Mental Illness Happy Hour

Jennifer Westcott, a trauma therapist and regular guest, joins to explore the difficult terrain of reconciling good memories with the pain of abusive relationships. She discusses the intense emotions tied to longing for connection with abusive family members, especially the guilt that accompanies such feelings. Westcott sheds light on the complexities of enmeshment and how moments of authentic love can coexist with manipulation. They also dive into the psychological factors driving abusive behavior, emphasizing the importance of sharing vulnerabilities in therapeutic settings.

Kyle Kittleson, a YouTube host and advocate for mental health and animals, shares his profound experiences with grief after losing his mother at 16. He discusses how this loss has impacted his adult relationships and emphasizes the importance of empathy and resilience in children. Kyle also delves into health anxieties, his reflections on narcissism and intimacy, and the complexities of grief. He shares practical advice on budgeting and managing anxiety, along with exercises to practice empathy, making for an insightful and heartfelt conversation.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah Haufrect, a podcaster and mental health storyteller, returns to share her journey through grief and the complexities of care. She candidly discusses processing her mother's borderline personality disorder and the deep, transformative experiences she had while caring for her dying father. Sarah reveals the importance of empathy in relationships, the challenges of caregiver burnout, and how small acts of kindness can create meaningful connections during difficult times.

Janet Varney, an actress and comedian known for her roles in television and voice acting, opens up about her journey with anxiety and panic attacks. She shares her childhood experiences, reflecting on her parents' divorce and the early signs of her struggles. Janet recounts her college panic episodes, coping strategies, and the importance of finding a validating therapist. They discuss the cycle of panic, medication experiences, and the significance of self-affirmation. Her insights on gratitude and creative partnerships highlight the path toward recovery.

Jamie Denbo, a comedic actress and podcast creator, dives into her journey with anxiety and depression shaped by her Jewish upbringing. She reflects on growing up as an only child and dealing with familial fear, leading to feelings of guilt and panic. Jamie shares how reading Andrew Solomon's work helped legitimize her struggles while discussing her enriching therapy experiences. With humor, she connects her past to her creativity and opens up about parenting, aiming to break negative cycles while embracing small joys in life.

Laura Moran, a television writer and storyteller, opens up about her battle with depression and her journey to recovery after a suicide attempt and stay in a psychiatric facility. She shares her early experiences of sadness and the challenges of getting help, including barriers to access and the relief of being admitted to Silver Hill. Through her story, Laura highlights the importance of connection in rehab, managing bipolar disorder, and using healthy coping strategies. She advocates for openness about mental illness and the power of reframing it as a brain chemistry issue.

Jesse Perez, a resilient Latino cancer survivor and host of the Equanimity podcast, shares his journey through illness and recovery. He candidly discusses the trauma of his cancer diagnosis and the grueling chemotherapy experience while emphasizing newfound inner peace. Jesse tackles significant issues affecting the Latino community, reflecting on immigration struggles and political challenges. His insights into personal healing and the importance of dialogue amidst adversity make for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation.

Chris Grace (@ChrisGraceComedy) is a comedian and actor who shares his stories of love, tragic loss, and growing up as the child of an immigrant. He discusses grief and racial dynamics in both comedy and the gay community.Follow Chris on IG and TikTok @ChrisGraceComedyWebsite www.ChrisGrace.comThis episode is sponsored Quince. Go to www.Quince.com/mental for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.This episode is sponsored by NOCD.  If you're struggling with OCD or unrelenting intrusive thoughts, NOCD can help. Book a free 15 minute call to get started: https://learn.nocd.com/mentalpodIf you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www.shapedfurniture.comWAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCASTSubscribe via Apple Podcasts (or whatever player you use). It costs nothing. It’s extremely helpful to have your subscription set to download all episodes automatically. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-illness-happy-hour/id427377900?mt=2Spread the word via social media.  It costs nothing.Our website is www.mentalpod.com our FB is www.Facebook.com/mentalpod and our Twitter and Instagram are both @Mentalpod Become a much-needed Patreon monthly-donor (with occasional rewards) for as little as $1/month at www.Patreon.com/mentalpod  Become a one-time or monthly donor via PayPal at https://mentalpod.com/donateYou can also donate via Zelle (make payment to mentalpod@gmail.com) To donate via Venmo make payment to @Mentalpod See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nate Berkus, a renowned interior designer and New York Times bestselling author, shares his gripping story of surviving the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, where he lost his partner, Fernando. He discusses how the trauma reshaped his perspective on life and relationships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Nate also introduces his new book, Foundations, which focuses on personal, timeless design. He shares insights on blending high-quality pieces with affordable finds, offering a fresh take on creating meaningful spaces.

Anna Runkle, also known as The Crappy Childhood Fairy, is a writer and speaker who shares her insights on overcoming complex PTSD. In this engaging conversation, she discusses her unconventional upbringing in a Berkeley commune and how it shaped her resilience. Anna reveals the limitations of traditional talk therapy, her journey of self-discovery through writing practices, and the importance of community support. She also touches on the debates surrounding CPTSD and emphasizes practical tools for healing, highlighting empathy and daily practices that foster authentic connections.