As more and more celebrities in the arts publicly share their bipolar disorder diagnoses many people in the business world still choose to conceal their illness due to stigma and discrimination. Join us as Paul tells us his story of living with bipolar disorder, including some of the stigma he has faced in the workplace.To learn more - or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page.Guest Paul English is the founder of Boston Venture Studio. Paul has previously co-founded and successfully sold six startups — Kayak, Lola, Moonbeam, GetHuman, Boston Light and Intermute.Paul is also the founder of four nonprofits — Summits Education in Haiti, Embrace Boston, The Winter Walk for Homelessness, and the Bipolar Social Club.Paul is the subject of Tracy Kidder’s book, “A Truck Full of Money.” You can hear an interview with Paul on “How I Built This” with Guy Raz, and you can see his video from TEDxBoston in 2022.Host Gabe 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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison believes in the power of therapy, art, and meaningful hobbies in recovering from mental suffering. She discusses the historical stigma of shell shock and PTSD, living with OCD, the healing power of creativity, and the notion of mental suffering.

There is a lot of stigma against people with diagnosed borderline personality disorder (BPD), even within the mental health community. People living with a borderline diagnosis are unfairly characterized as difficult and overly dramatic, and many feel that people with BPD reject needed treatments or interventions because “they don’t want to get better.”In this episode, we ask why people living with BPD may be reluctant to seek treatment. Further, today’s guest, Dr. Connell Cowan, offers advice for family and friends about how they can become allies and be more understanding of the resistance.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioDr. Connell Cowan (Los Angeles, CA) is a clinical psychologist. He co-wrote Smart Women/Foolish Choices, a runaway bestseller that spawned an entire genre of books dealing with male/female dilemmas. The book spent nearly a year on the New York Times bestseller list, sold millions of copies, has been published in 23 different languages, and was made into a hit musical. His second book, Women Men Love/Women Men Leave, also became a NYT bestseller. Husbands & Wives completed the relationship trio. He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows and his writings have been published in a number of journals, magazines, and newspapers internationally. Dr. Cowan also established the Human Sciences Center in Los Angeles––a nonprofit center for research and treatment funded in part by a grant from the Eli Lilly Foundation. The innovative work he developed at the Center was featured on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” He has taught at the California School of Professional Psychology and in UCLA’s School of Public Health. Along with his writings and clinical practice, Dr. Cowan has created and produced a number of television and video projects for syndication and cable blending both psychological information and drama.His new book, Override: Discover Your Brain Type, Why You Do What You Do, How to Do It Better, is written in with Dr. David Kipper. It’s based on breakthrough science and reveals the blueprint of our DNA and gives readers a practical, easy-to-grasp, yet revolutionary framework to go beyond survival and toward achieving the life you really want.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that the COVID pandemic has taken a toll on healthcare workers. But how was their mental health before the pandemic? Today’s guest, Dr. Rola Hallam, has opened 7 hospitals in Syria as part of her humanitarian work. Dr. Hallam shares with us that compassion fatigue isn’t really about compassion or fatigue, it’s more likely trauma from having large amounts of empathy.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the show's official episode page.Guest BioDr. Rola Hallam is an award-winning doctor, humanitarian, campaigner, speaker, social entrepreneur, and trauma-informed life coach.She has been honored with several awards and is also the first Syrian TED Fellow and founder of CanDo — a humanitarian organization supporting frontline health and aid workers to save children’s lives in their war-devastated communities. She has helped build 7 hospitals in Syria, including the first ever crowdfunded hospital, together reaching over 4 million people.An advocate for the protection of healthcare, healthcare workers, and civilians in conflict, Dr. Hallam has shared global stages with presidents, celebrities, and grassroots activists, and her work has been featured in media from the New York Times to The Daily Show, including two BBC documentaries. Her online talks have been seen over 11 million times, inspiring thousands.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of mental health awareness month, we want to welcome you to the first ever Inside Mental Health podcast clips show. Listen now to hear some great insights from some of the best guests of the past year. Featuring clips from Jennette McCurdy, Alanis Morissette, Wil Wheaton, Brooke Burke, Dr. Phil and Paul Gilmartin – there is something for everyone. Our host, Gabe Howard, combed through hours of audio to pick his favorites. Please enjoy!To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most parents (and other adults) want to be able to talk to teenagers and young adults about mental health and mental illness. But, uncertainty and awkwardness often stop well-intentioned people from broaching the subject. In this episode, we discuss how to have these conversations with the young people in our lives by inviting Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer of The Jed Foundation (JED). Dr. Erickson-Schroth gives practical tips and hints on how to have these sometimes awkward conversations and what to do if a teenager doesn’t want to talk back.