On today's episode we have Dr. Bera from UCI Health, a specialist in psychosis. He takes a deep dive into what schizophrenia and psychosis can look like, explaining that these are brain diseases characterized by abnormalities that vary from person to person. Dr. Bera discusses how research is improving and how the mystery of schizophrenia is beginning to unravel as science continues to explore the brain.

On today’s episode we welcome our special guest, Dr. Tom Okamoto, to launch our new series on schizophrenia, psychosis and tardive dyskinesia.

Dr. Okamoto discusses the tremendous progress in schizophrenia research over the past decade, including promising developments in funding and treatment. He also shares valuable insights on how families and peers can provide meaningful support to those experiencing schizophrenia. Dr. Thomas Okamoto, MD. This episode is sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Today we have a special episode honoring our late Program Manager and the host of this podcast, Edward Portillo. This episode includes stories from several people who cared about him deeply. You will hear from (include list of names) about their fondest memories of Edward. He was a special human being and we are proud to honor him here.

Contact us: itsokaytofeel@namioc.org

Tune in this week for a conversation with the incredible Dr. Angela Leighton with Mental Health First Aid: an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges.

mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Contact us: itsokaytofeel@namioc.org

This week, tune in for a conversation with Capt. Christine Berryman of Orange County's Behavioral Health Bureau.

Tune in to the newest season of NAMI OC's It's Okay to Feel with hosts Dave Hill, Madi Morrison, and Breann Durham! We begin with a candid tribute to the podcast's original host, Ed Portillo, who will be missed dearly. After some catching up with Dave, Madi, and Bre, we jump into an informative and exciting conversation about NAMI Walks with coordinator Jennifer Lewis!

Contact: ⁠itsokaytofeel@namioc.org

Books Referenced:

• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
• The Concept of Anxiety by Soren Kierkegaard
• Not in It to Win It by Andy Stanley
• Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt

One of the most popular questions we get here at NAMI OC is "How do I get my loved one who resists treatment into treatment?" Dr. Brian Licuanan wrote a book on that exact topic and we have him on the pod today. Dr. Licuanan is not only an author, speaker, and board-certified psychologist practicing in Southern California, he is also a NAMI OC support group leader. Take a listen as we go over his book and the step by step plan that can help your resistant loved one get into treatment.

Website: drbrianlicuanan.com

IG: @drlicuananTT: @drlicuanan

When June comes around what do we think of, Dads and Grads of course! In this episode we focus on Dads and talk to two extraordinary fathers Joshua Osborne and Phillip Banks. Ed discusses with them the growth that happens within and how to be stellar #GirlDad.

Phillip Banks Contact - Banks Family Tech