While the country continues to battle the coronavirus, college health professionals are also monitoring a growing crisis among young adults struggling with mental health problems, including suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our guest on this episode is Christie Farris. Christie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She focuses on what brings meaning to a person’s life and how best to fulfill that...

**In this episode we will be discussing suicide prevention with an emphasis on knowing the warning signs among youth.  If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.** Suicide attempt and death rates among pre-teens, teenagers and young adults have risen in the past decade and the increase among...

Today, many of us use social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to connect with each other. While each may have its benefits, we must remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. Spending too much time on social media can make you feel lonelier and more isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Our guest on this episode is Tessa Stuckey. Raised by two...

If isolation, anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the daily onslaught of bad news generated by the coronavirus pandemic are taking a heavy toll on your mood, you’re not alone. The stress of social isolation, the worry about jobs, money, health, and the profound feelings of loss that many of us are experiencing now can trigger depression for the first time or exacerbate symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed. Our guest on this episode is Kate Turner. Kate is Licensed Professional Counselor,...

Life in today’s fast-paced world is complex, with more stressors and less direct social support than in past generations. Being anxious is a normal part of life. However, people sometimes experience prolonged periods of anxiety that can affect their social, work, or personal lives. The good news is that our understanding of the fight-or-flight response has led to well-researched, effective treatments and coping methods. Our guest on this episode is Carolyn Robistow. Carolyn is a Licensed...

Addiction is a disease that affects thought and behavior and takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit. Many people struggle with or have someone in their life who suffers from an addiction problem, whether it be dependence on drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, shopping, or some other form of addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Our guest on this episode is Adam Bertoch. Adam is a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Marriage and Family...

The unemployment and economic crises sparked by COVID-19 are expected to have far-reaching mental health impacts. Even in normal recessions, experts say, prolonged job loss is an under-the-radar mental health crisis that can sap people's confidence and sense of identity. Our guest on this episode is Bill Jack Davis. Bill Jack is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. He’s been the director and therapist at The Bridge Counseling Center in Conroe for 30 years and works with adults,...

The new season of Equip Online Podcast is here! Brian and Wally sit down with Dr. Paul Looney to discuss the recent increase in anxiety and depression due to the pandemic. Read more about tonight's episode below. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide as the demand for mental health is increasing. A WHO survey of 130 countries provides global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health...

 “It’s my way or the highway” may be a battle call to some teens. Consider the value of engaging in negotiation instead of battle. Negotiation is a healthy mental exercise that benefits both teens and parents.  It gives you the opportunity to learn what's important to your teenager and why.  Simply put, you'll get to know your child better through your negotiations.  Today we are going to be looking at how we as parents can help teach our teens to negotiate for what they want in a healthy...

For those who are grieving, the holidays can be unfamiliar terrain. This time of year can be filled with fond remembrances of loved ones who are on your mind yet absent from your traditions and rituals. Acknowledging the difficulties of holidays after loss does not make a potentially difficult time any easier but preparing for the holidays by tapping into helpful coping strategies may provide some much-needed help. Today we will be talking about those coping strategies.Our guest on this...

As a parent of a child with a behavioral or emotional disorder, you may be feeling overwhelmed as you try to help your child cope with their problems. There are numerous ways your child’s mental health can be managed, such as through medication or through interventions such as play therapy, parent-child therapy, family therapy, or individual talk therapy. Medications should fit a child’s circumstances and be part of a plan that includes other therapies. Today we will be talking about helping...

Being a teenager can be tough. Their bodies and brains are changing quickly at a time when parents, teachers and peers expect a lot from them. Even before COVID-19, the mental health of our teens was an issue. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 13.3% of U.S. kids ages 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode during the previous year and one-third had an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Today we will be talking about how to distinguish between normal teen...

OCD is often incorrectly portrayed in the media as merely an obsession with cleanliness, but in reality, it’s a deeply misunderstood condition that can wreak havoc on daily childhood activities like playing with friends, going to school, or enjoying hobbies. Today we’ll be talking about OCD as it related to our kids and how we as parents can help them.Our guest on this episode is Joy Ryan.Joy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She holds a master’s...

It’s the subject that makes parent’s sweat and kids squirm. Today we’re talking about teaching our kids about sex. Our children live in a highly sexualized society where they’re exposed to sexual language, images, and behaviors before they may be prepared to handle them. Our guests, Cheryl Butler and Dana Spinler from True North Counseling, will be covering the why, when, and how to have “The Talk”.Dana and Cheryl from True North are creating an online course curriculum that will be released...

So often the “comparison complex” runs the gamut from being slightly annoyed by a tiny flaw to developing an obsession with a body part that intrudes on one’s every waking moment. Today we’ll be talking about unrealistic comparisons and strategies parents can use to help their teens have a positive body image.Our guest on this episode is Brittany Gilchrist.Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) through the...

In this episode, Brian and Wally talk to Lauren Pasqua about having realistic expectations for your child in emotional moments and practical techniques for parents to help kids self-manage their emotions.Lauren is a clinical child psychologist and the founder/director of the Connections Child and Family Center in The Woodlands, Texas. She is passionate about working with our communities youngest members and understands that being a parent and helping children manage their emotions and big...

In this episode, Brian and Wally talk to Sherry and Chris Burkhard about their journey towards mental well-being as a family, expectancy vs. expectations, getting the family back into alignment when a family member hits a bump in the road and being real with others about your life.Sherry and Chris have been married twenty-four years and are the proud parents of a 20-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. Throughout their marriage, they have both been passionate about being authentic with...

The current landscape we find ourselves in is full of financial pressures on individuals, marriages, and families.  This can take an emotional toll on our health and in this episode, we are going to find practical ways to cope with financial stress in our families.  Our guest on this episode is Cheryl Butler.Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), counselor supervisor (LPC-S), and certified “boy mom” of twin 9-year olds and a 5-year-old.After working within the schools as a teacher...

In This Episode we look at some practical ways to approach financial stress with your family.