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioDr. Laura Erickson-Schroth (she/they), Chief Medical Officer for The Jed Foundation (JED), is a psychiatrist committed to improving mental health through education and resource creation. She provides guidance on how individuals, families, schools, communities, media, and other youth-serving organizations can take actions to protect mental health and prevent suicide in teens and young adults, ensuring that all young people are being served in data-informed and culturally responsive ways.Dr. Erickson-Schroth joined JED in 2022 after providing crisis intervention and mental health support to thousands of patients in over ten emergency rooms in New York City, including as an attending psychiatrist and associate professor at the Columbia University Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program. Much of her career has focused on LGBTQ mental health, and she continues to see clients at Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth. Dr. Erickson-Schroth is the editor of “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves” (Oxford, 2014, second edition 2022), a resource guide written by and for trans communities. She has appeared on NPR’s “Fresh Air” and “On Point.” She is a former board member of the Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists and of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality. Dr. Erickson-Schroth obtained her medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School. She completed a psychiatry residency at New York University, public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University, and consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Children and teenagers are expressing unprecedented levels of anxiety and many experts believe there is currently a crisis of anxiety in the United States. If that is true, what can adults — who may also be managing anxiety — do to help young people?    While many experts believe social media and news outlets play a role, we have to accept that these things are here to stay — so what is our next step? Join us as Laura Morton and Joan Lunden explain what they discovered working on the new documentary “Anxious Nation.”For information on where to view Anxious Nation, visit anxiousnation.com. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the episode page.Guest BiosLaura Morton has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 25 years as a bestselling author, producer, speaker and entrepreneur.She is the founder of Lasega Films and the soon to be launched Anxious Nation Network (ANN).Morton has written over 60 books and a staggering 21 New York Times bestsellers, with a wide range of celebrities and business leaders, including Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, Susan Lucci, John Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Joan Lunden, Marilu Henner, Melissa Etheridge, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Kim Zimmer, Kathy Ireland, Sandra Lee, Danica Patrick, Glenn Stearns, Bob Parsons, and more.Laura continues to pursue projects of interest that cross publishing, production, and electronic media through her company, including her award-winning documentary film, “Anxious Nation.” Laura frequently speaks to organizations on a variety of topics, mixing humor and emotional storytelling in her dazzling and memorable presentations.Joan Lunden is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, television host, and motivational speaker. She has been a trusted voice in American homes for more than 40 years. For nearly two decades, Lunden greeted viewers each morning on “Good Morning America,” making her the longest running female host ever on early morning television.Lunden is the host of the PBS television series, “Second Opinion with Joan Lunden” and the Washington Post Podcast series, “Caring for Tomorrow” on the future of healthcare. Lunden is also the ambassador to the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise for Seniors program which educates individuals over 50 on media literacy, separating fact from fiction online. In June of 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. An eternal optimist, she turned her diagnosis and subsequent cancer treatment into an opportunity to become an advocate to help others. Lunden shared her battle against breast cancer in her book “Had I Known.” Lunden continues to interact with American’s daily on her website, Joanlunden.com, as well as her social media platforms. Her latest book, "Why Did I Come Into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging" is available now.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous dominate the recovery space. In fact, when most people think of someone in recovery, they typically assume they are part of a 12-step program.But, what if the traditional 12-step programs don’t work for you? For example, if you are an atheist, don’t like the idea of a sponsor, or want a program driven by self-empowerment, are there other options? Join us as today’s guest, Mary Beth O’Connor, shares with us that 12 steps are not the only choice when it comes to peer support recovery programs.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.Guest BioMary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994. She has also been in recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, a position she held until 2020.Mary Beth is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks about multiple paths to recovery to groups such as Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth’s op-ed, "I Beat Addiction Without God," where she described combining ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation, appeared in the Wall Street Journal.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ADD / ADHD are typically discussed as a controversial diagnosis. Some people — including experts — feel that these conditions are over diagnosed, underdiagnosed, or simply don’t exist. ADD / ADHD have been used to attack parents, defend behavior challenges, and seemingly everything in between.But what is the real story? Join us as today’s guest, Dr. Theresa Cerulli, explains the challenges in helping people with ADD / ADHD and the steps people can take to make sure they get the best care.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page.Guest BioTheresa Cerulli, M.D., is a graduate of Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Harvard Longwood Residency Program in Adult Psychiatry, and Harvard Fellowships in Medical Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry. Dr. Cerulli is board certified in psychiatry and is on faculty at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and for NEI, the Neuroscience Education Institute. Dr. Cerulli is the co-founder and prior Chief Medical Officer of ADD Health and Wellness Centers, specializing in the holistic treatment of children and adults with ADD/ADHD and coexisting behavioral health conditions. Her vision is in combining traditional medicine with healthy living to promote cognitive and emotional well-being.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 book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices