Normalize Mental Health Conversations | EP. 39

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...