Episodios

  • Mindfulness Applied to Mental Health

    Mindfulness Applied to Mental Health
    Oct 24 2025
    In this enlightening episode of Mental Health: Hope and Recovery, Helen Sneed and Valerie Milburn delve into the transformative practice of mindfulness and its profound impact on mental health. Mindfulness can effectively combat anxiety, depression and many other psychological conditions. Both hosts recount personal stories that highlight the challenges they faced in grasping the essence of mindfulness. They share advice from experts that breaks down the concept into practical exercises that listeners can incorporate into their daily lives. The episode culminates in a heartwarming mindfulness exercise guiding listeners to connect with their humanity, and foster compassion for themselves and others. Join Helen and Valerie as they explore the power of mindfulness and encourage you to embrace the present moment in your own journey toward recovery. What You’ll Learn How mindfulness supports mental health and long-term recovery The science behind mindfulness and its profound impact on mental health Easy ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday living–from mindful breathing and eating to simply noticing the world around us A deeper understanding of mindfulness as a tool for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and compassion Memorable Quotes “Mindfulness is a practice, not a performance to be perfected.” — Helen “The most important thing to know about meditation is this – TRY IT! You cannot do it wrong.” — Valerie “The present moment is where peace begins—and where healing truly happens.” — Helen Tools & Takeaways Mindfulness is simply being aware of the present moment without judgment. Regular mindfulness practice reduces stress, improves concentration, and increases emotional resilience. Simple mindfulness exercises can be integrated into daily routines to foster a sense of calm and connection. Resources & Links Mentioned National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov National Institute of Mental Health Research Study on Mindfulness and Mental Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3679190/ Book: The Book of Joy, Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams Website: mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible | Pandora Transcript: Available at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Related Episodes Goal Setting: A Necessity for Recovery https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/goal-setting-a-necessity-for-recovery Mindfulness Exercises Favorites https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/mindfulness-exercise-favoriteshttps://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/2024-mindfulness-favorites https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/valeries-mindfulness-favorites-of-2023 Join the Conversation How has mindfulness helped your mental health journey? Share your story or favorite mindfulness practice with Helen and Valerie through mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice or therapy. The hosts are not licensed mental health professionals. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 (U.S.) or reach out to your local emergency services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Attacking Anxiety

    Attacking Anxiety
    Sep 30 2025
    Anxiety disorder is the most prevalent mental illness in the U.S. and worldwide. Twenty percent of Americans, 40 million people, suffer from an anxiety disorder. The disorder can have a devastating impact on society and the individual, and can be particularly damaging to the human brain. Experts caution that an anxiety disorder requires treatment for the person to recover. The good news is that this episode highlights effective, proven treatment such as psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medication, along with cutting-edge treatment methods. With the current and developing treatment methods, there is cause for optimism and hope in overcoming anxiety disorder today. Valerie and Helen both battle anxiety disorder, and they are well-versed in the symptoms and severity of the illness. Join them as they share what they have learned. Find Valerie and Helen at https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Shownotes: Attacking Anxiety Episode #58Release Date: September 29th, 2025 What This Episode Covers · Helen and Valerie explore lived experience, causes and symptoms, coping skills, and research in the area of anxiety disorders. Key Takeaways & Tools · Anxiety disorder is the most prevalent mental illness in the U.S. and worldwide. · The disorder can have a devastating impact on society and the individual, and can be particularly damaging to the human brain. · The good news is that with the current and developing treatment methods, there is cause for optimism and hope in overcoming anxiety disorder today. · There are a vast number of practical coping skills for anxiety disorder, including mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, journaling, therapy, dialectical and cognitive behavior skills, checking for the actual truth of a situation, exercise, and proper sleep. Resources & Links Mentioned · National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org · Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 for immediate support Related Episodes https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/goal-setting-a-necessity-for-recovery https://mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com/episode/mindfulness-exercise-favorites How to Connect with Mental Health: Hope and Recovery · Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible · Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn · Share your story or suggest a topic: mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Disclaimer The content in this episode is for educational / informational purposes only. The hosts are not licensed mental health professionals. If you are in crisis or believe you may harm yourself or others, please seek immediate help from qualified professionals. Inspiring Quote from This Episode · “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” Walter Anderson · “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    56 m
  • A Therapist Examines Therapy

