Equip Online: Shedding Light on Mental Health

While the country continues to battle the coronavirus, college health professionals are also monitoring a growing crisis among young adults struggling with mental health problems, including suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our guest on this episode is Christie Farris. Christie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She focuses on what brings meaning to a person’s life and how best to fulfill that potential existence.  Sometimes that leads us to consider what is happening in life that blocks a person’s ability to have healthy relationships, self-acceptance, or life enjoyment.  She addresses past hurts, loneliness, and the need for healing and peace.  Family and couples’ relationships often have a huge impact on one’s sense of self, so she works together to address these relationships with authenticity. For more information on Christie and her practice go to http://christiefarriscounseling.com/ Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com #mentalhealth #mymentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #covid19 #collegeandcovid #mentalhealthpodcast #equiponline #parenting #socialmediaandmentalhealth #socialmedia.awareness #anxiety #anxietyrecovery #depressionawareness #majordepression #selfharm #selfharmawareness #addict #addiction #addicted #addictionawareness #addictionrecovery #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #yourstoryisntoveryet #ptsd #breakthesilence #stigmafighter #eatingdisorder #selfharm #selfcare #selfhelp #sober #sobriety #soberliving #recovery #endthestigma #breakthestigma #stopthestigma #mentalillnessawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #pandemic #isolation #socialmedia #mentalwellness #mentalhealthrecover #church #thewoodlands #christiancounselors

**In this episode we will be discussing suicide prevention with an emphasis on knowing the warning signs among youth.  If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.** Suicide attempt and death rates among pre-teens, teenagers and young adults have risen in the past decade and the increase among youths has outpaced all other age groups. While no teen is immune, there are factors that can make some adolescents more vulnerable than others. Now, more than ever, it has become increasingly important for parents to understand how to tell if your teen might be suicidal and where to turn for help and treatment. Our guests on this episode are Sherry Burkhard and Jeremy Sprott. Sherry is a registered nurse and Executive Director of the non-profit Mosaics of Mercy in Magnolia, Texas. Mosaics of Mercy’s mission is to help families navigate mental health and addiction recovery. They serve the community as a hub for mental health resources, education, and hope.  Jeremy is the CEO & Founder of Mental Health Solutions in Houston, Texas. Mental Health Solutions provides oversight and full-service mental health crisis management solutions through its designated crisis response team. This team will evaluate individual patients in crisis and recommend appropriate referral sources as well as provide expedited transfers to inpatient psychiatric facilities for patients needing such services. For more information go to www.mosaicsofmercy.com or www.mentalhealthresponse.com. You can also email Jeremy at [email protected]. Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com

Today, many of us use social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to connect with each other. While each may have its benefits, we must remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. Spending too much time on social media can make you feel lonelier and more isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Our guest on this episode is Tessa Stuckey. Raised by two psychologists, Tessa has a natural deep interest in human interaction and genuine relationships. Now, a licensed professional counselor herself, Tessa works with teenagers and has decided to take on parenting from a new perspective. Tessa coaches and presents to parents her research on today’s teen depression, anxiety, and suicide rate focusing on parent/child connection. Tessa provides motivation and hope for families across the nation. For more information on Tessa and her practice go to https://www.tessastuckey.com Show References: Safe phone for kids - https://gabbwireless.com/ Bark Phone Monitoring Program - https://www.bark.us/ For the Sake of Our Youth: A Therapist’s Perspective on Raising Your Family in Today’s Culture. Available at: Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-the-sake-of-our-youth-ma-lpc-stuckey/1136905104?ean=9781632992871 Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Sake-Our-Youth-Therapists-Perspective/dp/1632992876/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=for+the+sake+of+our+youth&qid=1588084551&sr=8-1 https://anchor.fm/tessa-stuckey Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com Listen to our podcast with any of these links http://bit.ly/Equip_Spotify  http://bit.ly/Equip_Google  http://bit.ly/Equip_Apple #mentalhealth #mymentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #covid19 #mentalhealthpodcast #equiponline #parenting #socialmediaandmentalhealth #socialmedia.awareness #anxiety #anxietyrecovery #depressionawareness #majordepression #selfharm #selfharmawareness #addict #addiction #addicted #addictionawareness #addictionrecovery #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #yourstoryisntoveryet #ptsd #breakthesilence #stigmafighter #eatingdisorder #selfharm #selfcare #selfhelp #sober #sobriety #soberliving #recovery #endthestigma #breakthestigma #stopthestigma #mentalillnessawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #pandemic #isolation #socialmedia #mentalwellness #mentalhealthrecover #church #thewoodlands #christiancounselors 

If isolation, anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the daily onslaught of bad news generated by the coronavirus pandemic are taking a heavy toll on your mood, you’re not alone. The stress of social isolation, the worry about jobs, money, health, and the profound feelings of loss that many of us are experiencing now can trigger depression for the first time or exacerbate symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed. Our guest on this episode is Kate Turner. Kate is Licensed Professional Counselor, Family Navigator and School Liaison for Mosaics of Mercy. Kate has taught in public and private school settings and was an elementary counselor in Conroe ISD as well as Spring ISD for a total of 15 years. She loves to reach parents with Love and Logic(r) curricula which she has taught for over 20 years. Kate just closed a private counseling practice, and now works with the great team at Mosaics of Mercy in Magnolia - helping families find mental health resources.  Kate is also the school liaison for Mosaics and is looking forward to bringing the message of mental health and hope to area campuses. Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com

Life in today’s fast-paced world is complex, with more stressors and less direct social support than in past generations. Being anxious is a normal part of life. However, people sometimes experience prolonged periods of anxiety that can affect their social, work, or personal lives. The good news is that our understanding of the fight-or-flight response has led to well-researched, effective treatments and coping methods. Our guest on this episode is Carolyn Robistow. Carolyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose specialty is helping people-pleasing perfectionists with Anxiety and OCD. She also works as an alcohol relationship coach for grey area drinkers.  Most of her clients are high achievers who feel like, despite the successes they've had in life and on paper, they are stuck and unable to reach their full potential because of hidden, mental battles, whether it be anxiety, OCD, or an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.  She uses a technique called Brainspotting to help people get unstuck. For more information on Carolyn and her practice go to https://joyeffectcounseling.com Show References: https://joyeffectcounseling.com/brainspotting/ Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com #mentalhealth #mymentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #covid19 #mentalhealthpodcast #equiponline #anxiety #depression #anxietyrelief #anxietyawareness #anxietysupport #anxietyanddepression #selfcare #pandemic #isolation #socialmedia #mentalwellness #church #thewoodlands #christiancounselors 

Addiction is a disease that affects thought and behavior and takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit. Many people struggle with or have someone in their life who suffers from an addiction problem, whether it be dependence on drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, shopping, or some other form of addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Our guest on this episode is Adam Bertoch. Adam is a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Adam enjoys working with teens, families, and adults who wrestle with a variety of life struggles including addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss. Adam believes the most important aspects to living a good life are the relationships we have with one another, and he is devoted to helping people establish and maintain meaningful relationships. For more information on Adam and his practice go to https://onthemendcounseling.com/ Show References: https://onthemendcounseling.com/blog-posts/ Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com #mentalhealth #mymentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #covid19 #mentalhealthpodcast #equiponline #parenting #addict #addiction #addicted #addictionawareness #addictionrecovery #suicide #suicideprevention #eatingdisorder #selfcare #selfhelp #sober #sobriety #soberliving #recovery #pandemic #isolation #socialmedia #mentalwellness #church #thewoodlands #christiancounselors

The unemployment and economic crises sparked by COVID-19 are expected to have far-reaching mental health impacts. Even in normal recessions, experts say, prolonged job loss is an under-the-radar mental health crisis that can sap people's confidence and sense of identity.   Our guest on this episode is Bill Jack Davis. Bill Jack is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. He’s been the director and therapist at The Bridge Counseling Center in Conroe for 30 years and works with adults, adolescents, and children with a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, behavioral and relationship concerns. In addition to a busy counseling practice, Bill Jack has been active as a Psychology Professor at the University level. For more information on Bill Jack and his practice go to https://www.facebook.com/The-Bridge-Counseling-Center-134430173295031/ or contact him at 936-441-8255. Equip Online is a partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com

The new season of Equip Online Podcast is here! Brian and Wally sit down with Dr. Paul Looney to discuss the recent increase in anxiety and depression due to the pandemic. Read more about tonight's episode below. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide as the demand for mental health is increasing. A WHO survey of 130 countries provides global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services. Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, stress, depression, and anxiety, and while there is a sense of relief with the roll out of a vaccine, the question becomes - is mental health our next pandemic?   Our guest on this episode is Dr. Paul Looney. Dr. Looney has been a practicing physician and psychiatrist for over twenty-five years. Most of this time he has been in private practice, but has also worked in the prison system, on a university campus and as psychiatrist for the State of Texas. He practices psychiatry alongside a number of other Christian mental health providers at White Stone Associates which he founded in The Woodlands, Texas. For more information on Dr. Looney and his practice go to http://paullooneymd.com/   Show References: https://www.youtube.com/user/paull00ney www.helpforyou.us https://www.facebook.com/paullooneymd Equip Online is in partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com

 “It’s my way or the highway” may be a battle call to some teens. Consider the value of engaging in negotiation instead of battle. Negotiation is a healthy mental exercise that benefits both teens and parents.  It gives you the opportunity to learn what's important to your teenager and why.  Simply put, you'll get to know your child better through your negotiations.  Today we are going to be looking at how we as parents can help teach our teens to negotiate for what they want in a healthy way. Our guest on this episode is Meredith Weise, Ph.D. Meredith is a Licensed Psychologist (LP), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Louisiana State University, did her pre-doctoral internship at Nebraska Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology, Boys Town site and post-doctoral training at Aldine Independent School District. She has extensive experience working with children, teens and families and uses two evidence-based treatments in her work with tweens and teens, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and skills informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). For more information on Meredith or the Connections Child and Family Center, please visit https://connectionsfamilycenter.com/ Equip Online is in partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com

For those who are grieving, the holidays can be unfamiliar terrain. This time of year can be filled with fond remembrances of loved ones who are on your mind yet absent from your traditions and rituals. Acknowledging the difficulties of holidays after loss does not make a potentially difficult time any easier but preparing for the holidays by tapping into helpful coping strategies may provide some much-needed help. Today we will be talking about those coping strategies. Our guest on this episode is Bridget K. Caletka, LPC-S, LMHC. Bridget received a Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York, a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and Board Certified Coach (BCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).  Bridget’s particular focus is journeying with grieving clients. As a Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider® she helps clients with end of life issues and those coping with serious or chronic illnesses. She provides crisis intervention for individuals and organizations in the aftermath of tragedies, such as the sudden death of an employee or a loved one. For more information on Bridge or Forge My Path, please visit https://www.forgemypath.com/ Equip Online is in partnership with StoneBridge Church and Mosaics of Mercy. www.gostonebridge.com www.mosaicsofmercy.com