Episode 23 - Navigating Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Valerie Milburn

Thanks for listening! Let us hear from you. Are you in recovery or want to be?In this episode of the Sane-ish Podcast, Holley Broughton interviews Valerie, a mental health advocate and host of the award winning podcast 'Mental Health, Hope and Recovery.' They discuss Valerie's journey with dual diagnosis, including her struggles with substance use and mental health challenges. Valerie shares her experiences growing up in a chaotic household, her path to sobriety, and the importance of community support and family in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a daily wellness plan and the need for open discussions about mental health.TakeawaysValerie's early life was marked by chaos and a lack of support.Self-medication with drugs and alcohol began at a young age.The average time between diagnosis and treatment can be long.Sobriety and mental health stability must be treated simultaneously.Daily wellness plans are crucial for managing dual diagnosis.Community support plays a vital role in recovery.Isolation can exacerbate mental health issues.Family dynamics significantly impact mental health recovery.Valerie's husband made a difficult decision to protect their family.Hope and a meaningful life are possible with dual diagnosis.Valerie and Helen’s Website which includes their podcast: https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467719/supportSupport the show