Episode 29 - Radioactive - Mental Health Matters

Episode 29 - Radioactive - Mental Health Matters - Host Donna Valente details her long absence from the airwaves, recounting physical illness that brought her thrice to the hospital emergency room in six months, and the last time landed her in the hospital for over a week. The deeply profound experience forced her to realize the importance of mental health and self-care. With the global pandemic, climate change, and extreme social unrest on many fronts compounding the already high stress levels of living in this world, it makes sense that our collective and personal mental health are affected, even if we don't want to admit it.We have to learn how to take care of ourselves. So often we are so busy taking care of others that we put our own needs last, and eventually, even if it takes years, that neglect manifests. Please be kind to yourself and mindful of your loved ones. So many are suffering in silence and think they are alone in their pain. Every person you meet is dealing with hard stuff at some level because it's part of being human.We must normalize therapy and prioritize mental health, and close the huge disparities in access to mental healthcare. Thankfully, online therapy services such as BetterHelp overcome some of the major barriers to accessing care--making it easy to find a  therapist that matches your needs; convenient to schedule sessions; eliminates the need for transportation to an office; and offers various means of communicating with your therapist and a host of helpful tools. BetterHelp even offers financial assistance.Cost of care is still a huge barrier for many people. Even with some financial assistance, it may be out of reach for many.Click here to receive a free week of therapy with BetterHelp.If you or someone you know is in crisis:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or call 911Text "NAMI" to 741741National Alliance on Mental Illness. 800-950-NAMI(6264)  [email protected] with Giving Heart Beat! [email protected]@donnaleevalente on FB and IGUse discount code SWEETD to get 20% off the coolest magically-soft handmade tie-dye clothing at PinkGemArt.comThanks for listening!! xoxo