Mental Illness and Me

My mom has one son and three daughters. I gave birth to my first biological son nine months ago. My sister, Christina, has three sons ages two to eight years old. Our younger sister, Anna, is seven months pregnant with her first child, also a son. To help prepare our mom-to-be for what’s ahead, we sat down together to discuss some of the unique challenges the postpartum period presents mentally and emotionally. We also shared some of the funny and heartwarming experiences we had along the way.

Studies have shown that anxiety disorders are often genetic, as evidenced by my older brother joe and me. Joe has dealt with generalized anxiety disorder his entire life, and now sees similar traits in his own daughter. The anxiety my brother and I both experience was exacerbated as young children when we were sexually abused by an extended family member. Joe fought to achieve his dreams in spite of the crippling anxiety he experiences.

This episode features the cohosts of Sharing Her Journey, a podcast for women to share their unique stories. Kirsten and Alexis discuss issues from their perspective that women face mentally and emotionally and ways they’ve learned to face these challenges. Kirsten Brockner is an interior designer who helps her clients find their unique style and then bring it to life within the spaces of their home. Her 23 years in the interior design industry gives her a wealth of knowledge and networks to utilize in transforming her client’s homes. Her passion project has been co-hosting a podcast ‘Sharing Her Journey’ where they interview women who share their stories, triumphs, and struggles to foster connection and not feel alone on their journey. Kirsten lives in Meridian, Idaho with her husband and two teenagers. Alexis is a life-long learner, which led her to recently complete a master’s in Adult/Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho. She is a communication coach, educator, speaker, and consultant. She enjoys co-hosting the podcast Sharing Her Journey, volunteering within her community, and writing articles for her website. Her husband, Clinton, and their four children enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling to experience the beauty of the world, and cooking and eating delicious food…especially during the holidays.

This episode is part 2 of an interview with Dr. Kevin Theriot, a therapist for more than 40 years. He discusses his best advice for teenagers and parents from a the perspective of a mental health professional.

Dr. Kevin Theriot received his doctoral degree in social work from Arizona State University. He spent the majority of his 40 year career working in family services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in addition to maintaining a private counseling practice. On this episode, Dr. Theriot offers valuable insights on how to recognize when mental health counseling would be beneficial and how to choose a mental health specialist. This episode is part one of a two part interview with Dr. Theriot.

Barbara Lally, author of The Trichster Diaries, has Trichotillomania. For the past 20 years, she has been compulsively pulling out her body hair. She shares her experiences to help others suffering know there is hope for a happy, shame free life despite the struggles associated with the disorder.

The picking me foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to helping people with excoriation, also know as Dermatillomania or Skin Picking Disorder. On their website, picking me.org, they state that dermotillomania is currently classified as an “Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorder” and became diagnosable as a mental illness in 2013. Jo struggled to cope with difficult emotions, and found herself going from one toxic relationship to another. She picked her skin as a way to relieve the stress and anxiety she was feeling. She has since learned to take back her life and decrease the hold dermotillomania has over her.

After more than 8 years of marriage, Alex finally shared a secret with his wife that he kept from everyone in his life for 30 years: he was dealing with major manic and depressive episodes, hearing voices in his head, and seeing images no one else could see. In the five years since his diagnosis with Schizoaffective Disorder, Megan and Alex have learned a lot as they’ve faced this challenge together.

After 10 years of battling an obsessive skin picking, Jason read a Facebook post by someone who faced a similar struggle and learned what a Body Focused Repetitive Behavior was. Now, he runs a podcast entitled Fidget with the author of that Facebook post. They interview other people with BFRB’s and hope to help listeners find courage to share their own struggles with family and friends.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Scott Anderson discusses how parents can best support their kids with mental health disorders.

Scott R. Anderson, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Psychology (clinical track) from Virginia Tech. Dr. Anderson completed his predoctoral internship with the United States Air Force in San Antonio, Texas. For three years he worked with military children and families stationed in the United Kingdom before completing a postdoctoral fellowship in integrated primary care at Geisinger Health System in 2017. Dr. Anderson has had extensive training in and experience with behavioral interventions, parent management strategies, and consultation with schools and medical providers. He specializes in using evidence-based treatments and evidence-informed strategies in addressing a variety of behavioral health concerns, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders, sleep problems, disruptive behaviors, and anxiety disorders. Dr. Anderson joined the Developmental–Behavioral Pediatrics Program at Rochester Regional Health in 2017, where he is currently a part-time staff psychologist. In 2018, Dr. Anderson started a part-time private practice in Bath, NY. The intention was for this to be a small “side-hustle” to keep him from getting bored, but this practice has expanded to the point that it is now his primary focus!

This episode is part 2 of Scott and Jessica’s story. Part 1 can be found in episode 4 of this season.

