Normalize Mental Health Conversations | EP. 39
11/07/22 • 51 min
Anxiety has been the number one mental health concern that is widely encountered nowadays. It has many different symptoms, ranging from hyperarousal to behavioral issues, which indicates a significant global health burden. However, when in this state, it can sometimes be challenging to speak up freely. There are misconceptions about mental health that we can visibly see around us.
People often view mental health issues as nothing more than temporary hormonal swings, and a person acts out in an effort to get attention. Thus, we must realize that mental health is not a destination but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.
So, in this episode, we aim to help people realize the value of normalizing the conversation about mental health and raising awareness on how to be someone capable of supporting another. Join us as we learn about the importance of self-care, validation statements, and empowering conversations in a person's mental health.
Today, we're joined by Francesca Reicherter, the Founder and President of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Inspired by her mental health journey, Francesca works to make resources and information accessible. In 2021, Francesca published "You Are Not Alone: The Workbook" as a guide to help the reader build a coping toolbox. In 2022, Francesca published "I AM," an interactive workbook to help readers make the tools needed to advocate for their mental health.
Dedicated to ending the stigma, Francesca hosts Normalize the Conversation, a podcast series amplifying the voices of mental health professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in sharing their stories. Francesca's mission is to make preventative resources available, eliminate barriers, and normalize the conversation so that no one else has to lose themselves or someone else to suicide.
Show Highlights:
(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction
(00:02:44) "Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.": What does it mean for me?
(00:03:09) Welcoming today's guest, Francesca Reicherter
(00:05:41) How did Francesca rise beyond being exposed to painful circumstances to becoming a dependable mental health advocate?
(00:10:45) Recognizing anxiety: The fear of not being good enough
(00:12:37) The importance of having a support system
(00:13:53) Nobody is ready to lose the person they care about the most.
(00:17:50) The inability to cope with emotional pains: How did Fran attempt suicide on Christmas eve?
(00:21:30) Do not ignore your mental health: Being unable to manage your discomfort is not a good position to be able to take care of others.
(00:24:37) Being weak is part of the human experience: Strong people still encounter weakening situations.
(00:26:13) Being quiet versus reaching out: What do you think was one of the most significant barriers to having self-awareness?
(00:29:21) Internal and external self-care: How can we prioritize our mental health nowadays?
(00:32:31) The power of setting healthy boundaries
(00:34:52) The goal of creating coping tool boxes workbooks: How does it help people to develop their mental health routine?
(00:39:28) How do we bridge the communication gap?
(00:41:13) The labels people give us don't define us.
(00:44:30) What does mental health mean to Francesca?
(00:45:26) Sign up and be part of the upcoming workshops: Introduction to Youth Advocacy & Introduction to mentoring.
(00:49:03) Where to find Francesca to connect and learn from her
(00:49:45) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.
Key Takeaways:
"I think the more we normalize the conversation about mental health, the more we're able to take care of our mental health to put ourselves in the best position possible so that we can be overall healthy and we're taking care of our well-being." - Abraham Sculley
"I wanted to talk about my feelings, but I was acting like a baby to other people. So, all those praises they throw were to invalidate instead of giving you space to feel." – Francesca Reicherter
"I put myself in a situation I wasn't ready to be in. I didn't know how to take care of myself, which was not a good position to be able to take care of others. I learned now how important it is to put that mask on yourself first, or at least be putting it on yourself as you're trying to put it on someone else, and not just comp...
Anxiety has been the number one mental health concern that is widely encountered nowadays. It has many different symptoms, ranging from hyperarousal to behavioral issues, which indicates a significant global health burden. However, when in this state, it can sometimes be challenging to speak up freely. There are misconceptions about mental health that we can visibly see around us.
People often view mental health issues as nothing more than temporary hormonal swings, and a person acts out in an effort to get attention. Thus, we must realize that mental health is not a destination but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.
So, in this episode, we aim to help people realize the value of normalizing the conversation about mental health and raising awareness on how to be someone capable of supporting another. Join us as we learn about the importance of self-care, validation statements, and empowering conversations in a person's mental health.
Today, we're joined by Francesca Reicherter, the Founder and President of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Inspired by her mental health journey, Francesca works to make resources and information accessible. In 2021, Francesca published "You Are Not Alone: The Workbook" as a guide to help the reader build a coping toolbox. In 2022, Francesca published "I AM," an interactive workbook to help readers make the tools needed to advocate for their mental health.
Dedicated to ending the stigma, Francesca hosts Normalize the Conversation, a podcast series amplifying the voices of mental health professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in sharing their stories. Francesca's mission is to make preventative resources available, eliminate barriers, and normalize the conversation so that no one else has to lose themselves or someone else to suicide.
Show Highlights:
(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction
(00:02:44) "Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going.": What does it mean for me?
(00:03:09) Welcoming today's guest, Francesca Reicherter
(00:05:41) How did Francesca rise beyond being exposed to painful circumstances to becoming a dependable mental health advocate?
(00:10:45) Recognizing anxiety: The fear of not being good enough
(00:12:37) The importance of having a support system
(00:13:53) Nobody is ready to lose the person they care about the most.
(00:17:50) The inability to cope with emotional pains: How did Fran attempt suicide on Christmas eve?
(00:21:30) Do not ignore your mental health: Being unable to manage your discomfort is not a good position to be able to take care of others.
(00:24:37) Being weak is part of the human experience: Strong people still encounter weakening situations.
(00:26:13) Being quiet versus reaching out: What do you think was one of the most significant barriers to having self-awareness?
(00:29:21) Internal and external self-care: How can we prioritize our mental health nowadays?
(00:32:31) The power of setting healthy boundaries
(00:34:52) The goal of creating coping tool boxes workbooks: How does it help people to develop their mental health routine?
(00:39:28) How do we bridge the communication gap?
(00:41:13) The labels people give us don't define us.
(00:44:30) What does mental health mean to Francesca?
(00:45:26) Sign up and be part of the upcoming workshops: Introduction to Youth Advocacy & Introduction to mentoring.
(00:49:03) Where to find Francesca to connect and learn from her
(00:49:45) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.
Key Takeaways:
"I think the more we normalize the conversation about mental health, the more we're able to take care of our mental health to put ourselves in the best position possible so that we can be overall healthy and we're taking care of our well-being." - Abraham Sculley
"I wanted to talk about my feelings, but I was acting like a baby to other people. So, all those praises they throw were to invalidate instead of giving you space to feel." – Francesca Reicherter
"I put myself in a situation I wasn't ready to be in. I didn't know how to take care of myself, which was not a good position to be able to take care of others. I learned now how important it is to put that mask on yourself first, or at least be putting it on yourself as you're trying to put it on someone else, and not just comp...
Previous Episode
The Power of Storytelling for Mental Health Awareness | EP. 38
How can we create a positive impact and change mental health education and awareness in a world where people think of mental health mostly in pessimistic ways?
September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24, and more often than not, we don't do as much as we can to support children and people with mental health because we just don’t want to have the conversations.
People don’t talk about mental health, only relating it to cases of grief, sorrow, or violence, when the truth is there’s much more than that to mental health. It’s not one-dimensional; it’s not all negative. But that is just how people perceive it because those are the only stories told and shared with the public.
So in this episode, we aim to end that stereotype as we focus on the positive vibes. Join us as we talk about mental health in an organic, healthy, and natural way. After all, the stories we hear, read, and learn from are those that create the biggest impact on how we live life.
Today, we’re joined by Zane Landin, an authentic storyteller and public relations Imagineer, and a recent graduate from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Relations. He is the Founder and CEO of PositiveVibes Magazine, a magazine that shares stories about positivity, wellness, and mental health.
For so long, he has gone through the challenges of anger and depression, but that did not stop him from acing this life. When it comes to mental health advocacy and really being in the forefront, Zane’s out there, doing the work, making sure people have a voice and they are hearing the right stories from the right people.
Show Highlights:
(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction
(00:01:48) Welcoming today’s guest, Zane Landin
(00:02:42) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now.
(00:04:18) Who is Zane Landin? What’s the story behind the PositiveVibes Magazine, especially that of which inspired its name?
(00:12:47) Signs to look out for that will help people recognize the need for mental health support
(00:18:52) You’re Not Alone: Why Zane chose to maximize storytelling on advocating for mental health awareness and education
(00:22:33) Message from our sponsor: Speaks2Inspire is the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Learn about how your campus can benefit from partnering with Speaks2Inspire by visiting www.speaks2inspire.com.
(00:24:44) The favorites: A medium and a modern-day alchemist’s story as the interviews that have created the biggest impact on Zane
(00:30:39) Therapy is not the only option. Mental health isn’t a one-dimensional thing
(00:33:30) How can we use storytelling to create positive change?
(00:37:53) What does mental health mean to Zane?
(00:40:07) Where to find Zane to connect and learn from him
(00:41:01) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.
Key Takeaways:
“Mental health is not just an impediment. For some people, it's helped them realize who they are. It’s helped them gain empathy. It’s helped them gain new connections. It’s helped them gain new families. There are so many things that mental health does for people, and it's not just always a horrible thing that happens to people.” – Zane Landin
“The idea that these stories impact our lives so much already shows me that storytelling is really key in changing things and creating awareness.” – Zane Landin
“If we only look at mental health as something that's medicinal or something that medicine can treat, we're looking at mental health as a very one-dimensional thing when the mind has so many capabilities. And so, it's all about holistic mental health; your body, your health, your environment, your spirituality, your religion – every single thing impacts your mental health. And medication is not the only thing that's going to address that.” – Zane Landin
“We have to be very mindful about the stories we share and tell, because storytelling is not a formula that's going to immediately create positive change. You have to really consider what stories you are telling and how you're telling them.” – Zane Landin
Connect with Zane via the following:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/
- Website:
Next Episode
Grief and Loss: Navigating the Holiday Blues with Lynette Jackson | EP. 40
Have you ever tried to cover your emptiness on the inside? How can we indeed cope with grief and loss during the holidays?
The holidays bring joy for many, but they can be challenging for those impacted by mental illness, grief, and loss. We can never control many things in this world, such as life, death, and how people will treat us. And with those things, we can all feel the pain of every single thing that is giving us hurtful memories. And some of us tend to suppress our emotions and be hard on ourselves. We often refuse to give ourselves permission to grieve, cry, and experience the necessary process of grieving to heal.
Thus, we must learn to properly take care of our mental health, especially during moments such as holidays – gatherings where we are prone to distressing memories of heartaches from the people we love. Let us never compromise our worth and be mindful of how we practice self-compassion and self-love.
So, in this episode, we seek to help people find peace to permit themselves to feel a certain way to heal from those things hurting them. And also to encourage people to speak out loud in the marketplace. Join us as we discover other learnings about mental health and how we can help eradicate the stigma behind it.
Today, we're joined by Lynette Jackson, a Marketing Consultant, Owner of Roar Media Group, Mental Health Advocate, and founder and CEO of Roar Media Group. This multi-marketing company has worked with multi-million-dollar churches, small businesses, and grassroots ministries. Lynette has also founded Vision Publishing Group, a publishing company that develops the visions of new authors. She is the author of "Hollow... when everything that means anything is taken away" and is a member of the Speaks 2 Inspire speaker's team.
Lynette's book, Hollow, is an eye-opening, heartfelt book sharing the personal accounts of Lynette, a woman who has battled depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and opioid and alcohol addiction to cope with losing everything that meant anything to her.
"The verbal was worse than the physical because it seemed like the physical you could remember getting hit and falling on the ground, but it healed. However, it was the words from the verbal abuse that seemed to stay and linger longer." – Lynette Jackson
Show Highlights:
(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer, highlight, and introduction
(00:01:37) Welcoming today's guest, Lynette Jackson
(00:03:09) Mental health advocate: Who is Lynette Jackson?
(00:05:32) Strong people also struggle.
(00:06:17) How Lynette cope with losing the things that were most important to her
(00:08:46) The chocolate easter bunny: Pretty but empty
(00:10:39) Lynette struggles to look good but feels empty
(00:12:30) Verbal abuse was worse than the physical
(00:14:18) Figure out what's making you empty
(00:15:40) Being filled with the love of God
(00:17:33) Understanding the grief process: The Five stages of grief
(00:22:01) No one can rush you to the grieving process: We can't minimize grief
(00:26:08) Everyone grieves in their way
(00:28:10) How do we find a source of support?
(00:30:13) Know that you're not alone
(00:31:11) permit yourself to get help
(00:33:24) The importance of self-compassion
(00:34:05) The feelings wheel: There were feeling outside being happy and mad
(00:35:35) Never let other people tell you what you do and don't feel
(00:37:05) Suicide Attempt: An option to end the pain
(00:37:45) If you need that support for your mental health, reach out to the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8 now. For local and national resources, go to
http://www.speaks2inspire.com/resources. Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health
Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.
(00:38:20) The worst thing we can do is discount someone's feelings.
(00:39:47) Don't just listen: Listen to understand.
(00:41:00) Three Processes of helping people: Feel, Felt, and Found
(00:42:55) Set realistic expectations for yourself.
(00:44:03) Remember all the beautiful memories you have with a long gone loved one.
(00:46:17) Take care of yourself and honor what you need to heal
(00:47:53) What is mental health for Lynette?
(00:49:32) Hollow: When Everything That Means Anything Is Taken Away
(00:51:45) Connect with Lynette Jackson
Key Takeaways:
"Sometimes it's difficult to see that, those of us who are strong also struggle." – Abraham Sculley
"I felt people, friends, family, life lost interest in m...
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/unlearn-the-lies-about-mental-health-187506/normalize-mental-health-conversations-ep-39-24736450"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to normalize mental health conversations | ep. 39 on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy