The end of the calendar year packs a lot into a short amount of time and it can be easy to deprioritize your mental health in all that noise. One of the best ways to refocus on your values is to remember the ways you’ve grown this past year.  So to honor the journey of 2023, we created an audio mural using six short stories from listeners and past guests. Storytellers focus not only on specific challenges but also on how they have built resilience, fostered mental health, leaned on therapy, and tapped into community. Ultimately, these collective vignettes whisper a comforting reminder that we are not alone and that hope is stronger than defeat.  Storytellers Alex  Carrie Zhang Eric Dorsa Gloria Jen Ponton Shay  Resources: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

Today’s episode is all about giving you an incredibly practical tool for navigating emotion-focused conversations anywhere and with anyone. To do that, we’ve invited Dr. Allison Chase to walk us through Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT for short). Mostly, we will focus on Emotion Coaching - a skill that creates shortcuts between two very different parts of the brain. The results are powerful and can help you and your loved one feel connected and empowered rather than confused and upset. It’s important to note that Dr. Chase discusses EFFT skills in the context of a caregiver’s relationship with someone battling an eating disorder, but you can take EFFT skills into any relationship that gets sidetracked by intense emotional outbursts - be they at work, home, or out in the world.  Resources: Dr. LaFrance’s book: What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers Free Self-guided EFFT Learning Series  EFFT Basics: Video Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Eating Recovery Center Navigating the Holiday Season with Resilience & Community Support Group Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

Nōn Wels, a community builder and writer, shares his journey of overcoming pain and struggles by creating empathetic communities. He emphasizes the importance of embracing emotions, vulnerability, and empathy. The podcast explores the significance of allowing children to express their emotions fully and creating safe spaces for empathy and connection. It also encourages listeners to recognize different realities and seek therapy and support groups for personal growth.

Have you ever wondered why our culture treats fat and fat bodies with such vehement scorn? What about the experiences of people who are fat? What does it mean to exist in a thin-obsessed society?  With humor, personal stories, and research Aubrey Gordon & Kara Richardson Whitely - two fat authors and storytellers - explain how the world works differently for people depending on their size. Along the way, we talk about the unintended and sometimes deadly consequences of weight stigma in the medical world as well as what you and I can do to end weight discrimination.  Resources: Campaign for Size Freedom   Aubrey’s Website  Kara’s Website  Maintenance Phase Podcast  Mental Note Podcast Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center  Eating Recovery Center Free Group Support Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

Therapist April Snow discusses thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), highlighting HSP Characteristics, misconceptions, and how to thrive. The podcast explores the challenges and strengths of being an HSP, emphasizing self-awareness, setting boundaries, and seeking support to navigate challenges and thrive with this genetic trait.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Moe Ari Brown discusses Radical Authenticity, self-healing, self-love, and transgender identity. Explore the challenges of being authentic in a conformist society and the importance of embracing emotions and connections. Discover the transformative journey of self-discovery, radical self-love, and the power of listening to your inner voice.

Mario Gonzalez moved to the United States when he was only three years old as the son of undocumented immigrants who followed seasonal harvests up and down the West Coast. As a result, his childhood was filled with constant change, insecurity, & financial stress.  Determined to build a life of greater stability, Mario chose to focus on school and finding a legal foothold in the US. His path has been one of bravery, heartbreak, and determination. You won’t want to miss it! Today’s episode - in collaboration with the podcast I Know Lonely and non-profit Only 7 Seconds - explores Mario’s upbringing, how he manages clinically diagnosed anxiety and depression, and what empowers him to stay present as his legal status remains unresolved. ___ Resources: Help with loneliness and isolation: only7seconds.com  I Know Lonely Podcast: only7seconds.com/podcast  Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: www.pathlightbh.com  Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups  Free evaluation with a trained Pathlight therapist: (877) 850-7199 Mario’s Instagram: @mariogonzalez.co

Dave Vrablik’s lifelong habit of emotional eating never felt like a serious problem. That is, until one heartbreaking phone call five years ago… Upon receiving news about the death of his beloved older brother, Dave’s occasional compulsive eating quickly morphed into uncontrolled binging. All of a sudden he was enveloped by Binge Eating Disorder. Dave’s discovery and treatment of the eating disorder sent him on a five-year journey - one that highlights the importance of community as well as what we all should know about America’s most prevalent, yet under-diagnosed, eating disorder.  _______________________________________________________________________________ Links: Binge Eating Information: Click Here Virtual At-Home Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder: Click Here Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: Click Here Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

For more than 10 years Kaylee Kron has walked alongside the bereaved, companioning them and honoring the memory of their lost loved ones. In a culture that treats death and grief like they are contagious, she is a wise guide prompting us to reevaluate that fear.   This compassion and insight did not come easy. It grew out of personal tragedy - the unexpected death of a partner and a tumultuous path back to peace. She now works tirelessly to showcase the rich world of grief and why we should embrace it rather than hide from the pain.  On today’s episode, we discuss: Kaylee’s story Common misconceptions about grief The do’s & don’ts of talking about loss The life-altering power of recognizing loss with your community __________________________________________________________________________________ Resources: Kaylee’s Links & Grief Education Kaylee Kron’s Website: www.the-grief-coach.com  Workbook for Families in Grief: Purchase Book Here Instagram: @the.grief.coach whatsyourgrief.com Companioning Model: About Four Tasks of Mourning: About Mental Note Podcast & Mental Health Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

In this engaging discussion, therapist KC Davis shares her journey through motherhood and mental health during the upheaval of the pandemic. After her ADHD diagnosis brought clarity to her struggles, she reveals insightful strategies for managing daily tasks. KC explores the complexities of adult ADHD, especially in women, and emphasizes the importance of redefining societal expectations around care tasks. She also introduces a gamification approach to boost motivation, helping listeners tackle even the most tedious chores with creativity and joy.