    A Therapist Examines Therapy
    Aug 26 2025
    What does a skilled therapist with an exceptional background think of therapy and how to effectively treat people battling mental illnesses? From advice on how to choose the right therapist to attachment issues to Ketamine treatment in conjunction with psychotherapy, Samantha Potthoff delivers priceless information and insights gained though her extensive practice in the field of mental health. Her clarity and vision provide an up-close examination of the challenges and rewards of a therapist’s work. In addition, her uplifting hope for those fighting today for mental health is based on years of professional experience. This unforgettable episode offers dozens of valuable tips and inspiring words for people who are enmeshed in the often long and arduous journey towards a life in recovery. Find Valerie and Helen at www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Samantha Potthoff’s website http://www.therapycollectiveca.com/ As referenced in this episode: Dr. Diane Poole Heller Attachment Styles Quiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • The Rough Road of Bipolar Disorder: One Woman's Journey

    The Rough Road of Bipolar Disorder: One Woman's Journey
    Jul 29 2025
    Bipolar disorder is one of the toughest of all mental illnesses. Personal stories about the complexity and severity of bipolar symptoms and behaviors represent great challenges for those fighting for recovery, their friends, family, and many professionals in the psychiatric field. Firsthand accounts provide invaluable information and inspiration when an individual recounts battles and triumphs over bipolar disorder. In this episode, Helen and Valerie interview Patricia Wentzel, a writer and mental health advocate, whose long journey with bipolar disorder ultimately led to a life in recovery—but not before a fierce and powerful struggle lasting many decades. Patricia’s amazing story, her strength and determination in the face of this powerful disorder, will educate and inspire listeners everywhere. Find Valerie and Helen at mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Seeking Happiness

    Seeking Happiness
    Jul 1 2025
    The subject of happiness is a new area of research and study in the mental health field. In a complete reversal of psychiatric tradition, the emphasis and exploration are not about what makes you weak and sick, but rather, what makes you healthy and happy. In this episode, Valerie and Helen confront this gargantuan subject: happiness and mental health. And they approach it from a new perspective. They examine how happiness fosters healing within the mental and physical well-being of an individual. Also explored is how happiness affects the brain, biochemistry, nervous system, and physiological health. Given the fact that happiness can be the most elusive emotion, the episode offers tips and advice from the experts. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about happiness, including yours. Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    48 m
  • Setbacks on the Road to Recovery

    Setbacks on the Road to Recovery
    May 28 2025
    Setbacks are commonplace in most lives, but for individuals with mental health issues, they can be devastating or even lethal. Helen and Valerie are well-versed in setbacks throughout their long journeys to their lives in recovery today. This episode’s remarkable guest, Phoenix Wang, speaks with great candor and eloquence about their lifelong struggle with borderline personality disorder and chronic suicidal ideation. A nationally recognized advocate, writer/filmmaker, mentor, and now podcaster, Phoenix offers intimate and profound revelations about their own experiences, insights and setbacks, from the past up to this very minute. As always, Valerie will wrap up with a mindfulness exercise. This is a riveting, brilliant episode, not to be missed by anyone who is involved with mental health challenges. Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 8 m
  • When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment

    When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment
    Apr 26 2025
    Throughout a decade of making presentations, Helen and Valerie are often asked, “What can I do when my family member with mental health issues refuses treatment?” A tough situation and difficult to answer until they discovered “When a Family Member Refuses Mental Health Treatment.” They explore this groundbreaking book with co-author Gary Mitchell, a seasoned clinician, researcher and innovator in the mental health field. One of the basic premises is to shift focus from the member who is treat-resistant to the other family members who are seeking help with their own needs. To deal with their issues that can be improved upon, rather than accommodating and enabling their recalcitrant loved one. The end result can create a healthy, productive, healing environment for the entire family. Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.co When a Loved One Won't Seek Mental Health Treatment by C. Alec Pollard, PhD; Melanie VanDyke, PhD; Gary Mitchell, LCSW; Heidi J. Pollard, RN, MSM; and Gloria Steketee, PhD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis -- Part Five: The Professional Perspective

    The Family Dynamics of a Psychiatric Crisis -- Part Five: The Professional Perspective
    Mar 31 2025
    The significance and complexities of the family’s role during a loved one’s psychiatric crisis led Valerie and Helen to devote a five-episode series to the topic. This fifth and final episode of the series is filled with invaluable professional advice with guest Lisa Powell-Watts, a seasoned psychotherapist of 40 years. Please visit the first four episodes of this series for an in-depth exploration of the many challenges and numerous roles in a family where a member has mental health issues. Discover the perspectives of Valerie’s spouse and sister, of caregivers and parents, and of a peer as she shares her own journey with a mental health condition within her family. Find Valerie and Helen at https://www.mentalhealthhopeandrecovery.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    55 m