In this two part series, married couple Scott and Jessica talk frankly about the challenges they’ve faced together because of Scott’s bipolar 1 diagnosis. From extended hospitalizations to persistent paranoia, they’ve learned to navigate through extremely difficult circumstances and still manage to laugh together despite the challenges.

Bekah was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 Disorder in high school, and has since been learning everything she can about it. She is passionate about mental health and is on track to go to medical school so she can become a psychiatrist and focus on the more stigmatized mental illnesses like her own.

Camille is the mother of five children who deal with a wide range of mental illnesses, including ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar 2 disorder. After her daughter’s suicide attempt, Camille completely shifted her parenting philosophy and hopes to help other parents learn how better to help their children in their mental illness struggles.

At 6’2”, Mary often felt separate from her peers growing up. She began dealing with anxiety and depression in middle school and continues to fight for her mental health. She hopes to help others in her situation by sharing her story.

Our friendship began from being the youngest in our grade (our September birthdays are a week apart), a mutual love of the written word, overalls, and the performing arts. 23 years later, we remain bonded over morning sickness, acid reflux, and experiencing the firsts of pregnancy at the same time...literally. Our babies, both boys, are due two days apart this summer! In the season finale of Mental Illness and Me, guest host Daniel Sowards interviews us together about our experiences with mental health and pregnancy as first time moms in our late thirties.

Navy mechanic Chad was 17 years old when he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that left him with increased anxiety and depression. Combined with his experiences in the military, mental illness is part of Chad’s daily life. He shares his experiences and why he believes it’s important to tell his story.

College student David started noticing serious symptoms of mental illness when he was a senior in high school. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. These illnesses eroded his self-esteem and left him very lonely. Still on the path to finding the right treatment plan for him, David speaks honestly from the heart about the feelings associated with these disorders and what he has learned in the past several years while coping with mental illness.

At 18, Amanda is the youngest guest we’ve had on Mental Illness and Me. She is finishing her senior year of high school and bravely shares her struggle with harm OCD, a form of OCD that causes intrusive, irrational thoughts about hurting oneself or others.

35 year old Melody learned she had bipolar disorder with hypomania when she was in her twenties. She also deals with trichotillomania and anxiety, dating back to her childhood. In Monday’s episode, she eloquently shares her thoughts about mental illness from the lens of her own experiences as a Chicana and a mental health advocate.

Samuel remembers suffering from anxiety as early as elementary school age. His anxiety progressed to full-blown panic attacks by the time he reached high school. He was diagnosed with anxiety, and later with ADHD as a young adult. As a naturally extroverted person, Samuel met particular challenges with his anxiety during the Covid pandemic. On Monday’s episode, he talks about techniques that help him manage both his anxiety and ADHD, and he also addresses the importance of men talking more openly about mental health.

Mer was in college when she first entered a treatment center for Bulimia Nervosa, after battling depression and anxiety previously. This physical and mental illness is characterized by binge eating followed by one of a few different purging rituals (not just throwing up, as many people think). Mer explains what engaging in binge eating behaviors really looks looks like and points out the dangers of diet culture in this fantastic episode of Mental Illness and Me. Her passion is contagious.

Seasonal Depressive Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is initiated by the change in seasons. Michael is a father, teacher, author, and composer and he struggles with SAD during the winter season. Through the years, he learned to prepare for the inevitable difficulties that come each year and now is proactive in preventing the disorder from derailing his life every winter.

As a graduate student and soon-to-be mom, Stacey was overwhelmed to the point of debilitating depression. She sought treatment to help her navigate through this difficult time; yet, the depression returned during pregnancy and postpartum. In the years since, Stacey has learned ways to manage her depression so it doesn’t control her life and happiness.

Though it started in her teenage years, it wasn’t until she was an adult that Vanessa realized she suffered from Skin Picking Disorder, also known as Dermatillomania. Since connecting with others with similar struggles, Vanessa found ways to manage it and live her life without shame. In this episode, she shares the raw emotions she experiences as she battles with the disorder.

Nisha Sathiyanathan graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She then went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a Master of Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Nisha has experience working with OCD, Anxiety Disorders,Depression, Troubled Youth, Trauma, Couples, Families, and adolescents. Nisha works at her own private practice in Utah and loves bringing her Goldendoodle named Sunny with her to work. In this episode, she talks about mental illness misconceptions and she shares some of her own experiences that have helped her better understand her clients.

Genesis Eve deals with severe depression that began in her youth. On Monday’s episode, she shares how it affects many aspects of her life, including her relationships, career, and her involvement in theater arts.

At age 20, Jane survived an unexpected and very dangerous ectopic pregnancy. In the aftermath of her traumatic experience, Jane suffered from PTSD. She shares her road to healing.

Halcyon discusses her battle with skin picking disorder, a Body Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB). This is an area of mental health that doesn’t often get discussed, and Halcyon addresses it with poise and courage.

