The Managing Mental Health Podcast

🚂 Ever felt like your relationships were just a train wreck and worried you’d never find a partner who truly accepts you? In this episode of The Managing Mental Health Podcast, Jamie sits down with certified relationship coach Ana Ruiz to tackle the raw reality of dating someone with bipolar disorder and navigating the modern dating world. Ana opens up about her own bipolar disorder and relationships, sharing her journey from feeling "broken" after her diagnosis to building a successful, supportive marriage. Together, they break down the critical questions everyone faces: when to disclose mental illness when dating, how to spot green flags, and why it is absolutely vital to maintain your self-care routine to prevent triggering mania while swiping.🗓️ The conversation dives deep into the psychology of how your past shapes your present connections, exploring how childhood trauma and relationship patterns are deeply intertwined. Ana and Jamie discuss the different blueprints of intimacy, explicitly highlighting the triggers of an anxious attachment style and the origins of a fearful avoidant attachment style. If you've ever wondered how attachment styles affect relationships, or want to learn actionable strategies on how to regulate your nervous system during conflict rather than repeating old cycles of blame, this episode is your roadmap. Plus, learn what it takes to look past the fear of rejection, build true self-love, and cultivate bipolar marriage success stories of your own.#BipolarDisorder #AttachmentStyles #DatingWithMentalIllness #TraumaRecoveryAna RuizWebsite: https://anaruiz.life Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationship.coach.ana Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipolarlovecoachPodcast: https://www.youtube.com/@lovewithbipolarDon’t Spiral: Love and Relationship Coaching App:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dont-spiral-rocd-anxiety/id6758227509Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthPlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🍟 Are you eating your way into anxiety, or could your "healthy" diet be missing the vital building blocks your brain needs to stay stable? In this episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, social psychologist Jamie sits down with public health nutrition expert Dr. Leanne Skehan and forensic behavioral specialist Dr. Jared Brown to bridge the gap between metabolic health and psychological well-being. The conversation reveals why traditional mental health treatments often fail by ignoring the gut-brain axis, where 80% of your serotonin is actually produced. You will learn how socioeconomic disparities and food insecurity create a "metabolic syndrome" that can reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years for those with serious mental illness.😟 The experts dive deep into the science of Lifestyle Medicine, highlighting how chronic stress and childhood trauma (ACEs) program the body for emotional eating and nutrient depletion. We break down "Precision Mental Health," identifying why Omega-3s, Magnesium, B Vitamins, and Zinc are non-negotiable for neurotransmitter synthesis. Additionally, the episode uncovers a critical "clinical blind spot": how common medications like SSRIs can inadvertently strip your body of Melatonin and CoQ10, leading to a cycle of poor sleep and bone health issues. Whether you are a clinician or someone looking to optimize your own mental health, this episode provides a roadmap for re-inoculating your gut and resolving the root causes of depression and anxiety.Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🔎What if the world saw autism not as a neurological disorder in need of fixing, but as a brilliant, "outside the box" way of thinking? In this episode, Sam Mitchell, creator of the Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast, joins the show to share his first-person perspective on living on the spectrum. Sam breaks down the creative strengths of the autistic mind, such as unique problem-solving skills and intense motivation, while also providing an honest look at the daily challenges of rigidity and the high levels of anxiety that often accompany it. He illustrates these experiences through personal stories, from the comfort found in a dentist's parking lot to the importance of literal communication when metaphors like "pulling your leg" fall flat.💙💛💚❤️The conversation also dives deep into the practicalities of advocacy and support for the autism community. Sam offers invaluable advice for parents, emphasizing the need for unwavering support during periods of regression and the importance of ignoring societal judgment. He also addresses the staggering 85% unemployment rate among autistic Americans, sharing his own journey of entrepreneurship after facing workplace neglect and encouraging others to create their own paths. From his upcoming children’s show to his mission of education and stigma reduction, Sam’s message is clear: success comes in many forms, and it begins with embracing who you truly are.Main themes: Autism awareness, neurodivergent perspective, autism spectrum, Living on the autism spectrum, first-person autism interview, parent advice for autism regression, understanding autism rigidity, creative strengths of autism, Neurodiversity affirming, autism acceptance month, neurodivergent employment, autism and anxietySam Mitchellhttp://autismrocksandrolls.com/FREE resources for Autism Awareness & Support:(click here to receive both of these for free - English or Spanish)Autism: Facts vs MythsEmpowering Parents: Understanding Autism SpectrumDisorderGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.0:00 Introduction to Sam Mitchell1:15 Defining Autism: A different way of thinking3:45 Understanding masking and rigidity5:20 Handling anxiety and schedule changes8:10 Advice for parents on autism regression9:45 Navigating the workforce and starting a company

😓Are you feeling like you're grieving "wrong" because you keep cycling between anger, sadness, and fleeting moments of acceptance? Stop comparing your journey to a checklist. Social psychologist Jamie welcomes Lisa Rites, a certified grief educator and former respiratory therapist with 40 years of experience, for a deeply honest conversation that dismantles the biggest myths about grief and loss. Lisa shares her unique perspective, gained from working with dying patients and navigating her own difficult divorce. You'll learn why the so-called "five stages" of grief are not a linear checklist, why you might be grieving a job loss or a divorce without realizing it, and why it's completely normal to fall back down the ladder of healing. This episode is essential for anyone experiencing loss, including loss of a loved one or loss of a future vision.🫂We dive into what support for grief truly looks like, moving beyond the unhelpful platitudes like "just move on" that society constantly offers. Lisa offers valuable coping strategies and actionable self-care tips, emphasizing the importance of talking and listening without judgment. Learn the warning signs of related mental health struggles, such as depression and suicidal ideation, and how to spot them in yourself and others. We also explore the deeply touching phenomenon of elderly couples passing shortly after one another. Whether you are looking for advice on how to deal with grief and loss, seeking to support a friend, or ready to begin healing from a breakup or divorce, Lisa Rites offers a compassionate, honest guide to the complex, non-linear path of true healing.Lisa Rites:website:  Lisaritesgrief.com FREE ebook to listeners of this podcast: lisaritesgrief.com/resource   IG: angelsamonguslisaFB: angelsamongusgriefGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🧠Are you feeling scatterbrained, forgetful, or struggling to follow through on your goals? Your lifestyle might be to blame! In the final episode of our six-part series on Executive Functioning, host Jamie welcomes back special guest Dr. Jared Brown to dive deep into Lifestyle Medicine and its direct impact on brain health and mental well-being. Discover why our modern way of living - marked by stress, sleep deprivation, and poor diets - is contributing to rising rates of mental illness and chronic low-grade inflammation. Dr. Brown, certified in lifestyle medicine, breaks down the critical connection between your physical habits and your cognitive capacity, explaining why ignoring factors like nutrition, sleep, and social support can lead to poor health outcomes and worsen executive function impairments.📊This episode provides a holistic framework for better health, outlining the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: physical activity, avoidance of harmful substances, stress management, nutrition, promoting positive social connection, and restorative sleep. You'll also learn about the Life's Essential Eight (from the American Heart Association), how to adopt a health coaching lens to improve motivation and self-reflection, and the revolutionary concept of social prescribing, where doctors prescribe activities like dance or knitting classes instead of defaulting to medication. Dr. Brown and Jamie stress that physical and mental health are interconnected - what's good for the heart is good for the brain. By understanding and taking responsibility for these dimensions of wellness, you can strengthen your executive functions and achieve a higher quality of life.Dr. Jerrod Brown6-part series on executive functioning1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

☕From struggling to make coffee to almost giving up entirely, Rob Baugh learned the hard way how to survive a new reality.🧠This episode dives deep into the invisible struggle of living with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through the powerful and candid story of guest Rob Baugh. After a seemingly minor head injury forced him to step away from his dream of opening a bakery, Rob endured five years of chronic, debilitating migraines and profound cognitive challenges. He shares the shocking reality of being released from the hospital with minimal guidance and having to navigate the complex, often unhelpful, healthcare system - where "concussion" is used instead of the more accurate, long-term diagnosis of TBI. Rob's journey highlights the critical need for greater awareness, as his pain and the loss of his identity led him through a period of intense depression and suicidal ideation. This segment is a raw, emotional look at the mental health crisis that often accompanies physical trauma, showing how TBI is truly a life-altering event that requires sustained support, not seasonal attention.📘Rob's story ultimately transforms into a testament to resilience and the power of finding purpose through pain. He recounts the moment his counselor challenged him to create the resources he wished he had, which led to the creation of his podcast, "Life Rewired," and his book, My Life Rewired. He details the daily cognitive challenges he faces - from struggling to complete simple tasks like making coffee to forgetting his destination while driving - and reveals the effective "life hacks" he developed to cope, such as using a "memory station" and sticky notes on his steering wheel. Beyond his personal recovery, Rob has dedicated himself to being a lifeline for others, fostering a community where TBI survivors feel seen, heard, and validated. Listeners will be equipped with key resources and inspired by his commitment to spreading joy, making this episode a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the TBI experience, offer compassionate support, or find hope in their own invisible battle.Rob’s links:Youtube: Life Rewired podcastWebsite: My Life Rewired – A book by Rob BaughJAN - Job Accommodation Networkhttps://askjan.org/Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🔥Ever wonder why some people just "fly off the handle" or can't stick to a healthy habit? Welcome to Part 5 of the Managing Mental Health Podcast's series on Executive Functioning, where social psychologist Jamie and Dr. Jerrod Brown dive into the crucial, yet often underrated, area of Self-Regulation. This episode unpacks self-regulation as your brain's internal parking brake, exploring its multiple dimensions, including emotional control, behavioral inhibition, attention, and physiological response. You'll learn that self-regulation is the foundation for key life skills like Grit and is closely tied to Theory of Mind (perspective-taking). The discussion highlights concepts like Effortful Control and Inhibition as essential components that determine everything from finishing a major project to deciding against a fourth plate at the buffet.😵The conversation then tackles complex real-world implications, especially its multifaceted role in addiction, where self-regulation issues intersect with trauma, fractured attachment, and lifestyle factors like blood sugar and sleep. The doctors also provide vital considerations for educational professionals, emphasizing that high self-regulation is key to school readiness and academic success, and suggesting that movement and holistic factors like diet and sleep be prioritized in the classroom. Finally, Dr. Brown shares practical, actionable steps for parents - including the famous Marshmallow Test - and provides encouragement that self-regulation can be taught and improved at any age through positive experiences, modeling, and repetitive practice, driven by neuroplasticity.Dr. Jerrod Brown6-part series on executive functioning1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🔥 Are you ready to break free from generational trauma and find your purpose? 🔥In this powerful episode of the Managing Mental Health podcast, host Jamie welcomes Earnest James - father, podcast mentor, and speaker. Earnest shares his dedication to helping families "deal, heal, and fulfill," specifically focusing on healing fatherless mothers and daughters from the impact of father wounds. He explains the profound and often painful effects of growing up without a present or consistent father, noting that it often manifests as a deep feeling of abandonment and can lead to extremes like people-pleasing or self-sabotaging relationships. Earnest, a "Girl Dad" himself and host of the Deal to Heal and Girl Dad Discussions podcasts , discusses how the generational pattern of fatherlessness is passed down and why it takes intentional, proactive work to change that reality.The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as Earnest shares his own struggle with suicidal ideation, divorce, and depression. He introduces the powerful acronym FUN (Focus, Unite, and Normalize) as the strategy he developed to overcome his struggles and find a path forward. He stresses his mission: "We must heal ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we heal our families. Our families heal our communities and our communities heal our world." Listeners will find hope, courage, and practical steps to fight their own battles , find their new normal, and be the generation that breaks the cycle of pain.http://www.earnestjamesspeakslife.comhttps://www.dealhealfulfill.org/Ebook: The Core Four - EbooksByEJames.comGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

💥Are you ready to discover your brain's secret weapon for healing and change? In part four of our six-part series on executive functioning, social psychologist Jamie and returning guest Dr. Jared Brown, an expert in the field, dive deep into the underlying neuroscience - specifically, the profound concept of neuroplasticity. This episode offers powerful hope for mental health interventions by exploring the brain's inherent ability to adapt, reorganize, and create new pathways. Learn how this capacity is strategically important not just for recovery from brain injury or severe mental health challenges, but also for enhancing overall cognitive performance, memory, attention, and learning capabilities. The discussion covers core concepts like neurogenesis (the development of new neurons) and synaptic plasticity (the effective communication junctions between neurons).💪The emphasis is on the critical difference between positive brain change and maladaptive plasticity, which is how chronic negative environments, like childhood trauma, stress, or abuse, physically sculpt the brain into patterns like anger, rumination, depression, or anxiety. But the good news is you can fight back! This segment provides concrete, evidence-based strategies for stimulating positive neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain. Dr. Brown and Jamie share actionable lifestyle choices, including the importance of exercise, good sleep, the negative impact of the Western Diet, and techniques like journaling, self-compassion, and intentionally "putting down gadgets" to counteract negative factors. The core takeaway is the importance of consistency: true, life-altering change is a long-term investment, not a quick fix. Don't miss this crucial episode to understand the biological mechanisms that govern your mental health and how to harness your brain's power for growth and resilience.Dr. Jerrod Brown6-part series on executive functioning1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

☠️What happens when the system designed to heal you nearly kills you? In this powerful episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, host Jamie welcomes mental health advocate Maddie Andrews to share her deeply personal and inspiring story. Maddie discusses the roots of her struggles, beginning with a childhood trauma that led to a painful pattern of "living in silence.” She walks us through the years of escalating psychosis, multiple diagnoses (from OCD to Bipolar I Disorder, and eventually Schizoaffective Disorder), and the profound experience of grieving the person she thought she was as her life changed. Maddie also details the exhausting practice of "masking" her illness in public and the heavy toll it took on her day-to-day life.🔥Maddie then bravely recounts the catastrophic event where a reckless medication change led to life-threatening lithium toxicity and a severe near-death experience, illustrating the devastating consequences of systemic failure when a patient's self-advocacy is ignored. Following this medical crisis, Maddie describes her difficult, self-directed recovery from a brain injury, culminating in the moment a "fire burned in her belly" to turn her survival into a mission. She shares how this journey led her to found the J&E Support Group, a nonprofit dedicated to building healing, accessible, and 100% free mental health support for others, ensuring no one else has to live in silence or break the bank to survive.J&E Support Grouphttps://www.jesupport.org/Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🏋️In this essential episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, host Jamie welcomes back Dr. Jerrod Brown to explore the deep, reciprocal link between executive functions (the brain's self-regulation skills) and physical health. They explain that strong cognitive control (which includes skills like inhibition, planning, and abstract reasoning) is key to making beneficial lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, mindful eating, proper sleep, and getting preventive care like yearly physicals and dental check-ups. Dr. Brown details how impairments like disinhibition can lead to harmful behaviors such as overeating, blowing off exercise, poor sleep, poor hygiene, and substance misuse, noting that poor self-control is a significant factor in health and longevity. The discussion emphasizes that developing good habits forms positive neuroplasticity, which reinforces the ability to practice delayed gratification and successfully weigh the future consequences of our present decisions.🧠The conversation also highlights the reverse effect: how poor physical health can profoundly impair executive function. Factors such as untreated hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic depression, and physical inactivity are shown to negatively impact cognitive health. They examine the role of chronic inflammation (often linked to obesity) and hormonal imbalances (like ghrelin and leptin) in cognitive control, particularly in individuals with a history of trauma. To improve both mental and physical well-being, Dr. Brown recommends practical strategies, including effective stress management, prioritizing sleep health (getting checked for issues like sleep apnea), adopting the Mediterranean diet over the Western diet, and learning about holistic approaches such as Lifestyle Medicine and Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes. The concept of Executive Function impairment is also important to those with ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Organizational Deficits, Overtraining Syndrome, and Circadian Rhythm Misalignment.Dr. Jerrod Brown6-part series on executive functioning1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.online

