#186 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Wednesday November 3)
Good morning!
MENTAL HEALTH IS AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH
As I have written before, the mental health crisis in America—most notably in secondary schools and colleges, and amongst 20-somethings, but “infecting” all walks of life, is real and has been exacerbated by the effects of COVID-19. The isolation and interruption of the necessary human social interactions upon which we depend have taken a profound toll.
Many of you are familiar with the work Andrea and I are engaged in with USC Hillel to provide wellness programming for USC students (regardless of religion). But Andrea has come up with a new way of considering and addressing the mental health crisis.
GETTING THRU
Andrea has begun a podcast series that looks at the stories of young adults who have dealt with a mental health problem but—and here’s the twist—they’ve made it through to the “other side.” No doubt there is never a full “cure” to mental health issues, but there are paths to address these challenges and tools and support systems that allow people to overcome the debilitating consequences of mental health. Here is the trailer: here. It’s only a minute or so long.
Andrea’s interviews are with young adults who are bipolar or schizophrenic, who have experienced anorexia or bulimia, who may be paralyzed by depression or anxiety, who have abused alcohol or drugs, and people with other challenges. The first series of six interviews is coming out weekly. If you want to tune in and gain insights into a world that is not as miserable and depressing as we tend to view mental health, but tales that are uplifting and life affirming, you will learn a lot, empathize a lot and perhaps take away a few pearls of wisdom from these brave young people.
You can get the podcast on most platforms by connecting to the website:
https://www.gettingthrupodcast.com/
And regular postings are on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingthrupodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Getting-Thru-Podcast-110728804696949
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThruGetting
Discord: /gettingthrupodcast
If I sound like a proud father well, mea culpa. Andrea is quite a lady and I am impressed every day with her humanity, compassion, commitment, and kindness. She is making a difference in the world. Check it out.
Have a great day and stay healthy!
From the archives: