Recovery Diaries In Depth Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:17:04 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401261 en-us © 2026 Recovery Diaries In Depth yes 57a208e3-7744-5da2-81e0-298ec2264d06 peter@nineteenthirtyfive.com Recovery Diaries episodic true Welcome to Recovery Diaries In Depth; a mental health podcast that creates a warm, empathic, and engaging space for discussions around mental health, empowerment, and change. Executive Director and podcast host Gabe Nathan brings a unique combination of lived experience with mental health challenges, years of independent mental health and suicide awareness advocacy, and an understanding of the inpatient psychiatric millieu as a former staff member at a psychiatric hospital. This extensive background helps him navigate complex and nuanced conversations with a diverse array of guests, all of whom are vulnerable and engaged; doing their utmost to eradicate mental health stigma through advocacy, storytelling, and open conversation. 


Guests who have previously contributed a mental health personal essay read their essays aloud during the podcast and then chat with Gabe about what has changed in their lives since their essays were published on the site. By engaging in deep discussions with people living with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, trauma histories, addiction issues, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive or eating disorders, Recovery Diaries in Depth further carries out Recovery Diaries' mission to #buststigma by showing people that they are not alone, instead of just telling them. This mental health podcast features guests from all over the world and, while their own personal experiences are unique, the human experience is what unites, inspires, and connects. Subscribe, like, share, and enjoy!


Recovery Diaries In Depth is supported in full by the van Ameringen Foundation.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Recovery Diaries peter@nineteenthirtyfive.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/tq0yi3d4zw0tsx6pbcnw5452c775?.jpg Recovery Diaries In Depth Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan Refusing to Disappear: Life with Schizoaffective Disorder with Sarah An Myers | RDID; 209 Refusing to Disappear: Life with Schizoaffective Disorder with Sarah An Myers | RDID; 209 “If I don’t communicate, I feel like I’m disappearing.” 

This is a bedrock principle that guides Sarah An Myers in her advocacy for schizoaffective disorder, her writing, and her life. She refuses to disappear, she refuses to be silent, she refuses to let others speak for her. Sarah An Myers lives with schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness that combines aspects of a thought disorder (hallucinations, delusions, psychosis) with symptoms of a mood disorder (mood instability, depressive or manic episodes). 

While schizoaffective disorder is an undeniable component of who Sarah is, she is so, so much more than her mental illness. She writes constantly, giving people a window into her unique and nuanced perspectives about mental illness and other topics, she lives independently, she cares for her dog, she takes fencing lessons, she travels around the world. Sarah's life is as bold and vibrant as the striking pink coat she wears in the film we made about her called "Thriving with Schizoaffective Disorder". 

In this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth, our host, Gabriel Nathan, is joined not just by Sarah An Myers, but by filmmaker Glenn Holsten who directed that film about Sarah's life with schizoaffective disorder. In this vulnerable, intriguing three-way conversation, Gabe, Glenn, and Sarah talk about the creative process of documentary filmmaking, and Recovery Diaries' collaborative approach to creating a piece like "Thriving with Schizoaffective Disorder." Glenn and Sarah really worked as a team, both in pre-production conversations and during the shoot to create moments that felt authentic to Sarah's experience, like a subway shoot to let viewers see and hear what it is like to hallucinate, and an in-studio recording session where actors read aloud some of Sarah's auditory hallucinations.

Sarah speaks openly about what the experience was like, both making the film and then her anxiety upon its release. She also shares some of her very important views about the infantilization of psychiatric patients, the role medication has played in her life and recovery, and the work she is doing now. You won't want to miss this conversation with some extraordinary and creative human beings, doing vital work to de-stigmatize mental illness in new, original ways.

About Sarah:

Sarah An Myers is a writer, mental health advocate, and creative living in New York City. She writes a column on Psychology Today about psychotic disorders, reporting on the latest and cutting-edge research to combat stigma. She has written for human rights, freethinking, psychiatry, and literary publications including Free Inquiry, The Brooklyn Rail, Open Minds Quarterly, Psychiatry at the Margins, and more. She earned her MA in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her MFA in creative nonfiction from The New School. She recently finished a literary memoir on living with schizoaffective disorder and is looking for an agent. Find her on social media @sarahanmy. 

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> “If I don’t communicate, I feel like I’m disappearing.” 

This is a bedrock principle that guides Sarah An Myers in her advocacy for schizoaffective disorder, her writing, and her life. She refuses to disappear, she refuses to be silent, she refuses to let others speak for her. Sarah An Myers lives with schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness that combines aspects of a thought disorder (hallucinations, delusions, psychosis) with symptoms of a mood disorder (mood instability, depressive or manic episodes). 

While schizoaffective disorder is an undeniable component of who Sarah is, she is so, so much more than her mental illness. She writes constantly, giving people a window into her unique and nuanced perspectives about mental illness and other topics, she lives independently, she cares for her dog, she takes fencing lessons, she travels around the world. Sarah's life is as bold and vibrant as the striking pink coat she wears in the film we made about her called "Thriving with Schizoaffective Disorder". 

In this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth, our host, Gabriel Nathan, is joined not just by Sarah An Myers, but by filmmaker Glenn Holsten who directed that film about Sarah's life with schizoaffective disorder. In this vulnerable, intriguing three-way conversation, Gabe, Glenn, and Sarah talk about the creative process of documentary filmmaking, and Recovery Diaries' collaborative approach to creating a piece like "Thriving with Schizoaffective Disorder." Glenn and Sarah really worked as a team, both in pre-production conversations and during the shoot to create moments that felt authentic to Sarah's experience, like a subway shoot to let viewers see and hear what it is like to hallucinate, and an in-studio recording session where actors read aloud some of Sarah's auditory hallucinations.

Sarah speaks openly about what the experience was like, both making the film and then her anxiety upon its release. She also shares some of her very important views about the infantilization of psychiatric patients, the role medication has played in her life and recovery, and the work she is doing now. You won't want to miss this conversation with some extraordinary and creative human beings, doing vital work to de-stigmatize mental illness in new, original ways.

About Sarah:

Sarah An Myers is a writer, mental health advocate, and creative living in New York City. She writes a column on Psychology Today about psychotic disorders, reporting on the latest and cutting-edge research to combat stigma. She has written for human rights, freethinking, psychiatry, and literary publications including Free Inquiry, The Brooklyn Rail, Open Minds Quarterly, Psychiatry at the Margins, and more. She earned her MA in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her MFA in creative nonfiction from The New School. She recently finished a literary memoir on living with schizoaffective disorder and is looking for an agent. Find her on social media @sarahanmy. 

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18650015 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3732 2 209 full true Bipolar, Books, Breakdown; in conversation with Erika Nichols-Frazer | RDID; 208 Bipolar, Books, Breakdown; in conversation with Erika Nichols-Frazer | RDID; 208 Erika Nichols-Frazer joins us today as our guest. She's an old friend of Recovery Diaries, having published three essays with us; Lies Mania Has Told Me, A Double-Edged Sword: Facing the Grief of Miscarriage with Bipolar Disorder, and the essay we're privileged to have her read aloud during this episode, Manic MFA: How My Degree Almost Cost Me My Sanity.

While Erika is now a profilic writer, "Manic MFA" was, in fact, the very first time Erika had every written publicly about her bipolar diagnosis, a fact we at Recovery Diaries are very proud of. Erika speaks openly and candidly about her decision to write about the pressures and triggers she was experiencing during her MFA program, and the impact her mental illness and its symptoms of mania had on her relationship with her husband. 

Our interview with Erika is expansive and hopeful; covering how women with mental illness are treated in literature, and #irl, how her relationship with food has evolved over the years, where she has been in the early days of her bipolar diagnosis, and where she is now. Erika is thoughtful, insightful, and easy to talk and listen to; we think you'll find our conversation with her illuminating and impactful. She has a lot to say about mental health storytelling, and advice for anyone considering putting pen to paper with a mental health narrative of their own. We're so grateful to Erika for taking some time to talk with us on "Recovery Diaries in Depth."

Like our conversations? If you find them helpful and hopeful, chances are someone you love will, too. So share us with someone who needs us, and leave a review to help more listeners find stories that help.

About our guest:

Erika Nichols-Frazer (she/her) is the author of the memoir, Feed Me: A Story of Food, Love and Mental Illness and the poetry collection, Staring Too Closely. She has two books forthcoming in 2026, the poetry chapbook, Can you see her, the moon? and the short story collection, No One Will Ever Hear You. Erika's work has been published in numerous literary magazines and venues such as HuffPost Personal, River Teeth's Beautiful Things, Emerge Literary Journal, and others. She has an MFA in Fiction from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She lives in Vermont and works at Vermont State University.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Erika Nichols-Frazer joins us today as our guest. She's an old friend of Recovery Diaries, having published three essays with us; Lies Mania Has Told Me, A Double-Edged Sword: Facing the Grief of Miscarriage with Bipolar Disorder, and the essay we're privileged to have her read aloud during this episode, Manic MFA: How My Degree Almost Cost Me My Sanity.

While Erika is now a profilic writer, "Manic MFA" was, in fact, the very first time Erika had every written publicly about her bipolar diagnosis, a fact we at Recovery Diaries are very proud of. Erika speaks openly and candidly about her decision to write about the pressures and triggers she was experiencing during her MFA program, and the impact her mental illness and its symptoms of mania had on her relationship with her husband. 

Our interview with Erika is expansive and hopeful; covering how women with mental illness are treated in literature, and #irl, how her relationship with food has evolved over the years, where she has been in the early days of her bipolar diagnosis, and where she is now. Erika is thoughtful, insightful, and easy to talk and listen to; we think you'll find our conversation with her illuminating and impactful. She has a lot to say about mental health storytelling, and advice for anyone considering putting pen to paper with a mental health narrative of their own. We're so grateful to Erika for taking some time to talk with us on "Recovery Diaries in Depth."

Like our conversations? If you find them helpful and hopeful, chances are someone you love will, too. So share us with someone who needs us, and leave a review to help more listeners find stories that help.

About our guest:

Erika Nichols-Frazer (she/her) is the author of the memoir, Feed Me: A Story of Food, Love and Mental Illness and the poetry collection, Staring Too Closely. She has two books forthcoming in 2026, the poetry chapbook, Can you see her, the moon? and the short story collection, No One Will Ever Hear You. Erika's work has been published in numerous literary magazines and venues such as HuffPost Personal, River Teeth's Beautiful Things, Emerge Literary Journal, and others. She has an MFA in Fiction from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She lives in Vermont and works at Vermont State University.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18627024 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3380 2 208 full true Manning Up Means Getting Help with Suicidal Thoughts: Chris Russell | RDID; 207 Manning Up Means Getting Help with Suicidal Thoughts: Chris Russell | RDID; 207 Today, Chris Russell is a grounded, hopeful human being who helps others navigate suicidal ideation as a volunteer for the Suicide/Crisis Lifeline. He definitely still has his struggles with symptoms related to his bipolar ii diagnosis, but he is managing his mental health in a way that was inconceivable to him not too long ago, where he was struggling with intense, unmanaged anger, impulsiveness, incessant thoughts of taking his own life.

In this moving and heartfelt interview, Chris opens up to host Gabe Nathan, who struggles with many of the same issues Chris does, about his mental illness, how it has impacted his work as an actor, writer, and teacher, and where he was in his mind the night that he finally reached out for help, to what was then the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It wasn't perfect or without frustrations (after all, Chris was 44th in the queue) but it was enough to keep Chris from killing himself, it was enough for him to slowly move towards recovery, to share what he was experiencing with others, to give them the opportunity to give him understanding and support, to feel seen and heard. A chance to start encouraging other men like him to shed their archaic armor and be vulnerable.

Chris is an extraordinary human being, volunteering to take calls from people in the throes of suicidality and other psychiatric emergencies, as part of his own recovery, as a way to honor himself and his mother, as a way to give something back. We are so grateful for his strength, his creativity, his openness, and his courage; and we're excited to share this conversation with you. Please share it with someone you love; you'll be glad you did.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Today, Chris Russell is a grounded, hopeful human being who helps others navigate suicidal ideation as a volunteer for the Suicide/Crisis Lifeline. He definitely still has his struggles with symptoms related to his bipolar ii diagnosis, but he is managing his mental health in a way that was inconceivable to him not too long ago, where he was struggling with intense, unmanaged anger, impulsiveness, incessant thoughts of taking his own life.

In this moving and heartfelt interview, Chris opens up to host Gabe Nathan, who struggles with many of the same issues Chris does, about his mental illness, how it has impacted his work as an actor, writer, and teacher, and where he was in his mind the night that he finally reached out for help, to what was then the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It wasn't perfect or without frustrations (after all, Chris was 44th in the queue) but it was enough to keep Chris from killing himself, it was enough for him to slowly move towards recovery, to share what he was experiencing with others, to give them the opportunity to give him understanding and support, to feel seen and heard. A chance to start encouraging other men like him to shed their archaic armor and be vulnerable.

Chris is an extraordinary human being, volunteering to take calls from people in the throes of suicidality and other psychiatric emergencies, as part of his own recovery, as a way to honor himself and his mother, as a way to give something back. We are so grateful for his strength, his creativity, his openness, and his courage; and we're excited to share this conversation with you. Please share it with someone you love; you'll be glad you did.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18548182 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3635 2 207 full true Chris Russell Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan From Hiding To Helping - Schizophrenia Advocate Rebecca Chamaa | RDID; 206 From Hiding To Helping - Schizophrenia Advocate Rebecca Chamaa | RDID; 206 At a recent conference for health advocates from all across the country, our Executive Director and show host, Gabriel Nathan, was reunited with an extraordinary woman and schizophrenia advocate, Rebecca Chamaa. Years earlier, in around 2015, Rebecca had submitted her very first essay, I Have Schizophrenia, about living with mental illness to Recovery Diaries and Gabe, who had just joined the organization as a part-time essay editor, was assigned to work on her piece with her.  

It would take ten years for these two mental health advocates to be physically in the same room and share a warm hug and conversation. So, obviously, Rebecca was going to be a guest on Recovery Diaries in Depth! As you can imagine, she and Gabe had lots to talk about. Rebecca revealed during the conversation about how long (very, very long) she hid her schizophrenia from so, so many people in her life, her experiences with therapists and psychiatrists, medication, and stigma. Rebecca is breathtakingly blunt as she explores her education and outreach, training law enforcement officers and psychiatric nursing staff about schizophrenia and how to safely and helpfully interact with people who live with thought disorders. 

The highlight of the interview, arguably, is Rebecca's reaction to her now decade-old essay on Recovery Diaries; in quiet disbelief at how honest she was during that time. The piece obviously opened the floodgates for Rebecca, because now she has been published in numerous magazines, journals, and newspapers; she teaches writing and she finds joy in life as a person living with schizophrenia who isn't keeping it from anybody, who isn't ashamed of it, and who isn't staying quiet. Please listen to her wonderful interview and share it far and wide; it might just change how somebody sees people with schizophrenia.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> At a recent conference for health advocates from all across the country, our Executive Director and show host, Gabriel Nathan, was reunited with an extraordinary woman and schizophrenia advocate, Rebecca Chamaa. Years earlier, in around 2015, Rebecca had submitted her very first essay, I Have Schizophrenia, about living with mental illness to Recovery Diaries and Gabe, who had just joined the organization as a part-time essay editor, was assigned to work on her piece with her.  

It would take ten years for these two mental health advocates to be physically in the same room and share a warm hug and conversation. So, obviously, Rebecca was going to be a guest on Recovery Diaries in Depth! As you can imagine, she and Gabe had lots to talk about. Rebecca revealed during the conversation about how long (very, very long) she hid her schizophrenia from so, so many people in her life, her experiences with therapists and psychiatrists, medication, and stigma. Rebecca is breathtakingly blunt as she explores her education and outreach, training law enforcement officers and psychiatric nursing staff about schizophrenia and how to safely and helpfully interact with people who live with thought disorders. 

The highlight of the interview, arguably, is Rebecca's reaction to her now decade-old essay on Recovery Diaries; in quiet disbelief at how honest she was during that time. The piece obviously opened the floodgates for Rebecca, because now she has been published in numerous magazines, journals, and newspapers; she teaches writing and she finds joy in life as a person living with schizophrenia who isn't keeping it from anybody, who isn't ashamed of it, and who isn't staying quiet. Please listen to her wonderful interview and share it far and wide; it might just change how somebody sees people with schizophrenia.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18464293 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 3414 2 206 full true Surviving Suicidality in a Wonderful World: Javier Ortega-Araiza | RDID; 205 Surviving Suicidality in a Wonderful World: Javier Ortega-Araiza | RDID; 205 Javier Ortega Ariza is a compassionate, sensitive writer who has published two essays with Recovery Diaries, including his moving and powerful essay “Surviving Suicidality To Live In A Wonderful World” which explores a "last walk" he took after deciding to die by suicide, and his beautiful decision to stay. Javier reads this essay aloud on this compelling episode of our podcast, "Recovery Diaries in Depth", which explores men’s mental health, suicidality, hope, resilience, and the bravery of mental health storytelling. Javier and Gabe are two men who have personal experience with contemplating suicide and this intimate and vulnerable conversation is well worth hearing, and sharing. 

Javier sees writing as "exposure therapy"; going to uncomfortable places in his writing to share hope and connection with others. There is a gentleness about him that is undoubtedly the result of how he has decided to view the world; as wonderful and hopeful. He is challenging self-critical voices in his head and working through doubt and fear every day, and helping others do the same. 

In his discussion with Gabe, Javier reflects on what has helped him get and stay healthy; therapy, boundaries, ho‘oponopono, and the not-quite-cinematic text message that arrived mid-walk to remind him of the work and the love that keep him here. Returning to San Miguel years later, he carries the same streets but different eyes, proof that healing isn’t linear and growth can coexist with grief.

Javier is a living, breathing reminder that, if you stay, your life can change in ways you never dreamed possible. This important conversation should be shared with anyone you know who may be struggling, and anyone you know who appears, like Javier did when he was at his darkest, to have it all, and may very well be struggling in silence. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more people find stories that keep them here.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Javier Ortega Ariza is a compassionate, sensitive writer who has published two essays with Recovery Diaries, including his moving and powerful essay “Surviving Suicidality To Live In A Wonderful World” which explores a "last walk" he took after deciding to die by suicide, and his beautiful decision to stay. Javier reads this essay aloud on this compelling episode of our podcast, "Recovery Diaries in Depth", which explores men’s mental health, suicidality, hope, resilience, and the bravery of mental health storytelling. Javier and Gabe are two men who have personal experience with contemplating suicide and this intimate and vulnerable conversation is well worth hearing, and sharing. 

Javier sees writing as "exposure therapy"; going to uncomfortable places in his writing to share hope and connection with others. There is a gentleness about him that is undoubtedly the result of how he has decided to view the world; as wonderful and hopeful. He is challenging self-critical voices in his head and working through doubt and fear every day, and helping others do the same. 

In his discussion with Gabe, Javier reflects on what has helped him get and stay healthy; therapy, boundaries, ho‘oponopono, and the not-quite-cinematic text message that arrived mid-walk to remind him of the work and the love that keep him here. Returning to San Miguel years later, he carries the same streets but different eyes, proof that healing isn’t linear and growth can coexist with grief.

Javier is a living, breathing reminder that, if you stay, your life can change in ways you never dreamed possible. This important conversation should be shared with anyone you know who may be struggling, and anyone you know who appears, like Javier did when he was at his darkest, to have it all, and may very well be struggling in silence. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more people find stories that keep them here.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18358420 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3150 2 205 full true Javier Ortega-Araiza Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan Living & Thriving with Illogical and Irrational Anxiety: Nicci Attfield | RDID; 204 Living & Thriving with Illogical and Irrational Anxiety: Nicci Attfield | RDID; 204 We are so lucky here at Recovery Diaries to have an international community of special, sparkly people coming to us to share their mental health recovery stories. Today's guest on the show is Nicci Attfield, who lives with anxiety and add. Nicci was born in the UK, and is currently living in South Africa. She has published two personal essays with us, (as has her husband, Jacques!) and it was a true delight to sit down with her and talk about her life as a writer, a neurodivergent person, and someone who is living her best life with mental health challenges. 

Nicci opens up about something that any of us who lives with mental illness can identify with; masking. Walking around all day, doing life, engaging in social situations trying to compensate, trying to pass, trying to get through every excruciating moment pretending, pushing through, struggling. It's exhausting. And, for quite some time, Nicci didn't even know what she was masking. 

Nicci tried apps, she tried denial, but it ended up being therapy that helped her find her voice; and she hasn't stopped using it. She opens up about what it is like to find her truth and live a life with self-compassion. She also talks openly about being a spouse of someone who has a trauma history and about her unique approach to helping her husband when he is struggling with an often debilitating, abusive internal monologue. Her strategies might just help you navigate hard times with someone you love! 

Nicci reads her beautiful and poignant essay, "Anxiety: Irrational, Illogical, Catastrophic and, Eventually; Manageable" and she reflects on who she was and where she was in her life when she wrote it, how her newer diagnosis of ADD has informed and changed her approach to her mental health and herself, and what lies ahead for her. Listen to this warm and engaging conversation between two thoughtful human beings, and share it with someone special in your life.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> We are so lucky here at Recovery Diaries to have an international community of special, sparkly people coming to us to share their mental health recovery stories. Today's guest on the show is Nicci Attfield, who lives with anxiety and add. Nicci was born in the UK, and is currently living in South Africa. She has published two personal essays with us, (as has her husband, Jacques!) and it was a true delight to sit down with her and talk about her life as a writer, a neurodivergent person, and someone who is living her best life with mental health challenges. 

Nicci opens up about something that any of us who lives with mental illness can identify with; masking. Walking around all day, doing life, engaging in social situations trying to compensate, trying to pass, trying to get through every excruciating moment pretending, pushing through, struggling. It's exhausting. And, for quite some time, Nicci didn't even know what she was masking. 

Nicci tried apps, she tried denial, but it ended up being therapy that helped her find her voice; and she hasn't stopped using it. She opens up about what it is like to find her truth and live a life with self-compassion. She also talks openly about being a spouse of someone who has a trauma history and about her unique approach to helping her husband when he is struggling with an often debilitating, abusive internal monologue. Her strategies might just help you navigate hard times with someone you love! 

Nicci reads her beautiful and poignant essay, "Anxiety: Irrational, Illogical, Catastrophic and, Eventually; Manageable" and she reflects on who she was and where she was in her life when she wrote it, how her newer diagnosis of ADD has informed and changed her approach to her mental health and herself, and what lies ahead for her. Listen to this warm and engaging conversation between two thoughtful human beings, and share it with someone special in your life.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18281059 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3564 2 204 full true Nicci Attfield Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan A Black Mental Health Advocate & Survivor Speaks: Jasmin Pierre | RDID; 203 A Black Mental Health Advocate & Survivor Speaks: Jasmin Pierre | RDID; 203 Jasmin Pierre is the creator of The Safe Place, an award-winning app that offers free and affordable resources centering on Black mental health. Jasmin created The Safe Place for so many reasons-- because, when police respond to psychiatric emergencies and the person in crisis is black, the results can be deadly. Because of the pervasive and dangerous philosophy in many Black homes, like her own, that "what happens in this house stays in this house." Because of cultural barriers fueled by systemic racism and lack of access creating a world where there are precious few Black mental health clinicians, so Black people are stuck with providers who don't look like them, and who, invariably, do not understand their experience. Because so many Black people were brought up to not talk about it.

Well, Jasmin's talking about it. And, today, she's talking about it on Recovery Diaries in Depth with our Executive Director and host, Gabriel Nathan. Jasmin and Gabe are old friends, having met in-person at an event almost seven years ago. Their shared passion for mental health reform and revolution, and their mutual affection for each other's creativity and compassion is evident in this genuine conversation that covers so many topics, including crisis response, childhood sexual assault and abuse, the importance of rest and refueling, saying "no", and the carceral realities of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Jasmin's been a patient, Gabe's been staff, and their shared experience, though extremely different brings nuance and insight to this conversation. 

Jasmin has been a fierce advocate for Black mental health and a source of inspiration and hope for many who have been marginalized in so many ways since the beginning of this country. In their conversation, Jasmin and Gabe talk about suicide prevention, specifically as it relates to the Black community. Jasmin speaks about the inherent media bias surrounding the recent death of Kyren Lacy, a former Louisiana State University football player and wide receiver. Lacy's death, and the media maelstrom around it show us that, while we have made improvements in mental health and suicide; for Black people in America, we still have miles and miles and miles to go before we sleep. We are so grateful to Jasmin for everything she is doing to empower, educate, help, and honor through her extraordinary advocacy. Read her powerful essay about her own trauma and childhood sexual abuse; and share her interview far and wide.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Jasmin Pierre is the creator of The Safe Place, an award-winning app that offers free and affordable resources centering on Black mental health. Jasmin created The Safe Place for so many reasons-- because, when police respond to psychiatric emergencies and the person in crisis is black, the results can be deadly. Because of the pervasive and dangerous philosophy in many Black homes, like her own, that "what happens in this house stays in this house." Because of cultural barriers fueled by systemic racism and lack of access creating a world where there are precious few Black mental health clinicians, so Black people are stuck with providers who don't look like them, and who, invariably, do not understand their experience. Because so many Black people were brought up to not talk about it.

Well, Jasmin's talking about it. And, today, she's talking about it on Recovery Diaries in Depth with our Executive Director and host, Gabriel Nathan. Jasmin and Gabe are old friends, having met in-person at an event almost seven years ago. Their shared passion for mental health reform and revolution, and their mutual affection for each other's creativity and compassion is evident in this genuine conversation that covers so many topics, including crisis response, childhood sexual assault and abuse, the importance of rest and refueling, saying "no", and the carceral realities of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Jasmin's been a patient, Gabe's been staff, and their shared experience, though extremely different brings nuance and insight to this conversation. 

Jasmin has been a fierce advocate for Black mental health and a source of inspiration and hope for many who have been marginalized in so many ways since the beginning of this country. In their conversation, Jasmin and Gabe talk about suicide prevention, specifically as it relates to the Black community. Jasmin speaks about the inherent media bias surrounding the recent death of Kyren Lacy, a former Louisiana State University football player and wide receiver. Lacy's death, and the media maelstrom around it show us that, while we have made improvements in mental health and suicide; for Black people in America, we still have miles and miles and miles to go before we sleep. We are so grateful to Jasmin for everything she is doing to empower, educate, help, and honor through her extraordinary advocacy. Read her powerful essay about her own trauma and childhood sexual abuse; and share her interview far and wide.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18167983 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3697 2 203 full true Jasmin Pierre Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan Police Officer Trauma & PTSD: Officer James Jefferson | RDID; 202 Police Officer Trauma & PTSD: Officer James Jefferson | RDID; 202 Officer James Jefferson, an 18-year police service veteran and wellness coordinator in Canada, is done with the "blue wall of silence." He speaks openly, candidly, honestly, and earnestly about mental health issues in law enforcement, and the series of events that almost resulted in him killing himself with his service weapon. Why? To help other officers who are struggling, just like he did. 

On a wintry night, years ago, James and his partner responded to a homicide-in-progress call. The suspect advanced on the officers, refusing to drop his knife and James and his partner were forced to use lethal force. It was ruled a clean shoot, but that didn't help ease James's mind. He began to fell apart, he began to use drugs and alcohol. He threw caution to the wind, engaging in risky, dangerous behaviors, hoping he would be killed in the line-of-duty and be valorized a hero. He put his gun to is head, like so many other police officers do. Thankfully, James didn't pull the trigger. He got help. And now he's helping others.

In our candid conversation with James, we put police culture under the microscope and examine its many faults, how its archaic and stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health contribute to officers, and retired officers, taking their own lives. James knows this world all-too-well and, as a wellness officer, he is part of the change that is so desperately, and we're so grateful that he is. Listen to this engaging conversation, and share it with someone you love; whether they wear a badge or not.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Officer James Jefferson, an 18-year police service veteran and wellness coordinator in Canada, is done with the "blue wall of silence." He speaks openly, candidly, honestly, and earnestly about mental health issues in law enforcement, and the series of events that almost resulted in him killing himself with his service weapon. Why? To help other officers who are struggling, just like he did. 

On a wintry night, years ago, James and his partner responded to a homicide-in-progress call. The suspect advanced on the officers, refusing to drop his knife and James and his partner were forced to use lethal force. It was ruled a clean shoot, but that didn't help ease James's mind. He began to fell apart, he began to use drugs and alcohol. He threw caution to the wind, engaging in risky, dangerous behaviors, hoping he would be killed in the line-of-duty and be valorized a hero. He put his gun to is head, like so many other police officers do. Thankfully, James didn't pull the trigger. He got help. And now he's helping others.

In our candid conversation with James, we put police culture under the microscope and examine its many faults, how its archaic and stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health contribute to officers, and retired officers, taking their own lives. James knows this world all-too-well and, as a wellness officer, he is part of the change that is so desperately, and we're so grateful that he is. Listen to this engaging conversation, and share it with someone you love; whether they wear a badge or not.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-18045468 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3156 full false From Squalor and Fear to Thriving and Helping; an Interview with Psychotherapist Sheri Heller | RDID; 201 From Squalor and Fear to Thriving and Helping; an Interview with Psychotherapist Sheri Heller | RDID; 201 Sheri Heller is many things. She is a psychotherapist, a coach, an interfaith minister, and a supremely talented writer. She is also a trauma survivor, having been raised in the chaos and pain of a home where her mother was suffering from chronic paranoid schizophrenia. Sheri wrote the piece, “An Orphan’s Memorial to Her Dying Mother” and sent it to us, years ago. Our filmmaker, Glenn Holsten, was so moved by the piece that he collaborated with Sheri and animators Sandra & Paul Fierlinger to create a beautiful animated short about her relationship with her mother. 

On our podcast, Sheri talks about how creative expression—writing, psychodrama, performance—can open doors to healing. She offers practical markers of readiness, why a stable witness matters, and how to pace work when somatic memory surges past your defenses.

We also dig into the broken architecture of mental health care: fragmented services, prohibitive costs, and the patchwork of county policies that make crisis responses inconsistent. Sheri recounts the plainspoken guidance NAMI gave her—advice that balanced compassion with realism—and how it reshaped her approach to caregiving and self-preservation. Her story arrives in the present with a quiet kind of hope: sobriety, a marriage rooted in mutual understanding, a steady practice in Montreal, and the capacity to regulate and re-center when old echoes return. Listen, and share.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Sheri Heller is many things. She is a psychotherapist, a coach, an interfaith minister, and a supremely talented writer. She is also a trauma survivor, having been raised in the chaos and pain of a home where her mother was suffering from chronic paranoid schizophrenia. Sheri wrote the piece, “An Orphan’s Memorial to Her Dying Mother” and sent it to us, years ago. Our filmmaker, Glenn Holsten, was so moved by the piece that he collaborated with Sheri and animators Sandra & Paul Fierlinger to create a beautiful animated short about her relationship with her mother. 

On our podcast, Sheri talks about how creative expression—writing, psychodrama, performance—can open doors to healing. She offers practical markers of readiness, why a stable witness matters, and how to pace work when somatic memory surges past your defenses.

We also dig into the broken architecture of mental health care: fragmented services, prohibitive costs, and the patchwork of county policies that make crisis responses inconsistent. Sheri recounts the plainspoken guidance NAMI gave her—advice that balanced compassion with realism—and how it reshaped her approach to caregiving and self-preservation. Her story arrives in the present with a quiet kind of hope: sobriety, a marriage rooted in mutual understanding, a steady practice in Montreal, and the capacity to regulate and re-center when old echoes return. Listen, and share.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17963964 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 3407 full false Mental Health On The High Seas: A Conversation with Writer/Filmmaker Stephen O'Shea | RDID; 124 Mental Health On The High Seas: A Conversation with Writer/Filmmaker Stephen O'Shea | RDID; 124 The most dangerous period for a veteran isn't during during enlistment, but that first year after leaving the military; and the danger almost exclusively comes from the self; a severely elevated risk for suicide. In fact, the suicide rate for non-combat veterans is higher for those who have been in active combat.

When Navy veteran Taylor Grieger survived a suicide attempt, he made a radical decision—to sail around Cape Horn, the Mount Everest of sailing, to raise awareness for veteran suicide. His close friend Stephen O'Shea joined, not just to document the journey, but to support Taylor, to learn, to help. By doing so, together, Taylor and Stephen created an extraordinary journey and the powerful film "Hell or High Seas." Several short clips related to this extraordinary film live on our site, and are available to view here and here.

Our conversation with writer and filmmaker Stephen O'Shea takes us deep into the invisible wounds of military service and the profound challenges of transition to civilian life. Stephen shares how veterans' bodies become programmed for adrenaline and stress during service, creating a physiological withdrawal when that environment suddenly disappears. The sailing journey wasn't just adventure for adventure's sake—it was carefully conceived as therapeutic, giving Taylor's body and mind positive associations with stress and excitement rather than negative ones.

Stephen speaks with authority, energy, and empathy about the plight faced by veterans, but also about his relationship with Taylor and the impact on his own mental health of what they went through together. Stephen's candid sharing about his own mental health struggles after the journey reveals how even a fraction of the stress experienced by service members can create lasting impacts. Their story illustrates why adventure therapy is gaining recognition worldwide—it combines community, purpose, and physical challenge in ways that address the complex dimensions of trauma and transition.

Today, Taylor runs his own nonprofit, taking veterans sailing as therapy-- "adventure therapy"-- clearly demonstrating how one healing journey can create ripples, on the high seas, that help countless others and Stephen continues making films that are helping to change the world.


"Hell or High Seas" is available on Amazon Prime. And if you're passionate about mental health stories that inspire hope and change, subscribe to Recovery Diaries for more conversations that illuminate the path from struggle to strength.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> The most dangerous period for a veteran isn't during during enlistment, but that first year after leaving the military; and the danger almost exclusively comes from the self; a severely elevated risk for suicide. In fact, the suicide rate for non-combat veterans is higher for those who have been in active combat.

When Navy veteran Taylor Grieger survived a suicide attempt, he made a radical decision—to sail around Cape Horn, the Mount Everest of sailing, to raise awareness for veteran suicide. His close friend Stephen O'Shea joined, not just to document the journey, but to support Taylor, to learn, to help. By doing so, together, Taylor and Stephen created an extraordinary journey and the powerful film "Hell or High Seas." Several short clips related to this extraordinary film live on our site, and are available to view here and here.

Our conversation with writer and filmmaker Stephen O'Shea takes us deep into the invisible wounds of military service and the profound challenges of transition to civilian life. Stephen shares how veterans' bodies become programmed for adrenaline and stress during service, creating a physiological withdrawal when that environment suddenly disappears. The sailing journey wasn't just adventure for adventure's sake—it was carefully conceived as therapeutic, giving Taylor's body and mind positive associations with stress and excitement rather than negative ones.

Stephen speaks with authority, energy, and empathy about the plight faced by veterans, but also about his relationship with Taylor and the impact on his own mental health of what they went through together. Stephen's candid sharing about his own mental health struggles after the journey reveals how even a fraction of the stress experienced by service members can create lasting impacts. Their story illustrates why adventure therapy is gaining recognition worldwide—it combines community, purpose, and physical challenge in ways that address the complex dimensions of trauma and transition.

Today, Taylor runs his own nonprofit, taking veterans sailing as therapy-- "adventure therapy"-- clearly demonstrating how one healing journey can create ripples, on the high seas, that help countless others and Stephen continues making films that are helping to change the world.


"Hell or High Seas" is available on Amazon Prime. And if you're passionate about mental health stories that inspire hope and change, subscribe to Recovery Diaries for more conversations that illuminate the path from struggle to strength.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17808628 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2957 1 124 full true A Vibrant Voice with DID Explores Trauma through Writing | RDID; 123 A Vibrant Voice with DID Explores Trauma through Writing | RDID; 123 Elizabeth Ann Devine is a non-binary author living with ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and dissociative identity disorder. They have been twice published on Recovery Diaries, and we were delighted to welcome them onto Recovery Diaries in Depth to share their powerful journey of using writing as both survival mechanism and healing practice.

From early childhood, Elizabeth found sanctuary in libraries, using books and later their own writing as ways to process trauma and family dysfunction. "I probably write more than I live," they admit, highlighting a compulsive creative practice that became essential when other avenues for support proved inaccessible or harmful. 


Their essay "The Plight of the One-Person Mental Health Support System" offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into living with complex mental health challenges while navigating family relationships shaped by generational trauma. "It's like popping a zit" Elizabeth says about writing, and some of its consequences of breaking family cycles of secrecy, including estrangement and lost relationships.

"I'm compulsively honest," they say about themselves. Elizabeth has chosen to share their experiences publicly not just for personal healing but to create connection points for others facing similar struggles. The conversation touches on how broader political contexts impact mental health, particularly for marginalized communities, while still finding ways to choose "hope over fear" through daily practices of self-care, creativity, and helping others.

Elizabeth's essays are as creative as they are brave, and we are honored to have them as part of our community of mental health storytellers. Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations that illuminate the complex, challenging, and ultimately hopeful journeys of recovery.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Elizabeth Ann Devine is a non-binary author living with ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and dissociative identity disorder. They have been twice published on Recovery Diaries, and we were delighted to welcome them onto Recovery Diaries in Depth to share their powerful journey of using writing as both survival mechanism and healing practice.

From early childhood, Elizabeth found sanctuary in libraries, using books and later their own writing as ways to process trauma and family dysfunction. "I probably write more than I live," they admit, highlighting a compulsive creative practice that became essential when other avenues for support proved inaccessible or harmful. 


Their essay "The Plight of the One-Person Mental Health Support System" offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into living with complex mental health challenges while navigating family relationships shaped by generational trauma. "It's like popping a zit" Elizabeth says about writing, and some of its consequences of breaking family cycles of secrecy, including estrangement and lost relationships.

"I'm compulsively honest," they say about themselves. Elizabeth has chosen to share their experiences publicly not just for personal healing but to create connection points for others facing similar struggles. The conversation touches on how broader political contexts impact mental health, particularly for marginalized communities, while still finding ways to choose "hope over fear" through daily practices of self-care, creativity, and helping others.

Elizabeth's essays are as creative as they are brave, and we are honored to have them as part of our community of mental health storytellers. Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations that illuminate the complex, challenging, and ultimately hopeful journeys of recovery.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17736617 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2836 1 123 full true Burnout, Bravery, Breakthrough: A Conversation with Artist-Scholar Shumaila Hemani | RDID; 122 Burnout, Bravery, Breakthrough: A Conversation with Artist-Scholar Shumaila Hemani | RDID; 122 From her earliest memories growing up in Pakistan—where her dream of pursuing music seemed impossible for a woman—to the hallowed halls of Harvard University where overwhelming expectations led to debilitating burnout, Dr. Shumaila Hemani reveals the institutional and cultural pressures that shaped her experience. The expectations of perfection, unrelenting pressure, and cold academic warnings left her feeling bereft of direction, support, and purpose.

The turning point came through an unexpected source: a piece of 16th-century Khayal tradition music discovered in Harvard's library. This musical sanctuary became her refuge, reconnecting her with spirituality when rational academic structures had failed her. "The line 'Aapne Allah Ko Pehchan' (recognize the Allah within you) resonated so deeply with me," she explains, "pushing me to make this important shift from the world of reason that had betrayed me to seek refuge in the world of faith."

After leaving Harvard—a decision carrying its own weight of shame—Dr. Hemani rebuilt her identity through studying with an ustad (master musician) and emerging as a Sufi performer and ethnomusicologist. This transformation led to founding the Deep Listening Path Initiative, which now helps others overcome burnout through music, meditation, and deep listening practices.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Hemani reads her powerful Recovery Diaries essay "Music is Sanctuary: Navigating Burnout in the Ivy League with the Power of Deep Listening," and shares how publishing this piece inspired her forthcoming memoir "Writing in the Wound." Her story offers profound insights into resilience, cultural identity, and finding purpose through pain.

Listen now to discover how sometimes our most difficult experiences become the foundation for our greatest contributions—when we learn to listen deeply to what they have to teach us.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> From her earliest memories growing up in Pakistan—where her dream of pursuing music seemed impossible for a woman—to the hallowed halls of Harvard University where overwhelming expectations led to debilitating burnout, Dr. Shumaila Hemani reveals the institutional and cultural pressures that shaped her experience. The expectations of perfection, unrelenting pressure, and cold academic warnings left her feeling bereft of direction, support, and purpose.

The turning point came through an unexpected source: a piece of 16th-century Khayal tradition music discovered in Harvard's library. This musical sanctuary became her refuge, reconnecting her with spirituality when rational academic structures had failed her. "The line 'Aapne Allah Ko Pehchan' (recognize the Allah within you) resonated so deeply with me," she explains, "pushing me to make this important shift from the world of reason that had betrayed me to seek refuge in the world of faith."

After leaving Harvard—a decision carrying its own weight of shame—Dr. Hemani rebuilt her identity through studying with an ustad (master musician) and emerging as a Sufi performer and ethnomusicologist. This transformation led to founding the Deep Listening Path Initiative, which now helps others overcome burnout through music, meditation, and deep listening practices.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Hemani reads her powerful Recovery Diaries essay "Music is Sanctuary: Navigating Burnout in the Ivy League with the Power of Deep Listening," and shares how publishing this piece inspired her forthcoming memoir "Writing in the Wound." Her story offers profound insights into resilience, cultural identity, and finding purpose through pain.

Listen now to discover how sometimes our most difficult experiences become the foundation for our greatest contributions—when we learn to listen deeply to what they have to teach us.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17631225 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3720 1 122 full true Hoarding, Helping, Hoping: An Interview with psychologist Deborah Derrickson Kossmann, author of "Lost, Found, Kept: A Memoir" | RDID; 121 Hoarding, Helping, Hoping: An Interview with psychologist Deborah Derrickson Kossmann, author of "Lost, Found, Kept: A Memoir" | RDID; 121 "Love is what gives us the strength to balance the anger."

It seems improbable that a human being who has shouldered the weight of so much trauma, so many secrets, so much shame could come to this conclusion, but this is part of what makes Dr. Deborah Derrickson Kossmann such a powerful writer, and such an unshakable empath. 

In this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth, Deb speaks openly about her mother's descent into hoarding disorder, their immensely complex relationship, and broader issues related to mental illness, trauma, anxiety, and recovery in this fascinating interview with host Gabriel Nathan. Deb's book, "Lost, Found, Kept: A Memoir" is a stunning, award-winning debut book from this therapist/author who confronts so much buried pain with such compassion, not only for her mother, but for herself and for others going through similar trials in life. 

"Lost, Found, Kept" is far more than a story of one woman's mental illness, it is a complex narrative woven and stitched through time that traces, through objects and memories, a story of what happened and how, and what comes after shame is discovered and uncovered. 

Deb shares with Gabe what writing "Lost, Found, Kept" was like, why she decided to tell this story, how she navigates her two lives as therapist and as writer-- one requiring discretion and boundaries, one necessitating public openness-- and she vulnerably shares about what it has been like to navigate the immensely complex nature of coming to grips with a family member's mental illness when you yourself are a practitioner.

This book and this interview are, ultimately, about survival of what threatens to consume and destroy, what lies buried under detritus and secrets, and what can emerge to give hope, strength, and love. Listen, and share.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> "Love is what gives us the strength to balance the anger."

It seems improbable that a human being who has shouldered the weight of so much trauma, so many secrets, so much shame could come to this conclusion, but this is part of what makes Dr. Deborah Derrickson Kossmann such a powerful writer, and such an unshakable empath. 

In this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth, Deb speaks openly about her mother's descent into hoarding disorder, their immensely complex relationship, and broader issues related to mental illness, trauma, anxiety, and recovery in this fascinating interview with host Gabriel Nathan. Deb's book, "Lost, Found, Kept: A Memoir" is a stunning, award-winning debut book from this therapist/author who confronts so much buried pain with such compassion, not only for her mother, but for herself and for others going through similar trials in life. 

"Lost, Found, Kept" is far more than a story of one woman's mental illness, it is a complex narrative woven and stitched through time that traces, through objects and memories, a story of what happened and how, and what comes after shame is discovered and uncovered. 

Deb shares with Gabe what writing "Lost, Found, Kept" was like, why she decided to tell this story, how she navigates her two lives as therapist and as writer-- one requiring discretion and boundaries, one necessitating public openness-- and she vulnerably shares about what it has been like to navigate the immensely complex nature of coming to grips with a family member's mental illness when you yourself are a practitioner.

This book and this interview are, ultimately, about survival of what threatens to consume and destroy, what lies buried under detritus and secrets, and what can emerge to give hope, strength, and love. Listen, and share.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17575191 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3254 1 121 full true How a Chance Encounter Led to a 30-Year Therapeutic Journey; in Conversation with Brian Marshall | RDID; 120 How a Chance Encounter Led to a 30-Year Therapeutic Journey; in Conversation with Brian Marshall | RDID; 120 NAMI asserts that the average length of time between onset of mental health symptoms and reaching out for help is eleven years. That is an excruciatingly long time to be living with mental health challenges without professional help, and the reasons behind why many people wait so long are varied, complex, and understandable. If you are one of those people living in anguish or despair, if you are one of those people who know, deep down, that there is something wrong and that help is desperately needed: this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth is for you.

Brian Marshall needed help. He was living in throes of a deep, vast depression, not wanting or able to leave his house. His father, a police officer working a side job of painting houses, observed his son suffering. He also observed something else: a stead trickle of children from the neighborhood going into and out of the home that he was painting. One day, Brian's father asked the homeowner why the kids were coming. She said that she was a psychotherapist, working with children who needed help. Brian's father, a good-natured helper of others, but who had difficulty opening up, being vulnerable and expressing himself (like many cops, let alone men, of that era) put those feelings aside and did what he knew was best for his son; he asked this lady for help for Brian.

What ensued was a therapeutic bond between Brian and the therapist, Claire Allen, that would endure for three decades. Brian, who lives with bipolar disorder and depression, knew he wasn't going to make it without help and support. Hospitalized multiple times throughout his life, he has known great stability throughout the last two decades, and he credits much of that stability to the dedicated therapist who saw him through so much of his life.

Brian Marshall, an award-winning journalist, has been twice-published by Recovery Diaries, first for his beautiful tribute to his therapeutic bond with Claire, and, in his second essay, for taking us into the experience of receiving (and benefitting from) ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Brian's conversation with RDID host Gabriel Nathan is empathic, hopeful, helpful, and uplifting. Brian isn't "cured", and he is currently experiencing challenges navigating the healthcare system; challenges that many of our listeners will identify with, but he is navigating life with strength and resilience. Listen to this candid, inspiring interview, and share it with someone you love; someone who may be waiting, waiting for a sign, that the time to get help is now.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> NAMI asserts that the average length of time between onset of mental health symptoms and reaching out for help is eleven years. That is an excruciatingly long time to be living with mental health challenges without professional help, and the reasons behind why many people wait so long are varied, complex, and understandable. If you are one of those people living in anguish or despair, if you are one of those people who know, deep down, that there is something wrong and that help is desperately needed: this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth is for you.

Brian Marshall needed help. He was living in throes of a deep, vast depression, not wanting or able to leave his house. His father, a police officer working a side job of painting houses, observed his son suffering. He also observed something else: a stead trickle of children from the neighborhood going into and out of the home that he was painting. One day, Brian's father asked the homeowner why the kids were coming. She said that she was a psychotherapist, working with children who needed help. Brian's father, a good-natured helper of others, but who had difficulty opening up, being vulnerable and expressing himself (like many cops, let alone men, of that era) put those feelings aside and did what he knew was best for his son; he asked this lady for help for Brian.

What ensued was a therapeutic bond between Brian and the therapist, Claire Allen, that would endure for three decades. Brian, who lives with bipolar disorder and depression, knew he wasn't going to make it without help and support. Hospitalized multiple times throughout his life, he has known great stability throughout the last two decades, and he credits much of that stability to the dedicated therapist who saw him through so much of his life.

Brian Marshall, an award-winning journalist, has been twice-published by Recovery Diaries, first for his beautiful tribute to his therapeutic bond with Claire, and, in his second essay, for taking us into the experience of receiving (and benefitting from) ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Brian's conversation with RDID host Gabriel Nathan is empathic, hopeful, helpful, and uplifting. Brian isn't "cured", and he is currently experiencing challenges navigating the healthcare system; challenges that many of our listeners will identify with, but he is navigating life with strength and resilience. Listen to this candid, inspiring interview, and share it with someone you love; someone who may be waiting, waiting for a sign, that the time to get help is now.


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17477578 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3340 1 120 full true Walking Across America for Men's Mental Health, a Conversation with Tim Pereira | RDID; 119 Walking Across America for Men's Mental Health, a Conversation with Tim Pereira | RDID; 119 People do all kinds of things to bring attention to mental health and suicide prevention. There are people who have ridden bicycles nude around the United Kingdom. Some take ice baths and do push-up challenges. A few years ago, the host of this very podcast filmed himself driving his 1963 Beetle, emblazoned with the Suicide/Crisis line on the rear window, up and down the East Coast.  

Tim Perreira is walking across the United States to bring awareness to men's mental health and suicide prevention. He is doing it to challenge himself, to help himself understand. To help himself help others. 

On day 70 of his cross-country journey from Newport Beach to Virginia Beach, Tim sat down on a rest-day in a motel room in Elkhart, Kansas to share the profound story, journey, and experience with a fellow mental health and suicide awareness advocate, RDID's host, Gabriel Nathan. These two men care so deeply about the activism in which they engage, and their sometimes diverging, sometimes aligning perspectives shine through, making this interview engaging and far-reaching.

For Tim, this path he is creating is as much a reaching out as it is a reaching in. Despite appearing successful on paper—good grades, promising tech career, living in major cities—Tim experienced what he describes as "a landslide going on internally" between 2016-2020. His motivation disappeared, his health declined, and eventually, he lost his job due to declining performance.

Tim was able to rally, making changes in his personal and professional life, but it wasn't enough. He sunk into an even deeper depression, far more recently, and he knew he had to do something. And sometimes inspiration is a slow burn, and sometimes it hits-- well-- like lightning. That's how this went for Tim.

Tim knew he'd found his path forward. Now raising $50,000 for men's mental health charities, Tim approaches each day with his mantra "this too"—embracing every experience, whether it's physical pain, gear problems, or moments of beauty, as part of life's curriculum. "Life isn't happening to you," he explains, "it's happening for you."

What makes Tim's journey so compelling isn't just the miles covered but how he's transformed conceptual understanding into embodied wisdom. By walking without distractions and processing his thoughts in real-time, he's creating a living demonstration of mental health work that resonates deeply with followers across social media platforms.

We know you will be inspired by this thought-provoking interview. Follow Tim's remarkable journey on LinkedIn and Instagram. Tim is now over 100 days into his footpath across America, but he is just getting started making a difference in the lives of others. 


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> People do all kinds of things to bring attention to mental health and suicide prevention. There are people who have ridden bicycles nude around the United Kingdom. Some take ice baths and do push-up challenges. A few years ago, the host of this very podcast filmed himself driving his 1963 Beetle, emblazoned with the Suicide/Crisis line on the rear window, up and down the East Coast.  

Tim Perreira is walking across the United States to bring awareness to men's mental health and suicide prevention. He is doing it to challenge himself, to help himself understand. To help himself help others. 

On day 70 of his cross-country journey from Newport Beach to Virginia Beach, Tim sat down on a rest-day in a motel room in Elkhart, Kansas to share the profound story, journey, and experience with a fellow mental health and suicide awareness advocate, RDID's host, Gabriel Nathan. These two men care so deeply about the activism in which they engage, and their sometimes diverging, sometimes aligning perspectives shine through, making this interview engaging and far-reaching.

For Tim, this path he is creating is as much a reaching out as it is a reaching in. Despite appearing successful on paper—good grades, promising tech career, living in major cities—Tim experienced what he describes as "a landslide going on internally" between 2016-2020. His motivation disappeared, his health declined, and eventually, he lost his job due to declining performance.

Tim was able to rally, making changes in his personal and professional life, but it wasn't enough. He sunk into an even deeper depression, far more recently, and he knew he had to do something. And sometimes inspiration is a slow burn, and sometimes it hits-- well-- like lightning. That's how this went for Tim.

Tim knew he'd found his path forward. Now raising $50,000 for men's mental health charities, Tim approaches each day with his mantra "this too"—embracing every experience, whether it's physical pain, gear problems, or moments of beauty, as part of life's curriculum. "Life isn't happening to you," he explains, "it's happening for you."

What makes Tim's journey so compelling isn't just the miles covered but how he's transformed conceptual understanding into embodied wisdom. By walking without distractions and processing his thoughts in real-time, he's creating a living demonstration of mental health work that resonates deeply with followers across social media platforms.

We know you will be inspired by this thought-provoking interview. Follow Tim's remarkable journey on LinkedIn and Instagram. Tim is now over 100 days into his footpath across America, but he is just getting started making a difference in the lives of others. 


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17369692 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 3358 1 119 full true Tim Perreira Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan An Author with Pure OCD Writes, Survives, and Thrives in Turkey An Author with Pure OCD Writes, Survives, and Thrives in Turkey What happens when your own mind becomes your greatest fear? When intrusive thoughts flood in that feel completely alien to who you really are? In this intimate conversation, writer Pinar Tarhan takes us deep into her experience with Pure Harm OCD – a misunderstood subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized not by handwashing or organization, but by terrifying unwanted thoughts.

Pinar describes the journey from her initial diagnosis at age 19, when disturbing thoughts about harming herself and others left her convinced she was "going mad." She walks us through the frightening early days when she worried she might be "the worst scum humanity had ever seen" simply because of the thoughts in her head. What makes her story particularly compelling is how it challenges popular misconceptions about OCD and mental illness broadly – including the harmful belief that you need severe trauma to legitimately suffer from mental health issues.

Through persistence and several false starts, Pinar eventually found the right psychiatrist who recognized her condition and provided effective treatment. Her recovery path combined medication, therapy, and developing strong personal boundaries. She also speaks candidly about navigating mental health challenges within Turkish culture, which she describes as "a weird melting pot" where finding people who share her individualistic values proved difficult but essential.

Most powerfully, Pinar reveals her transformation from someone terrified of her own mind to someone who now manages her symptoms so effectively that friends joke about whether she even has OCD anymore. While acknowledging that recovery isn't linear and that certain triggers can still cause temporary setbacks, she demonstrates that living well with mental illness is absolutely possible.

Listen to discover how Pinar turned her painful experience into purpose by sharing her story, potentially helping countless others who might recognize themselves in her words. Her journey reminds us that healing comes in many forms – sometimes through medication, sometimes through connection, and sometimes through the simple power of knowing you aren't alone.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> What happens when your own mind becomes your greatest fear? When intrusive thoughts flood in that feel completely alien to who you really are? In this intimate conversation, writer Pinar Tarhan takes us deep into her experience with Pure Harm OCD – a misunderstood subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized not by handwashing or organization, but by terrifying unwanted thoughts.

Pinar describes the journey from her initial diagnosis at age 19, when disturbing thoughts about harming herself and others left her convinced she was "going mad." She walks us through the frightening early days when she worried she might be "the worst scum humanity had ever seen" simply because of the thoughts in her head. What makes her story particularly compelling is how it challenges popular misconceptions about OCD and mental illness broadly – including the harmful belief that you need severe trauma to legitimately suffer from mental health issues.

Through persistence and several false starts, Pinar eventually found the right psychiatrist who recognized her condition and provided effective treatment. Her recovery path combined medication, therapy, and developing strong personal boundaries. She also speaks candidly about navigating mental health challenges within Turkish culture, which she describes as "a weird melting pot" where finding people who share her individualistic values proved difficult but essential.

Most powerfully, Pinar reveals her transformation from someone terrified of her own mind to someone who now manages her symptoms so effectively that friends joke about whether she even has OCD anymore. While acknowledging that recovery isn't linear and that certain triggers can still cause temporary setbacks, she demonstrates that living well with mental illness is absolutely possible.

Listen to discover how Pinar turned her painful experience into purpose by sharing her story, potentially helping countless others who might recognize themselves in her words. Her journey reminds us that healing comes in many forms – sometimes through medication, sometimes through connection, and sometimes through the simple power of knowing you aren't alone.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17293449 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2863 1 118 full true A Doctor in Rwanda's Life with Anxiety | RDID; 117 A Doctor in Rwanda's Life with Anxiety | RDID; 117 Florence Mukangenzi is a doctor in Rwanda who lives with mental health challenges, including anxiety. In 2017, back when she was a medical student, she wrote a beautiful essay for our site called "Playing Hide and Seek with a Demon: My Struggle with Anxiety." In 2019, she flew across oceans to join other women from around the world for a unique women's writers retreat in Cape May, New Jersey, where her bond with the staff and contributors at Recovery Diaries flourished. She returned to Rwanda empowered and inspired.

However, COVID soon hit and Florence's life and studies were upended; her mental health struggles continued and she remained committed to finishing her medical education so that she could become the general practitioner she is today, helping others in need in her own community; people living with immense struggles, with the perpetual scars from war-torn genocide, people who sometimes struggle with unhelpful and unhealthy views of mental illness.

In her interview with Recovery Diaries in Depth host Gabe Nathan, Flo talks about what is different about living with anxiety, particularly as a doctor, in Rwanda, but what is also similar to anybody else's experience living with mental health challenges anywhere else in the world. She also shares about ketamine treatment she has tried, which is so hard to access in her country. Flo is honest, charming, witty, and passionate about her career, her recovery, and her advocacy, and it shows in the thoughtful responses she gives to Gabe's questions. 

We are delighted to share Flo with you, to introduce you to this inspiring human being, and to share her message of hope and strength. 

Are you ready to discover more stories of mental health, empowerment and change? Check us out for more essays, films, and more podcast episodes featuring diverse voices from around the world.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Florence Mukangenzi is a doctor in Rwanda who lives with mental health challenges, including anxiety. In 2017, back when she was a medical student, she wrote a beautiful essay for our site called "Playing Hide and Seek with a Demon: My Struggle with Anxiety." In 2019, she flew across oceans to join other women from around the world for a unique women's writers retreat in Cape May, New Jersey, where her bond with the staff and contributors at Recovery Diaries flourished. She returned to Rwanda empowered and inspired.

However, COVID soon hit and Florence's life and studies were upended; her mental health struggles continued and she remained committed to finishing her medical education so that she could become the general practitioner she is today, helping others in need in her own community; people living with immense struggles, with the perpetual scars from war-torn genocide, people who sometimes struggle with unhelpful and unhealthy views of mental illness.

In her interview with Recovery Diaries in Depth host Gabe Nathan, Flo talks about what is different about living with anxiety, particularly as a doctor, in Rwanda, but what is also similar to anybody else's experience living with mental health challenges anywhere else in the world. She also shares about ketamine treatment she has tried, which is so hard to access in her country. Flo is honest, charming, witty, and passionate about her career, her recovery, and her advocacy, and it shows in the thoughtful responses she gives to Gabe's questions. 

We are delighted to share Flo with you, to introduce you to this inspiring human being, and to share her message of hope and strength. 

Are you ready to discover more stories of mental health, empowerment and change? Check us out for more essays, films, and more podcast episodes featuring diverse voices from around the world.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17163776 Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 4347 1 117 full true A Punk Rocker with Bipolar Finds Hope and Healing | RDID; Ep 116 A Punk Rocker with Bipolar Finds Hope and Healing | RDID; Ep 116 Jason Schreurs calls himself a “punk rock weirdo”, but he’s also a mental health group facilitator, writer, creator, advocate, podcast host and someone who lives with bipolar disorder. You could say that bipolar and punk come together in a unique and exciting way in Jason’s life and that “scream therapy” (the name of his podcast) is just one of the ways that Jason keeps and stays healthy, stable, and in recovery. 

Jason has written two creative and unique personal essays for Recovery Diaries, one about his relationship with social media, “Social Media – Recovering from the Drug Addiction of the Nation” and his eloquent, artistic reflection on getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder, “A Fractured Journey: Feeling the Throes of Bipolar Disorder Before Diagnosis”, which Jason reads aloud on our podcast. For Jason, writing has always been a lifeline, something that he has used to help express himself for himself as well as communicate with and connect to others. 

While Jason is an engaging podcast host on his own show, he’s just as good a guest on ours! In our conversation with Jason, he talks about what life was like before his diagnosis and how he is doing now; and Jason is thriving. His creativity has not diminished at all (even though some folks fear taking medication will take away their “juice”), he is helping others through his work as a bipolar support groups facilitator, and he continues to write and speak openly about his mental health, while still enjoying and making music. 

You can find everything Jason (including his fabulous book, "Scream Therapy: A Punk Journey Through Mental Health" at screamtherapyhq.com!  

This “punk rock weirdo” is the real deal, and we know you’ll enjoy his openness, his humor, and his heart. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/



https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Jason Schreurs calls himself a “punk rock weirdo”, but he’s also a mental health group facilitator, writer, creator, advocate, podcast host and someone who lives with bipolar disorder. You could say that bipolar and punk come together in a unique and exciting way in Jason’s life and that “scream therapy” (the name of his podcast) is just one of the ways that Jason keeps and stays healthy, stable, and in recovery. 

Jason has written two creative and unique personal essays for Recovery Diaries, one about his relationship with social media, “Social Media – Recovering from the Drug Addiction of the Nation” and his eloquent, artistic reflection on getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder, “A Fractured Journey: Feeling the Throes of Bipolar Disorder Before Diagnosis”, which Jason reads aloud on our podcast. For Jason, writing has always been a lifeline, something that he has used to help express himself for himself as well as communicate with and connect to others. 

While Jason is an engaging podcast host on his own show, he’s just as good a guest on ours! In our conversation with Jason, he talks about what life was like before his diagnosis and how he is doing now; and Jason is thriving. His creativity has not diminished at all (even though some folks fear taking medication will take away their “juice”), he is helping others through his work as a bipolar support groups facilitator, and he continues to write and speak openly about his mental health, while still enjoying and making music. 

You can find everything Jason (including his fabulous book, "Scream Therapy: A Punk Journey Through Mental Health" at screamtherapyhq.com!  

This “punk rock weirdo” is the real deal, and we know you’ll enjoy his openness, his humor, and his heart. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/



https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-17066486 Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2753 full false A Writer & Therapist with Pure OCD and Anxiety; with Hannah R. Goodman | RDID; Ep 115 A Writer & Therapist with Pure OCD and Anxiety; with Hannah R. Goodman | RDID; Ep 115 Hannah R. Goodman is busy: she has a Substack, she’s a writer and novelist, she is a therapist, she’s a spouse and a mother. She has a lot going on in her life; and a lot going on in her head, too—as she’s very open about—particularly “pure O” and generalized anxiety disorder. There’s so much going on that it was surprising that she found time to spend an hour with us to sit down and talk, but she did! And we’re grateful for it.

Hannah has long been a friend of Recovery Diaries; she’s published two essays with us, The Big Scare: My Anxiety Disorder Story and When Thoughts are Sticky; Pure OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (she reads this one aloud on our podcast, and knocks it out of the park). Hannah has a remarkable facility not only with words, but with human emotion, and she opens herself up in a vulnerable and moving way with our host, Gabe Nathan, as they share their experiences with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, and about expressing themselves creatively through writing.

Hannah reveals that she is in an “interesting place” regarding her writing and, during the interview, she breaks down what she means. She also speaks about losing her father, one of her strongest supporters and someone who helped her understand and navigate her anxiety, even though he had little formal knowledge about or training in mental health.

Come be warmed and helped through this compassionate conversation between two people who admire and respect each other, exploring issues and facets of mental health that aren’t commonly discussed on platforms like this. Like, share, and, of course, subscribe!

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Hannah R. Goodman is busy: she has a Substack, she’s a writer and novelist, she is a therapist, she’s a spouse and a mother. She has a lot going on in her life; and a lot going on in her head, too—as she’s very open about—particularly “pure O” and generalized anxiety disorder. There’s so much going on that it was surprising that she found time to spend an hour with us to sit down and talk, but she did! And we’re grateful for it.

Hannah has long been a friend of Recovery Diaries; she’s published two essays with us, The Big Scare: My Anxiety Disorder Story and When Thoughts are Sticky; Pure OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (she reads this one aloud on our podcast, and knocks it out of the park). Hannah has a remarkable facility not only with words, but with human emotion, and she opens herself up in a vulnerable and moving way with our host, Gabe Nathan, as they share their experiences with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, and about expressing themselves creatively through writing.

Hannah reveals that she is in an “interesting place” regarding her writing and, during the interview, she breaks down what she means. She also speaks about losing her father, one of her strongest supporters and someone who helped her understand and navigate her anxiety, even though he had little formal knowledge about or training in mental health.

Come be warmed and helped through this compassionate conversation between two people who admire and respect each other, exploring issues and facets of mental health that aren’t commonly discussed on platforms like this. Like, share, and, of course, subscribe!

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they’re always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16911677 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2835 1 115 full true Work, Life, and Self-Care with Bipolar Disorder; with Sheila O’Shea | RDID; Ep 114 Work, Life, and Self-Care with Bipolar Disorder; with Sheila O’Shea | RDID; Ep 114 Sheila O'Shea is a writer with bipolar disorder; two of her intriguing and vulnerable personal essays reside on our website, www.oc87recoverydiaries.org. In one of her essays, she writes about the importance of drawing boundaries at work and the other piece is devoted to how she learned she had bipolar disorder. Our podcast interview with Sheila delves into material and themes from both essays. Sheila talks openly about working with bipolar disorder, the frustrating necessity of educating employers who know next-to-nothing about mental illness, and the benefits of working from home. Sheila describes bipolar disorder as leaving her work life in tatters, but she is continuing to work, this time on her own terms, and living a healthier life.

Sheila also talks about "the unpleasantness", which is how she refers to how her bipolar disorder was finally diagnosed, and speaks candidly about her time spent in a locked, inpatient psychiatric hospital; one of the most highly stigmatized and feared places on Earth. "It was really fucking boring," Sheila says with a laugh. Most stories about psychiatric hospitals are replete with horror stories, but Sheila's description reveals the often ceaseless banality patients encounter in these facilities where there is often not much to do and the most exciting thing that happens is your discharge. 

Exploring hypomania with thoughtfulness, Sheila openly admits that there are "advantages" to hypomania-- creativity and productivity being chief among them-- but that high always wears off and the crushing low comes hard; it is this knowledge and understanding that has prevented Sheila from going off her medication, and it's what keeps her stable. Sheila's insight, awareness, and openness made her a great guest, and you'll enjoy her conversation with our host, Gabriel Nathan. Check it out; like, share, and subscribe to Recovery Diaries in Depth. 


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Sheila O'Shea is a writer with bipolar disorder; two of her intriguing and vulnerable personal essays reside on our website, www.oc87recoverydiaries.org. In one of her essays, she writes about the importance of drawing boundaries at work and the other piece is devoted to how she learned she had bipolar disorder. Our podcast interview with Sheila delves into material and themes from both essays. Sheila talks openly about working with bipolar disorder, the frustrating necessity of educating employers who know next-to-nothing about mental illness, and the benefits of working from home. Sheila describes bipolar disorder as leaving her work life in tatters, but she is continuing to work, this time on her own terms, and living a healthier life.

Sheila also talks about "the unpleasantness", which is how she refers to how her bipolar disorder was finally diagnosed, and speaks candidly about her time spent in a locked, inpatient psychiatric hospital; one of the most highly stigmatized and feared places on Earth. "It was really fucking boring," Sheila says with a laugh. Most stories about psychiatric hospitals are replete with horror stories, but Sheila's description reveals the often ceaseless banality patients encounter in these facilities where there is often not much to do and the most exciting thing that happens is your discharge. 

Exploring hypomania with thoughtfulness, Sheila openly admits that there are "advantages" to hypomania-- creativity and productivity being chief among them-- but that high always wears off and the crushing low comes hard; it is this knowledge and understanding that has prevented Sheila from going off her medication, and it's what keeps her stable. Sheila's insight, awareness, and openness made her a great guest, and you'll enjoy her conversation with our host, Gabriel Nathan. Check it out; like, share, and subscribe to Recovery Diaries in Depth. 


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16816840 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2585 1 114 full true Kindness is a Powerful Choice; with Dr. Erica Harris | RDID; Ep 113 Kindness is a Powerful Choice; with Dr. Erica Harris | RDID; Ep 113 Erica Harris is an emergency physician at Einstein Hospital, and she also serves on the Board of Directors of Recovery Diaries. Our "Recovery Diaries in Depth" interview with Dr. Harris is a wide-ranging, empathic conversation that you will be sure to want to hear.

Dr. Harris's experiences working in emergency medicine, surviving the trauma of COVID, are discussed in her interview and are also the subject of a beautiful documentary film we made several years ago, during the height of the pandemic where she thought about ideas of vulnerability and heroism, juxtaposing her career as a physician against that of her grandfather, a coal miner who fought for miner's rights and safety. 

In today's profit-driven medical industry, many healthcare providers feel immense pressure to see as many patients in a shift as possible to maximize profits, but Dr. Harris emphatically believes that kindness and empathy don't cost anything and they don't make interactions take any longer. She is a true believer in vulnerable, intimate moments with her patients. She also is a strong advocate for de-stigmatizing and normalizing mental health, openly sharing that she is in therapy.

Dr. Harris knows for sure that helping others, whether during a pandemic or not, has its toll that it takes on the mental health of providers, but she is here to remind us that vulnerability is a strength and that we can get through anything.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Erica Harris is an emergency physician at Einstein Hospital, and she also serves on the Board of Directors of Recovery Diaries. Our "Recovery Diaries in Depth" interview with Dr. Harris is a wide-ranging, empathic conversation that you will be sure to want to hear.

Dr. Harris's experiences working in emergency medicine, surviving the trauma of COVID, are discussed in her interview and are also the subject of a beautiful documentary film we made several years ago, during the height of the pandemic where she thought about ideas of vulnerability and heroism, juxtaposing her career as a physician against that of her grandfather, a coal miner who fought for miner's rights and safety. 

In today's profit-driven medical industry, many healthcare providers feel immense pressure to see as many patients in a shift as possible to maximize profits, but Dr. Harris emphatically believes that kindness and empathy don't cost anything and they don't make interactions take any longer. She is a true believer in vulnerable, intimate moments with her patients. She also is a strong advocate for de-stigmatizing and normalizing mental health, openly sharing that she is in therapy.

Dr. Harris knows for sure that helping others, whether during a pandemic or not, has its toll that it takes on the mental health of providers, but she is here to remind us that vulnerability is a strength and that we can get through anything.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16692579 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2902 1 113 full true Surviving Childhood Abuse & Trauma with Morrene Hauser | RDID; Ep 112 Surviving Childhood Abuse & Trauma with Morrene Hauser | RDID; Ep 112 Child sexual abuse and trauma, particularly at the hands of family members, is often called "unspeakable" and yet Morrene Hauser is breaking silence and shattering taboo by doing just that. She is determined to not allow shame and stigma to force her into being quiet. What Morrene endured growing up is unfathomable to most people and yet, at nearly sixty years old and living a full, rich life, she is living proof that there is life after childhood sexual abuse.

Morrene wrote an essay for Recovery Diaries last year called "My Very Own Sunshine: Healing from Trauma with Horses" and she returns to Recovery Diaries as a guest on this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth to talk not just about her beautiful, moving essay, but to engage in a frank discussion of recovery from abuse and trauma. Morrene's recovery involved therapy, a drastic reduction in alcohol consumption, which Morrene acknowledges she was using as a maladaptive coping tool, and two other elements: writing and horses.

The first, writing, Morrene didn't discover until later in her life, but it has become a therapeutic, healthy, cathartic outlet for her to express herself, come to grips with what happened to her in her youth, and to help her connect with others. 

Horses, however, have almost always been a part of Morrene's life, even when she was a child in the midst of constant horrors, horses were there to bring her peace, comfort, respite, and the kind of love she never received from the human beings in her life. Horses are still a part of her life today: she wouldn't have it any other way.

Morrene's interview is a wonderful reminder of the strength of the human spirit; listen, share, like, subscribe, and hope.

CW: This episode features discussions of child sexual abuse and trauma. Please visit https://rainn.org for extensive resources and help related to these issues.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Child sexual abuse and trauma, particularly at the hands of family members, is often called "unspeakable" and yet Morrene Hauser is breaking silence and shattering taboo by doing just that. She is determined to not allow shame and stigma to force her into being quiet. What Morrene endured growing up is unfathomable to most people and yet, at nearly sixty years old and living a full, rich life, she is living proof that there is life after childhood sexual abuse.

Morrene wrote an essay for Recovery Diaries last year called "My Very Own Sunshine: Healing from Trauma with Horses" and she returns to Recovery Diaries as a guest on this episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth to talk not just about her beautiful, moving essay, but to engage in a frank discussion of recovery from abuse and trauma. Morrene's recovery involved therapy, a drastic reduction in alcohol consumption, which Morrene acknowledges she was using as a maladaptive coping tool, and two other elements: writing and horses.

The first, writing, Morrene didn't discover until later in her life, but it has become a therapeutic, healthy, cathartic outlet for her to express herself, come to grips with what happened to her in her youth, and to help her connect with others. 

Horses, however, have almost always been a part of Morrene's life, even when she was a child in the midst of constant horrors, horses were there to bring her peace, comfort, respite, and the kind of love she never received from the human beings in her life. Horses are still a part of her life today: she wouldn't have it any other way.

Morrene's interview is a wonderful reminder of the strength of the human spirit; listen, share, like, subscribe, and hope.

CW: This episode features discussions of child sexual abuse and trauma. Please visit https://rainn.org for extensive resources and help related to these issues.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16647058 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500 3641 1 112 full true Filmmaking, Friendships, and Autism with Reed Smith | RDID; Ep 111 Filmmaking, Friendships, and Autism with Reed Smith | RDID; Ep 111 Reed Smith is a man of many talents, skills, abilities, and interests. He is a filmmaker, a screenwriter, a podcast host, and a creative, talented man. He is also living with autism. Recovery Diaries is committed to featuring a diverse array of autism spectrum stories, and Reed's journey is exciting and engaging, as you will see in this latest episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth.

In 2017, Recovery Diaries made a film about Reed's interests in screenwriting called "Living with Autism: A Screenwriter's Story" but our relationship with Reed actually goes back quite a bit further. Reed met our Executive Director and podcast host, Gabe Nathan, back when Gabe was working at a non-profit performing arts center for children and Reed, then 14, was Gabe's student in acting and writing classes. Gabe is fond of saying that he learned far more from Reed than Reed did from him and he never forgot Reed's interest in creative storytelling and film.

Fast forward to Reed's early twenties; he was in film school and interned at FreshFly, Recovery Diaries's filmmaking partner in all our documentary films. There Reed was able to gain hands-on, practical experience in documentary filmmaking, and Reed's interest in various genres only blossomed. 

Reed is currently navigating post-production on an ambitious film he made about making, keeping, and navigating friendships as a person with autism. We are already looking forward to having Reed back on RDID once his film is complete!

It was such a joy bringing Reed back for a podcast interview to talk about his life, his thoughts on cinema (he has many, and expresses them enthusiastically and earnestly in his own podcast, "Cinema on the Spectrum.") his experiences with bullying and the intricacies and nuances of friendship in this wide-ranging and thought-provoking podcast interview between two friends with shared interests and passions.  


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Reed Smith is a man of many talents, skills, abilities, and interests. He is a filmmaker, a screenwriter, a podcast host, and a creative, talented man. He is also living with autism. Recovery Diaries is committed to featuring a diverse array of autism spectrum stories, and Reed's journey is exciting and engaging, as you will see in this latest episode of Recovery Diaries in Depth.

In 2017, Recovery Diaries made a film about Reed's interests in screenwriting called "Living with Autism: A Screenwriter's Story" but our relationship with Reed actually goes back quite a bit further. Reed met our Executive Director and podcast host, Gabe Nathan, back when Gabe was working at a non-profit performing arts center for children and Reed, then 14, was Gabe's student in acting and writing classes. Gabe is fond of saying that he learned far more from Reed than Reed did from him and he never forgot Reed's interest in creative storytelling and film.

Fast forward to Reed's early twenties; he was in film school and interned at FreshFly, Recovery Diaries's filmmaking partner in all our documentary films. There Reed was able to gain hands-on, practical experience in documentary filmmaking, and Reed's interest in various genres only blossomed. 

Reed is currently navigating post-production on an ambitious film he made about making, keeping, and navigating friendships as a person with autism. We are already looking forward to having Reed back on RDID once his film is complete!

It was such a joy bringing Reed back for a podcast interview to talk about his life, his thoughts on cinema (he has many, and expresses them enthusiastically and earnestly in his own podcast, "Cinema on the Spectrum.") his experiences with bullying and the intricacies and nuances of friendship in this wide-ranging and thought-provoking podcast interview between two friends with shared interests and passions.  


Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.


https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16578538 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3118 1 111 full true Reed Smith Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan What Would AI Ask? Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and More with Gabriel Nathan & Chat GPT! | RDID; Ep 110 What Would AI Ask? Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and More with Gabriel Nathan & Chat GPT! | RDID; Ep 110 What do you do when you've got to record a podcast episode but your guest cancels last minute due to COVID? You interview Chat GPT, of course! Or... maybe it's Chat GPT interviewing Recovery Diaries in Depth's host Gabriel Nathan. Either way, you get a fascinating episode where Gabe fields AI-generated questions about mental health storytelling, advocacy, and suicide prevention. The questions may have come from a bot, but the answers are decidedly human, in-depth, relevant, and may just spark a lifesaving conversation between you and a loved one.

What are some common misperceptions people have about suicide?

What are some early suicide warning signs?

What are some of the biggest threats you see to Americans' mental health in the near future?

How do mental health stories help people?

These are just some of the questions Gabe tackles during this episode. Gabe brings his wealth of experience as a front-line staff member at a locked, inpatient psychiatric hospital, as tireless suicide awareness/prevention advocate, as a writer, editor, creator, and leader of Recovery Diaries, as well as his own lived experience with mental health challenges to create a dynamic, thoroughly human episode. Sure, his voice may get tired as he fields question after question, but you won't get tired as you listen along, enjoy, think, and feel.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> What do you do when you've got to record a podcast episode but your guest cancels last minute due to COVID? You interview Chat GPT, of course! Or... maybe it's Chat GPT interviewing Recovery Diaries in Depth's host Gabriel Nathan. Either way, you get a fascinating episode where Gabe fields AI-generated questions about mental health storytelling, advocacy, and suicide prevention. The questions may have come from a bot, but the answers are decidedly human, in-depth, relevant, and may just spark a lifesaving conversation between you and a loved one.

What are some common misperceptions people have about suicide?

What are some early suicide warning signs?

What are some of the biggest threats you see to Americans' mental health in the near future?

How do mental health stories help people?

These are just some of the questions Gabe tackles during this episode. Gabe brings his wealth of experience as a front-line staff member at a locked, inpatient psychiatric hospital, as tireless suicide awareness/prevention advocate, as a writer, editor, creator, and leader of Recovery Diaries, as well as his own lived experience with mental health challenges to create a dynamic, thoroughly human episode. Sure, his voice may get tired as he fields question after question, but you won't get tired as you listen along, enjoy, think, and feel.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16479087 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2408 1 110 full true Creating Mental Health Stories in Conversation with Laura Farrell | RDID, Ep 109 Creating Mental Health Stories in Conversation with Laura Farrell | RDID, Ep 109 It seems only fitting, as the New Year begins, that we take a little look back-- not just at 2024, but at the beginnings of this entire mental health storytelling organization. So we cordially invite you to sit back, get in a comfy, meditation-esque position and join Recovery Diaries Executive Director Gabriel Nathan and writer, editor, RDID producer Laura Farrell, also a somatic therapist, as they talk about how they came to be involved in mental health storytelling, and what they hope to achieve through this new podcast venture.

Gabe and Laura have been colleagues at Recovery Diaries for over ten years and they both came to the organization through a heavy dose of serendipity; Laura through a connector while she was looking for work at Philadelphia's local public television affiliate; Gabe through his work in development at a local, non-profit psychiatric hospital.

While they may never have intended to end up at Recovery Diaries, they have both gained so much from the organization; from helping individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges tell their stories through essays and films to gaining a greater perspective about the intersection between storytelling and mental health-- it has been quite a ride! And that ride continues, all these years later, with the creation of the Recovery Diaries in Depth podcast. As essay reading is a core component of Recovery Diaries in Depth, in this episode, Laura reads an essay she wrote for the website several years ago about magical thinking as a trauma response. After her reading, she and Gabe explore the essay’s themes and meaning, particularly in the current political climate.

So join Gabe and Laura as we take a peek behind the curtain at this organization that specializes in stories of mental health, empowerment, and change.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> It seems only fitting, as the New Year begins, that we take a little look back-- not just at 2024, but at the beginnings of this entire mental health storytelling organization. So we cordially invite you to sit back, get in a comfy, meditation-esque position and join Recovery Diaries Executive Director Gabriel Nathan and writer, editor, RDID producer Laura Farrell, also a somatic therapist, as they talk about how they came to be involved in mental health storytelling, and what they hope to achieve through this new podcast venture.

Gabe and Laura have been colleagues at Recovery Diaries for over ten years and they both came to the organization through a heavy dose of serendipity; Laura through a connector while she was looking for work at Philadelphia's local public television affiliate; Gabe through his work in development at a local, non-profit psychiatric hospital.

While they may never have intended to end up at Recovery Diaries, they have both gained so much from the organization; from helping individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges tell their stories through essays and films to gaining a greater perspective about the intersection between storytelling and mental health-- it has been quite a ride! And that ride continues, all these years later, with the creation of the Recovery Diaries in Depth podcast. As essay reading is a core component of Recovery Diaries in Depth, in this episode, Laura reads an essay she wrote for the website several years ago about magical thinking as a trauma response. After her reading, she and Gabe explore the essay’s themes and meaning, particularly in the current political climate.

So join Gabe and Laura as we take a peek behind the curtain at this organization that specializes in stories of mental health, empowerment, and change.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16408635 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3248 1 9 full true Suicidality and OCD: A Writer and Actor Finds Her Voice with Rebecca Wei Hsieh | RDID, Ep 108 Suicidality and OCD: A Writer and Actor Finds Her Voice with Rebecca Wei Hsieh | RDID, Ep 108 Rebecca Wei Hsieh finds her voice, writing about suicidality and OCD in her personal essay, "Now What?: Suicidality and Planning for an Uncertain Present". She wrote it several years ago, when she was at the very beginning of her career, coping with family relationships she deemed "fractured" and it seemed like the future was impossible to plan. In many ways, Rebecca was, at that point, not that different from others her age navigating the complexities of life and family, but Rebecca was doing all of that while attempting to extract herself from thoughts of suicide and symptoms of OCD that were, at times, controlling. Now it's 2024 and Rebecca is well established in her career, she is doing the work of maintaining her mental health, she is slowly exploring rebuilding some family relationships, and her views on life, work, and mental health are explored with an introspective sincerity on this episode of our podcast, Recovery Diaries in Depth.

Rebecca shares about how publishing her essay under her real name was an empowering decision and one that she embraced as a component of her mental health journey. Perhaps one of the most powerful and heart-stopping portions of the interview is where Rebecca vividly describes how, at age 12, she told her mother that she was struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Rebecca Wei Hsieh doesn't shy away from talking about the hard stuff, the real stuff, the issues we need to be speaking about and addressing. People like her are the reason why we do this show. We're so proud to have had a chance to speak with Rebecca and to share her with you. We hope you enjoy her interview, and her wonderful essay reading as well.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Rebecca Wei Hsieh finds her voice, writing about suicidality and OCD in her personal essay, "Now What?: Suicidality and Planning for an Uncertain Present". She wrote it several years ago, when she was at the very beginning of her career, coping with family relationships she deemed "fractured" and it seemed like the future was impossible to plan. In many ways, Rebecca was, at that point, not that different from others her age navigating the complexities of life and family, but Rebecca was doing all of that while attempting to extract herself from thoughts of suicide and symptoms of OCD that were, at times, controlling. Now it's 2024 and Rebecca is well established in her career, she is doing the work of maintaining her mental health, she is slowly exploring rebuilding some family relationships, and her views on life, work, and mental health are explored with an introspective sincerity on this episode of our podcast, Recovery Diaries in Depth.

Rebecca shares about how publishing her essay under her real name was an empowering decision and one that she embraced as a component of her mental health journey. Perhaps one of the most powerful and heart-stopping portions of the interview is where Rebecca vividly describes how, at age 12, she told her mother that she was struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Rebecca Wei Hsieh doesn't shy away from talking about the hard stuff, the real stuff, the issues we need to be speaking about and addressing. People like her are the reason why we do this show. We're so proud to have had a chance to speak with Rebecca and to share her with you. We hope you enjoy her interview, and her wonderful essay reading as well.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16223899 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2976 full false A Doctor with OCD Advocates, Treats, and Thrives; with Dr. Rachel A Davis | RDID Ep. 107 A Doctor with OCD Advocates, Treats, and Thrives; with Dr. Rachel A Davis | RDID Ep. 107 What if the very challenges that seem to hold us back are actually the keys to our success? Join us as we uncover this possibility with Dr. Rachel A. Davis, a psychiatrist and medical director who turns her personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) into a source of strength and empathy in her professional life. Rachel shares the transformative experience of becoming a living organ donor, a milestone that marks her triumph over childhood health anxieties and her unwavering dedication to the medical field.

Rachel's story is one of resilience, from her early years marked by religious scrupulosity and health anxiety to her pursuit of a medical career despite these challenges. With candid reflections, she reveals how a tough-love upbringing and specialized OCD treatment helped her navigate these anxieties, ultimately leading her to thrive in high-pressure environments. Her experiences as both a medical student and now a practicing physician highlight the nuanced ways OCD has shaped her approach to patient care, making her a compassionate and conscientious advocate for mental health within the medical profession.

As we explore the evolving culture in medical education, Rachel offers valuable insights into the importance of mental health support for future physicians. Her dedication to breaking down stigma and fostering open conversations about mental well-being stands as a beacon for change. From the pressures of medical school to the shifts in educational approaches aimed at reducing stress, Rachel's journey underscores the importance of supportive environments where medical professionals can excel, not just survive. Tune in to discover how Rachel's personal battles have fueled her passion to transform the landscape of mental health in medicine.

https://www.youtube.com/@TransplantTalks-Podcast

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> What if the very challenges that seem to hold us back are actually the keys to our success? Join us as we uncover this possibility with Dr. Rachel A. Davis, a psychiatrist and medical director who turns her personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) into a source of strength and empathy in her professional life. Rachel shares the transformative experience of becoming a living organ donor, a milestone that marks her triumph over childhood health anxieties and her unwavering dedication to the medical field.

Rachel's story is one of resilience, from her early years marked by religious scrupulosity and health anxiety to her pursuit of a medical career despite these challenges. With candid reflections, she reveals how a tough-love upbringing and specialized OCD treatment helped her navigate these anxieties, ultimately leading her to thrive in high-pressure environments. Her experiences as both a medical student and now a practicing physician highlight the nuanced ways OCD has shaped her approach to patient care, making her a compassionate and conscientious advocate for mental health within the medical profession.

As we explore the evolving culture in medical education, Rachel offers valuable insights into the importance of mental health support for future physicians. Her dedication to breaking down stigma and fostering open conversations about mental well-being stands as a beacon for change. From the pressures of medical school to the shifts in educational approaches aimed at reducing stress, Rachel's journey underscores the importance of supportive environments where medical professionals can excel, not just survive. Tune in to discover how Rachel's personal battles have fueled her passion to transform the landscape of mental health in medicine.

https://www.youtube.com/@TransplantTalks-Podcast

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16217378 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2949 full false A College Professor Breaks Mental Health Stigma with Peter Leman | RDID Ep. 106 A College Professor Breaks Mental Health Stigma with Peter Leman | RDID Ep. 106 What happens when a professor decides to break the silence on mental health within their academic community? Peter Leman, a writer and English professor from Utah, joins us to share his courageous journey of speaking openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety. His heartfelt essay not only resonated with many but sparked a movement towards empathy and understanding among students and faculty alike. Discover how the power of storytelling can transform lives and create supportive environments in places where stigma often prevails.

Throughout our conversation, we look at the vital role of support systems during moments of crisis. From the unexpected intervention of a gentle Bernese dog named Nebo to the profound impact of recognizing suicide risk among loved ones, these personal stories underscore the importance of being a safe haven for those in need. We discuss how proactive communication and direct engagement can be life-saving, especially for students far from home who may be struggling silently. By fostering awareness and equipping young people with the tools to support their peers, we can make a significant difference in preventing tragedies.

Finally, we delve into the challenges faced by faculty in supporting student mental health amidst an already demanding academic environment. Peter candidly shares the emotional toll of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, particularly in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we explore the necessity of compassion and presence without the pressure to fix everything, you'll hear inspiring stories of advocacy and change. We leave you with a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive environments and invite you to explore additional resources and stories of empowerment on our website, Recovery Diaries.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> What happens when a professor decides to break the silence on mental health within their academic community? Peter Leman, a writer and English professor from Utah, joins us to share his courageous journey of speaking openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety. His heartfelt essay not only resonated with many but sparked a movement towards empathy and understanding among students and faculty alike. Discover how the power of storytelling can transform lives and create supportive environments in places where stigma often prevails.

Throughout our conversation, we look at the vital role of support systems during moments of crisis. From the unexpected intervention of a gentle Bernese dog named Nebo to the profound impact of recognizing suicide risk among loved ones, these personal stories underscore the importance of being a safe haven for those in need. We discuss how proactive communication and direct engagement can be life-saving, especially for students far from home who may be struggling silently. By fostering awareness and equipping young people with the tools to support their peers, we can make a significant difference in preventing tragedies.

Finally, we delve into the challenges faced by faculty in supporting student mental health amidst an already demanding academic environment. Peter candidly shares the emotional toll of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, particularly in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we explore the necessity of compassion and presence without the pressure to fix everything, you'll hear inspiring stories of advocacy and change. We leave you with a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive environments and invite you to explore additional resources and stories of empowerment on our website, Recovery Diaries.

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-16135752 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3406 1 6 full true A Christian Mental Health Advocate's Compassion & Empathy | Katie Dale Ep. 105 A Christian Mental Health Advocate's Compassion & Empathy | Katie Dale Ep. 105 Katie Dale, advocate and author, joins us on Recovery Diaries In Depth to share her powerful journey through mental health challenges and advocacy. Known for her poignant essay "Finding My Faith Despite Losing My Mind," Katie opens up about her experiences since 2017, including her role as a case manager at a nonprofit in Missouri. She discusses the profound connections she has built with individuals facing hallucinations, underscoring the importance of trust and empathy in her work. Now residing in Germany, Katie continues to explore new life chapters, emphasizing recovery's ongoing nature and the transformative power of embracing change.

Our conversation with Katie delves into the profound intersection of faith and mental health, particularly through her experience of losing a child at the onset of COVID-19. This life-altering event prompted deep reflections on spirituality and personal development, highlighting the necessity of evolving one's narrative. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal stories with future possibilities, and the indispensable role of medication and therapy in managing conditions like bipolar disorder. Katie's insights provide a compelling reminder of life's unpredictability and the vital importance of gratitude in the face of uncertainty.

Reflecting on her journey, Katie shares the lessons she wishes she could impart to her younger self, especially the importance of perseverance and extending compassion. We explore the journey toward being less judgmental, understanding others’ beliefs, and fostering empathy in our communities. As we envision a hopeful future, there’s a call for truth and empathy to spread like wildfire, contrasting with the prevailing societal divisions. Through the metaphor of an iceberg, Katie encourages us to see beyond the surface of people's struggles, fostering greater compassion in our daily interactions.

https://katierdale.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Katie Dale, advocate and author, joins us on Recovery Diaries In Depth to share her powerful journey through mental health challenges and advocacy. Known for her poignant essay "Finding My Faith Despite Losing My Mind," Katie opens up about her experiences since 2017, including her role as a case manager at a nonprofit in Missouri. She discusses the profound connections she has built with individuals facing hallucinations, underscoring the importance of trust and empathy in her work. Now residing in Germany, Katie continues to explore new life chapters, emphasizing recovery's ongoing nature and the transformative power of embracing change.

Our conversation with Katie delves into the profound intersection of faith and mental health, particularly through her experience of losing a child at the onset of COVID-19. This life-altering event prompted deep reflections on spirituality and personal development, highlighting the necessity of evolving one's narrative. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal stories with future possibilities, and the indispensable role of medication and therapy in managing conditions like bipolar disorder. Katie's insights provide a compelling reminder of life's unpredictability and the vital importance of gratitude in the face of uncertainty.

Reflecting on her journey, Katie shares the lessons she wishes she could impart to her younger self, especially the importance of perseverance and extending compassion. We explore the journey toward being less judgmental, understanding others’ beliefs, and fostering empathy in our communities. As we envision a hopeful future, there’s a call for truth and empathy to spread like wildfire, contrasting with the prevailing societal divisions. Through the metaphor of an iceberg, Katie encourages us to see beyond the surface of people's struggles, fostering greater compassion in our daily interactions.

https://katierdale.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-15970830 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500 3302 1 5 full true Katie Dale Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan A Musician's Journey Through Grief and Anxiety with Jerzy Jung | RDID Ep. 104 A Musician's Journey Through Grief and Anxiety with Jerzy Jung | RDID Ep. 104 Ever wondered how anxiety and creativity intersect? Join us as we sit down with the multi-talented Jerzy Jung, who opens up about her personal battles with anxiety, fear, and shame in the world of performing arts. Discover how the devastating loss of her father to cancer became a turning point in her mental health journey and creative endeavors. As we discuss the art of accepting compliments as gifts rather than dismissals, we explore the powerful impact of therapy and the shift in societal attitudes towards mental health from the late 90s to today.

Reflect on the enduring nature of anxiety with us, as Jerzy shares insights from her essay "Everything Will Kill You: Anxiety, Fear, and Shame on Stage." Growing up in a loving family didn’t shield her from the burden of hiding her anxieties, mistakenly believing they were uniquely hers. As we navigate through her stories, we uncover the hereditary aspect of anxiety and the importance of self-kindness and humor in managing mental health challenges. From childhood fears to the irrational worries amplified by shame, we learn how to focus on what can be controlled in the present.

Finally, we delve into the transformative power of music as a means of connection and self-discovery. Jerzy’s journey through grief and healing emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, especially in creative pursuits like songwriting. With host Gabriel Nathan as a comforting anchor, we unpack the complexities of grief, control, and acceptance. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of presence, authenticity, and embracing our true selves, even amidst life's inevitable hardships.

https://www.instagram.com/jerzyjung/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Ever wondered how anxiety and creativity intersect? Join us as we sit down with the multi-talented Jerzy Jung, who opens up about her personal battles with anxiety, fear, and shame in the world of performing arts. Discover how the devastating loss of her father to cancer became a turning point in her mental health journey and creative endeavors. As we discuss the art of accepting compliments as gifts rather than dismissals, we explore the powerful impact of therapy and the shift in societal attitudes towards mental health from the late 90s to today.

Reflect on the enduring nature of anxiety with us, as Jerzy shares insights from her essay "Everything Will Kill You: Anxiety, Fear, and Shame on Stage." Growing up in a loving family didn’t shield her from the burden of hiding her anxieties, mistakenly believing they were uniquely hers. As we navigate through her stories, we uncover the hereditary aspect of anxiety and the importance of self-kindness and humor in managing mental health challenges. From childhood fears to the irrational worries amplified by shame, we learn how to focus on what can be controlled in the present.

Finally, we delve into the transformative power of music as a means of connection and self-discovery. Jerzy’s journey through grief and healing emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, especially in creative pursuits like songwriting. With host Gabriel Nathan as a comforting anchor, we unpack the complexities of grief, control, and acceptance. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of presence, authenticity, and embracing our true selves, even amidst life's inevitable hardships.

https://www.instagram.com/jerzyjung/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-15909158 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 4130 1 4 full false From Suicidal to Thriving with Tree Franklyn | RDID Ep. 102 From Suicidal to Thriving with Tree Franklyn | RDID Ep. 102 Discover the transformative journey of Tree Franklyn, a best-selling author and founder of the Empathic Awakening Academy, as she candidly recounts her battle with mental health and the inspiration behind her poignant letter, "Mom, I Want to Kill Myself." Tree's story is one of resilience and humor, often finding solace in nature despite her amusing struggle with allergies. Together, we challenge the harmful "suck it up" mentality and reflect on how societal attitudes can impact personal well-being.

Tree opens up about the silent shadows that shaped her upbringing, with her father's PTSD from the Vietnam War and her mother's experiences as an orphan in Vietnam coloring their family dynamics. Despite growing up in an environment where mental health was a taboo topic, Tree's determination to advocate for mental health blossomed through her personal blog. Her message is clear: even in the darkest moments, there is a path to healing and a future filled with light.

Through insights inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers and her own experiences, Tree emphasizes the incredible power of empathy and active listening. Her heartfelt essay on the Recovery Diaries site continues to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. As we explore Tree's journey from despair to happiness, we extend an invitation to stay engaged with our content and join us in supporting mental health awareness.

https://treefranklyn.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Discover the transformative journey of Tree Franklyn, a best-selling author and founder of the Empathic Awakening Academy, as she candidly recounts her battle with mental health and the inspiration behind her poignant letter, "Mom, I Want to Kill Myself." Tree's story is one of resilience and humor, often finding solace in nature despite her amusing struggle with allergies. Together, we challenge the harmful "suck it up" mentality and reflect on how societal attitudes can impact personal well-being.

Tree opens up about the silent shadows that shaped her upbringing, with her father's PTSD from the Vietnam War and her mother's experiences as an orphan in Vietnam coloring their family dynamics. Despite growing up in an environment where mental health was a taboo topic, Tree's determination to advocate for mental health blossomed through her personal blog. Her message is clear: even in the darkest moments, there is a path to healing and a future filled with light.

Through insights inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers and her own experiences, Tree emphasizes the incredible power of empathy and active listening. Her heartfelt essay on the Recovery Diaries site continues to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. As we explore Tree's journey from despair to happiness, we extend an invitation to stay engaged with our content and join us in supporting mental health awareness.

https://treefranklyn.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-15905121 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 3008 1 2 full true Tree Franklyn Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan Bringing Both Feet in for Love with Kavita Sarmah | RDID Ep. 103 Bringing Both Feet in for Love with Kavita Sarmah | RDID Ep. 103 This conversation is a heartfelt and intimate discussion between two individuals, Kavita Sarmah and her partner, about their experiences with mental illness and their journey towards a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Kavita shares her childhood experiences of growing up in an abusive home and the impact it had on her mental health, particularly her anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and learning to have empathy for her own needs. The conversation also touches on Kavita's aversion to video calls and the challenges they faced in their long-distance relationship. The essay, 'Bringing Both Feet in Love and Mental Health,' written by Kavita, explores her journey of self-discovery, therapy, and finding love with her partner. It highlights the significance of investing time in making a healthy and warm life for oneself.

https://www.instagram.com/kavitasarmah/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> This conversation is a heartfelt and intimate discussion between two individuals, Kavita Sarmah and her partner, about their experiences with mental illness and their journey towards a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Kavita shares her childhood experiences of growing up in an abusive home and the impact it had on her mental health, particularly her anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of therapy in her healing process and learning to have empathy for her own needs. The conversation also touches on Kavita's aversion to video calls and the challenges they faced in their long-distance relationship. The essay, 'Bringing Both Feet in Love and Mental Health,' written by Kavita, explores her journey of self-discovery, therapy, and finding love with her partner. It highlights the significance of investing time in making a healthy and warm life for oneself.

https://www.instagram.com/kavitasarmah/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-15885134 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2511 1 3 full true Kavita Sarmah Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan Bipolar Disorder & Marriage with Gabe Howard | RDID Ep. 101 Bipolar Disorder & Marriage with Gabe Howard | RDID Ep. 101 Gabe Howard and Gabriel Nathan discuss their friendship, Gabe's mental health advocacy, and living with bipolar disorder. Gabe shares his experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the challenges he faced in accepting his diagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bipolar disorder beyond the highs and lows. Gabe also discusses his concept of recovery and how he manages his mental health with the support of his wife, Kendall. The conversation touches on the envy Gabe feels towards mentally healthy individuals and the unique perspective of being married to someone without bipolar disorder. Gabe Howard reflects on his journey with bipolar disorder and how it has shaped his life and relationships. He discusses the impact of his illness on his marriage and the fear of being abandoned or getting sick again. Gabe also talks about the toll of being a mental health advocate and the challenges of navigating different perspectives within the advocacy community. He shares his podcast projects, Inside Bipolar, Inside Mental Health, and Inside Schizophrenia, which provide a platform for both lived experience and medical perspectives.

https://www.gabehoward.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Gabe Howard and Gabriel Nathan discuss their friendship, Gabe's mental health advocacy, and living with bipolar disorder. Gabe shares his experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the challenges he faced in accepting his diagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of bipolar disorder beyond the highs and lows. Gabe also discusses his concept of recovery and how he manages his mental health with the support of his wife, Kendall. The conversation touches on the envy Gabe feels towards mentally healthy individuals and the unique perspective of being married to someone without bipolar disorder. Gabe Howard reflects on his journey with bipolar disorder and how it has shaped his life and relationships. He discusses the impact of his illness on his marriage and the fear of being abandoned or getting sick again. Gabe also talks about the toll of being a mental health advocate and the challenges of navigating different perspectives within the advocacy community. He shares his podcast projects, Inside Bipolar, Inside Mental Health, and Inside Schizophrenia, which provide a platform for both lived experience and medical perspectives.

https://www.gabehoward.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://recoverydiaries.org/

]]> Recovery Diaries Buzzsprout-15850507 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 3144 1 1 full true Gabe Howard Gabriel Nathan Gabriel Nathan