⚡Dive into a raw and critical conversation with Lisa Conway, author of “Shocked” and a long-time medical social worker, as she exposes the hidden impact of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). For years, Lisa endured over 100 shock treatments for her bipolar depression, believing it was her only option, only to discover the severe truth: the procedure caused brain damage and significant cognitive side effects. Lisa shares her terrifying experience of losing 20 years of long-term memory, struggling with multitasking, and frequently becoming disoriented and lost in familiar places, a plight she learned to manage with the unwavering assistance of her service dog, Teddy. This interview is a must-listen for anyone surprised to learn that ECT is still widely used in most hospitals across the country.🏃🏼‍♀️Hear how Lisa eventually found her path to recovery, relying on the rhythmic solace of running to stabilize her mood and cognitive function, noting that the increase in blood flow to her brain helped lessen her depression - a breakthrough that has kept her out of the hospital for over six years. She discusses the challenges of being an ECT survivor and the shocking resistance she faced from medical professionals (including a neurologist who refused to treat her) who deny that the procedure causes brain injury. Lisa's powerful story is a vital call to action for patient-centered mental health care and greater transparency regarding ECT's risks, underscoring the necessity of treating the cognitive aftermath as a legitimate traumatic brain injury (TBI).“Shocked” by Lisa Conway:authorlisac.comGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🤓Is it possible for a person to have a high IQ but still struggle profoundly with basic life organization, leading to a "scattered brain" and even getting caught in the criminal justice system? On this episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, Jamie and Dr. Jared Brown delve into the complex world of Executive Functioning Part 2: Clinical and Forensic Considerations. They define the key terms, exploring the clinical lens (mental and behavioral health, trauma, drug and alcohol problems) and the forensic lens (justice-involved populations, probation, parole, prisons). The discussion centers on the core components of executive function - including working memory ("the brain's post-it note") , inhibition ("the brain's parking brake"), and cognitive flexibility (adaptability) and how deficits in these areas directly contribute to issues like treatment non-adherence, chronic homelessness, and a predisposition to accidents and high levels of irritability.🚨The conversation then shifts to the profound, often overlooked, impact of executive dysfunction within the legal and correctional systems. Dr. Brown explains why impairments are nearly universal among justice-involved individuals, creating a "revolving door" of technical violations, missed appointments, and a lack of abstract reasoning that connects current actions to future consequences. Listeners will learn how information processing deficits can lead to issues with understanding Miranda rights and how perspective-taking challenges can be misinterpreted as moral failures in cases like theft. Finally, the experts outline critical intervention strategies, emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional insight-based therapy to incorporate skills like coaching, modeling, and tailoring interventions to a client’s developmental age rather than their chronological age. Don't forget to join the next episode where they will explore the physical health implications of executive functioning.6-part series on executive functioning:1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

Autism: Just Bee the Change🧠Autism affects around 1 in 31 children (or 3.2%) in the United States. This episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast introduces Layla Luna, a mother whose personal journey of heartbreak and resilience ignited a nationwide movement. Her story began after her son, Rio, was diagnosed with non-verbal autism, thrusting her into a world that often chose dismissal over understanding. She recalls the exact moment her advocacy was born, sitting in a meeting where a professional casually described her son, saying, "Oh yeah, yeah, definitely. This one's autistic." Layla’s fiery maternal response was immediate: “This one? This one? This one's name is Rio Luna.” That cold label became a terrifying reality during a routine traffic stop where, overwhelmed by sirens and lights, Rio had a sensory overload episode. As Layla explains, “He started biting me. I have a huge scar on my wrist from letting him bite me instead of him jumping out of the car and into the middle of the street.” These experiences compelled her to become the powerful voice for her son and the entire neurodiverse community.🐝Transitioning from personal motivation to practical solutions, Layla details the concrete actions she has taken through her organization, "Just Bee." A cornerstone of her work is pioneering the South Carolina initiative officially named "Rio's Law." She chose a license plate as the solution for a critical reason: while other identifiers exist, “First responders, especially law enforcement, look at the plate.” This simple, brilliant tool discreetly alerts officers that an individual with autism is in the vehicle, preventing misunderstandings from escalating. Beyond this legislative victory, Layla’s broader mission focuses on building truly inclusive communities. Through "Just Bee," she trains businesses to become sensory-friendly by taking tangible steps like “dimming the lights, turning off the music,” and establishing quiet “sensory hours” during downtimes. This creates welcoming spaces and opens new opportunities for a population too often isolated. As Layla declares in the episode, this fight is about far more than awareness. In her own powerful words: “This is a civil and a human rights movement. Every great community has their moment in history. This is ours… This is the autistic and neurodivergent moment.”Just Bee:https://www.justbeethechange.com/Rio's Law:https://youtu.be/p75Du3_4Voo?si=LGCYouiX-QLpxIgbJust Bee PSA: Https://youtu.be/obmcgRxQghU?si=c5wDcNgREwQjAu92 Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🧠What is Executive Function? How does it affect us? What happens if you have a dysfunction? On this episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, Jamie welcomes Dr. Jerrod Brown to begin a six-part series on executive function. Dr. Brown, an expert in forensic psychology, describes executive function as "the boss of the brain" - the system that guides our day-to-day behaviors, including decision-making, time management, and problem-solving. He explains that executive function impairments are common in people with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or autism, as well as those with head injuries, substance use issues, or who are involved in the justice system. However, he emphasizes that executive function impacts everyone's daily life, and simple factors like lack of sleep, poor diet, or a sedentary lifestyle can impair it.🎓Dr. Brown provides specific examples of how executive function deficits can manifest, such as chronic forgetfulness, trouble with time management, disorganized thinking, and poor impulse control. He also discusses the connection between executive function and IQ, noting that while they don't always align, low IQ typically comes with executive function impairments. The conversation touches on how lifestyle, biochemical, and even prenatal factors can contribute to these impairments.Dr. Jerrod Brown - 6-part series on executive functioning:1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

🎶 What is music therapy? How does it help with mental and physical health problems?  This episode of The Managing Mental Health Podcast features guest Allison Hughey, a board-certified music therapist and founder of Carolina Music Therapy. She discusses the power of music therapy, defining it as the clinical use of music-based approaches to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. The conversation highlights how music therapy is highly versatile and can be beneficial in a wide range of settings, from neonatal intensive care units (NICU) to hospice care.🎼 Allison shares her personal journey into music therapy, revealing that a physical injury led her to discover the therapeutic benefits of music for her own chronic pain and emotional distress. She also explains the neurological impact of music, noting how it can engage different areas of the brain to help with executive functioning, calm the nervous system to decrease anxiety, and aid in trauma recovery. Alison Hughey provides clinical music therapy services, adaptive music lessons, and creative self-care resources. Connect with Alison:http://www.carolinamusictherapy.com/http://www.instagram.com/composeyourselfcareFree facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/composeyourselfcareFree Monday night zoom for Creative and Curious Catalysts (card pull and creative process), Mondays 6-6:30pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83575045092?pwd=uBQ07pU6787lMRBQnnFUZowAKRWLmT.1Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.

What do heart disease, diabetes, prison, mental illness, obesity, cancer, and failed relationships all have in common? The answer may surprise you.During the 1990's a study of over 17,000 people was done to determine if childhood trauma had a direct effect on chronic sickness and disease into adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experience study (ACE) led to groundbreaking studies and applications within psychology, medicine, and criminal justice.Jamie Hughes is a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in trauma, resilience, and self-care, Jamie brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to his coaching and writing. His expertise is further solidified by years of dedicated service in non-profit program development and management, where he honed his skills in victim advocacy, as well as social and forensic psychology. Jamie's commitment to empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges shines through in his work, offering people a blend of compassionate guidance and evidence-based strategies for cultivating inner strength. Get your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental...✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesBuy your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Please like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.online