Sound editor Daniel Sowards and host Katie Houston Davies discuss why the holidays take a toll on mental health in this bonus Thanksgiving episode.

For our season finale, my two younger sisters join the show to talk about having a relationship with someone with OCD and what they’ve learned through that experience. Daniel Sowards guest hosts.

On this episode, I share my story. I’ve struggled with OCD my entire life, though I didn’t receive and official diagnosis until I was a young adult. I’ve primarily dealt with a form of OCD called scrupulosity that often distorts religious beliefs. I am still an active Christian. I am not a therapist, nor have I formally studied mental illness. What I share comes from my personal experiences in therapy and living with the illness. Daniel Sowards guest interviews this episode.

Daniel is the other half of the two person production team for Mental Illness and Me. Daniel shares why mental health is a topic that is important to him and what motivated him to volunteer his time for this podcast. He reflects on episodes that resonated with him during the editing process, and discusses his own experiences with mental health as he moved away from the religious beliefs of his youth and took a different path.

In high school, Andrew had a hard time focusing, unless it was something that sparked his interest. In that case, he would deep dive in to the subject and voraciously read whatever he could find about the subject. When he learned about ADHD in a health class, he recognized himself in the symptoms. This is his story.

As a high school student, Julia suffered from debilitating anxiety. Any form of presentation in front of her peers led to frequent emotional breakdowns, and she struggled with codependency. She began seeing a therapist and learned ways to cope with her anxiety. Now, as a young adult, she had more confidence than ever before and is in a healthy and happy relationship. She shares what has made a difference for her.

Christina started life in the foster care system. Adopted at a young age, she struggled with mental illness as early as elementary school. Over two decades, doctors tried to identify her mental illness and sought the best treatment for her symptoms. After living through a controlling first marriage, Christina finally found answers and appropriate treatment and is now enjoying marriage and motherhood. Listen as she shares her bumpy road to a proper diagnosis.

As early as 5th grade, James suffered from panic attacks and extreme anxiety. He was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a child and was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder as an adult. On Monday, James describes his gratitude for the advocates in his life, both as a child and as an adult. He also shares how he uses his own experiences to help him in his employment at a treatment center for young adult men transitioning into life on their own. It’s a touching episode that highlights the best in humanity.

Meet Kate. Anxious from a young age, Kate started experiencing panic attacks in high school. When she left home for college, her anxiety intensified and became debilitating. 20-year-old Kate reflects on what she is learning about herself as she navigates life with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and offers advice to teenagers and young adults like her who are beginning their own process of discovery with mental illness.

Seven years ago this month, Allan’s father tragically died when a driver under the influence of an illegal substance hit his car head on. This traumatic experience triggered intense depression and anxiety in Allan that he never before experienced. Allan and his wife Kattie join me on Monday’s episode to talk about his battle with situational depression and the effect trauma and grief can have on mental health. They also offer beautiful insight on how to better support those who are grieving.

Brielle works as a doula helping women through birth and post partum. She started noticing symptoms of depression years ago in college and began treatment. After an abusive relationship relationship, she was surprised when her therapist diagnosed her with PTSD. She shares her story with us on Mental Illness and Me.

Stephen considers himself, first and foremost, a father. He also struggles with Bipolar 2 Disorder and ADD. When his young daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, he faced an intense physical, emotional, and mental battle. Listen to his story where he describes how his daughter’s courage, his faith, and barbershop music helped him find hope and happiness in the midst of the greatest trial of his life.

Kristen always knew she wanted to be a mom. After struggling to get pregnant, she and her husband finally got the happy news that they were expecting twins! Anxiety and depression, however, robbed her of much of the joy she hoped to experience through pregnancy and life postpartum.

Paul Peterson, MSW, started working as a therapist in 1998. He was intrigued by OCD from the beginning of his career, and it became more personal to him when several family members were diagnosed. In 2008, he received training from the National OCD foundation that changed the path of his career. In 2015, he officially established the OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center with 100 employees. It has changed countless lives dramatically and given hope to hundreds of OCD sufferers.

As a young adult, Lea was diagnosed with PTSD, Bipolar 1, and severe anxiety. For years, she took medication and went to therapy while simultaneously suffering from brutal headaches and other strange side-effects. After a brain scan that should have been ordered 20 years earlier, the doctors discovered she had two meningiomas growing around her spine and brain. Lea joined us on Mental Illness and Me while in recovery from her fifth brain surgery and discussed how she copes with her mental illnesses while also dealing with two continuously growing brain tumors.

Steve discusses how anxiety and depression have affected his self-esteem, his family, and more; yet, he also describes how he found his “core” through his music community.

Jeremy and his wife, Christina, talk about his battle with anxiety and how they’ve learned to confront it in their relationship.