Psych Health and Safety Podcast USA

Dive into Episode #132 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Mat Jeanius, a Marriage and Family Therapist who is both black and male. This episode begins our celebration of Black History Month. Due to their personal and cultural experiences, black therapists bring a unique perspective to their practice. They can offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and systemic issues that clients of similar backgrounds face, such as racial discrimination, cultural identity, and social inequities. This cultural competence can help build stronger rapport and trust with clients who feel understood and validated in their experiences. Moreover, Black male therapists often serve as powerful role models, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive mental health within their communities. Their presence in the therapeutic field can help address the underrepresentation of Black professionals and encourage more open conversations about mental health, especially among Black men and boys. Mat will talk about his experience as a therapist as well as some of what his cultural heritage and service bring to his view regarding mental health.

Dive into Episode #131 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jackie Garrick, the founder of Whistleblowers of America, who discusses the concept of whistle-blowing, the value that it creates for organizations, and how it can fortify psychological health and safety. Individuals who choose to blow the whistle encounter various risks, including retaliation from employers, which may take the form of harassment or job termination, as well as possible blacklisting in their industry, complicating efforts to secure future employment. They may face legal actions, damaging their reputations and impacting their professional and personal relationships. Financial burdens also pose a concern, as whistleblowing often results in lost wages and significant legal expenses. Moreover, the emotional and psychological impact of exposing wrongdoing can be profound, potentially leading to stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, whistleblowers play a vital role in fostering accountability and uncovering misconduct, and some legal protections and incentives are available to help alleviate these challenges. Whistleblowers of America was created to support those who need it in the sometimes complex pursuit of what they believe is right.

Dive into Episode #130 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Andy Kearney, with deep experience in higher education, who focused on not just the academic success of students but on a journey that considers their psychological health and safety as well. Andy is a graduate of Georgia State University and a member of their Alumni Association Board of Directors. Psychological health and safety is crucial for college students for several reasons: · Mental Well-being: College life can be stressful, with academic pressures, social dynamics, and possibly being away from home for the first time. Maintaining good psychological health helps students manage stress and anxiety. · Academic Performance: Mental health significantly impacts cognitive functions like concentration, memory, and problem-solving. Students with good psychological health are more likely to perform well academically. · Social Relationships: Healthy psychological well-being helps students build and maintain positive relationships with peers, faculty, and family. It also fosters a supportive and inclusive campus environment. · Safety and Prevention: Ensuring psychological safety helps prevent issues like depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges with robust mental health support systems can identify and assist students in need more effectively. · Inclusive Environment: Promoting psychological health creates an inclusive and supportive campus culture where all students can thrive, regardless of their background or personal challenges. Andy will share his passion for student success, his journey as a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, and some of the stories of students he has worked with.

Dive into Episode #129 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Dr. Olga Morawczynski, founder of Heal-3, a published author and recognized wellbeing expert. Dr. Morawwczynski has dedicated her career to advancing the field of corporate well-being and mental health. With over 20 published papers and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, her expertise is grounded in extensive research and practical experience. She has committed herself to understanding the complexities of workplace wellness and crafting innovative solutions that make a real difference. In this conversation, Dr. Daniels and Dr. Morawwczynski will discuss some of the emerging research on psychological health and safety that has been conducted to help make the business case for more action in the workplace.

Dive into Episode #128 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Treena Reilkoff, a former clinical social worker who not only coaches and consults in the psychological health and safety space. Treena shares her views on trauma-informed psychological health and safety practices. Being trauma-informed means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and understanding potential paths for recovery. It means recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in others, integrating this knowledge into practices, and striving to avoid re-traumatization. It's about creating a supportive environment where people feel safe and respected and promoting healing. The fundamental principles of a trauma-informed approach to psychological health and safety include: • Ensuring physical and emotional safety for everyone involved. • Building trust • Encouraging mutual support and shared experiences • Promoting teamwork and equal participation in decision-making • Empowering individuals by giving them a voice and choice in their care. • Recognizing and addressing the impact of cultural, historical, and gender issues on trauma Ms. Reilkoff suggests that not only do we all have an experience of being “trauma-exposed,” but we should use a trauma-informed approach as a universal precaution when considering psychological health and safety.

Dive into Episode #127 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Juliette Gust, a forensic accountant, experienced fraud investigator, rCo-Founder & President of Ethics Suite, a Hotline Reporting Intake & Case Management System. Reporting misconduct can be quite challenging due to a variety of factors: · Fear of Retaliation: Whistleblowers often worry about losing their jobs, facing demotion, or experiencing harassment from colleagues or superiors. · Isolation: Speaking out against wrongdoing can lead to social isolation within the workplace, as peers may distance themselves to avoid association with the whistleblower. · Psychological Stress: The process of whistleblowing can be emotionally draining, causing anxiety, stress, and mental health issues. · Lack of Protection: Not all organizations or countries have strong legal protections for whistleblowers, making it risky. · Doubts About Impact: Whistleblowers may fear that their efforts will not lead to meaningful change or that their concerns will be ignored or dismissed. Ethics Suite is a system that allow misconduct reporting to go through a third party to help not only collet and record reporting, but to help build trust in the orgazantion’s willness to address issues.

Dive into Episode #126 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jason Frazer, CEO and Chief Fun Officer for Drizzle Communications, a multiplatform training and educational consulting firm. Before launching Drizzle Communications, Jason was a Meteorologist and Co-Host for FOX Weather, the 24/7 weather streaming service from FOX News. Jason helped launch the network in 2021. His contributions included leading a documentary on turbulence called 'Fasten Your Seatbelts' and helping to cover several weather events, including Hurricane Ian, the New Jersey earthquake, Tropical Storm Harold, the solar eclipse, and more. Jason and Dr. Daniels will talk about the weather, the inevitability of its impact on everyone on Earth, and some of the psychological concerns that weather events can have and how we respond to them.

Dive into Episode #125 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Ernie Brooks, a positivity and relaxation instructor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Brooks is also active with students at his alma mater, Anna Maria College, as a member of the alumni association Board of Directors. He prides himself in creating genuine connections with students and safe spaces for them to be their best selves as they navigate the college experience. In the 2024 World Happiness Report, the United States ranks 23rd, the first time in the report's history that the U.S. has fallen out of the top 20. The U.S. was ranked 15th in 2023. The report also indicated that young people, particularly those aged 15-24 (Generation Z), report lower happiness levels than older generations in many regions, including North America, Western Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Concerns about their future, economic instability, and mental health contribute to this trend; essentially, they feel less happy than their elders. These data suggest that organizations of all types and sizes should expect that Gen Z will need support from a mental health perspective. To support Gen Z mental health, organizations should prioritize providing readily accessible mental health resources, promoting work-life balance, offering flexible work arrangements, educating leaders on recognizing mental health concerns, incorporating stress management tools, and fostering a culture that openly discusses mental health issues, including utilizing platforms like meditation apps and wellness programs tailored to Gen Z's needs. In this elective course, Ernie is seeking to meet students where they are and provide them with roles that will help them be more positive and relaxed in their education pursuits and in their lives.

Dive into Episode #124 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Jeffe Sease, with Predictive Safety, a company that provides technology solutions to help organizations predict potential safety issues before they become problems by providing data on workers' fatigue states. Predictive Safety Analysis involves leveraging data, technology, and analytical tools to anticipate safety issues. It allows organizations to take preventive measures and create a safer working environment. It's about foreseeing and addressing safety concerns before they become incidents. The importance of workplace safety cannot be overstated. Beyond legal compliance, fostering a secure work environment is a moral obligation and a key driver of employee well-being and productivity. Organizations that prioritize safety contribute to a positive workplace culture and build trust among their workforce.

Dive into Episode #123 of the Psych Health and Safety USA Podcast, featuring host Dr. I. David Daniels, PhD, CSD, VPS, and special guest Cory Worden, an Air Force Veteran and Safety Manager with the City of Houston, Texas, who oversees health and safety for many of the city’s most hazardous occupations, including the fire, police, and emergency management functions. Cory brings his experience from the military into the public sector, focused on some of the most significant safety challenges that face the 4th largest city in the United States. Public sector work can be high hazard due to many factors, including: • Public employees face a variety of hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, blood-borne diseases, and indoor air pollution. • Public employees are at a higher risk of assault and violence at work from clients, patients, and others. • State and local public-sector employees are 64% more likely to be injured than private-sector employees. Public sector workers also face many mental health challenges, including: • Workers, especially educators, health care workers, and law enforcement officials, can experience trauma and secondary trauma from their work. Secondary trauma is the emotional distress that occurs when hearing about someone else's traumatic experiences. • Workers are often exposed to life-threatening situations and emergencies, which can lead to job-related stress