In this important episode, Valerie and Helen explore the subject of work and its critical role in recovery. For people with a mental health condition, work is a weighty challenge that can evoke anxiety and fear, hopes and dreams. Given their extensive backgrounds in the workplace, both successes and the inability to have a job due to acute mental illnesses, Helen and Valerie understand the great benefits of work as well as the downsides. Research shows that for American workers, employment is...

 In this episode, Valerie and Helen pursue the holy grail of recovery—thriving in the aftermath of mental illness. For centuries, the ability to thrive would seem almost inconceivable, as traditional treatments focused on the cessation of symptoms and basic survival. But recent studies prove that thriving is possible, even for those who’ve suffered from severe, long-term illness or multiple diagnoses. Helen and Valerie reveal how they progressed into thriving after long years of struggle....

Loneliness has been declared the new American epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General. Its destructive impact on an individual life and on society as a whole was explored in the previous episode. Nowhere is loneliness more debilitating and dangerous than for those with mental health challenges. In this second part, Valerie and Helen provide multiple methods for overcoming loneliness through relationships, skills and strategies, goal setting, social activities, and community. Their research...

In May 2023, the US Surgeon General declared loneliness a national epidemic. Greater than one in two adult Americans report being lonely. Given the damaging and sometimes lethal impact that loneliness can have on mental health, Valerie and Helen take listeners into the deep-rooted causes and destructive consequences of loneliness within the individual and society. Rampant loneliness is both a cultural threat and a powerful cause and effect of mental illnesses. Helen and Valerie reveal the...

Women and Mental Health is an episode with explosive revelations about women and their mental health journeys. The cruel biases of the past, enlightened advances in to the present, promising breakthroughs for future treatment and recovery. Valerie and Helen delve deep into the complex, unique issues of women with mental health challenges, and the long journey of progress over prejudice. What is it like for a woman today as a patient, parent, caregiver, employee? Explore the combinations of...

Mindfulness is an effective tool for achieving serenity in any moment. At this hectic time of the year, honing our mindfulness skills is especially helpful. In this third annual Mindfulness Favorites episode, Valerie shares her favorite exercises of 2023. Pulled from one of the exercises that ends each episode of Mental Health: Hope and Recovery, the first exercise this year is The Power of 60 Mindful Seconds. Please tune in; your mindfulness minute — and more — awaits! Find Helen and Valerie...

This is the first of an unprecedented two-part series. Valerie and Helen dig deep into the similarities, differences, and clashes between the genders as they deal with mental health challenges. In this episode, they begin with Men and Mental Health. As they explore the male response to symptoms, treatment, and relationships, some surprising and often disconcerting differences come to light. For there is a paucity of research about men and mental illness. They often wage a very different...

In ancient times, the prevailing belief was that madness and creativity were sublime gifts from the gods. Who knew the opposite would prove to be true today? Creativity and art are reliant on mental health, mental health is reliant on creativity and art. In this exciting episode, Valerie and Helen reveal the cutting edge science that proves creative expression has a direct healing impact on the mind and body of those with mental health challenges. Through the exploration of history, treatment...

Who knew grit and determination could be so essential to the pursuit and achievement of recovery from mental health issues? Valerie and Helen begin with a brilliant book, "Grit," by Angela Duckworth, and go on to explore the impact of grit on mental health. They begin with the basic definition: "Grit is a combination of passion and perseverance for a long-term goal." From there, their research ushers the listener into a wide range of possibilities and positive outcomes for those who use grit...

If you're searching for inspiration and uplift, look no further. Valerie and Helen will provide you with an escape from the doldrums needed by all of us after a long, hot summer. In this episode, two extraordinary guests, Kimberly and Stacy, tell their powerful stories of recovery from mental health challenges. Due to dramatic conditions and setbacks, they have overcome many severe obstacles to emerge triumphant after years of struggle. Their stories lift the spirits of all who listen, and...

Join Valerie and Helen as they delve into the second half of their examination of depression. While Depression Part 1 presented an in-depth look at the many facets of the illness and its profound impact on the individual and society, Part 2 focuses on the expanding potential for recovery. Through treatment methods and strategies, relationships, and dazzling breakthroughs in science and medicine, recovery from this serious and often debilitating disorder is possible and sustainable. They also...

Valerie and Helen take a deep dive into the formidable depths of the mental health disorder depression—an illness so fierce and powerful it will strike one in six Americans at least once in a lifetime. In the first episode of this two-part series, they explain the different types of depression, and also explore the phenomenal impact of depression on individuals, families, society, and the economy. Through telling about their own journeys with depression, they give an intimate account of life...

Finding gratitude in the midst of a mental health crisis can seem impossible. Valerie and Helen experienced this struggle during their own crises, and have since discovered the profound impact of gratitude. This episode will take you on a surprising and heartening journey into the practice, science and impact of gratitude on a mental health condition. The consistent practice of gratitude wields deep and wide-ranging outcomes in the individual’s mental and physical health, and strengthens the...

Join Valerie and Helen for a far-reaching conversation with Karen Casey, legendary leader in the global recovery movement for 40 years. Karen is the author of the ground-breaking book, Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women, her first of 31 books. One of the first recovery books written for women, this classic has sold over four million copies worldwide. In this episode, Karen candidly shares her struggle for sobriety and faith that guided her as she wrote Each Day, her battle...

Valerie and Helen have been profoundly empowered by their volunteer experience, and volunteering has expanded their recovery. Storytelling has been the fundamental aspect of their volunteer work over ten years. Join them for this episode as they share how both telling and hearing the story of fighting the battles with mental health gives inspiration, practical advice, connection, and most important, hope for recovery. Find Mental Health Hope and Recovery on Facebook Learn more about your ad...

Helen and Valerie devote a second episode to the challenges and complexities of bipolar disorder. In Episode 24, a remarkable discussion with Dr. Stephen Strakowski, a national leader in bipolar disorder treatment and research, addressed many topics that merited further examination. Join Helen and Valerie for this episode’s more in-depth investigation into bipolar disorder and its profound, long-reaching impact on individuals and their relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

There is much curiosity about the reality of being institutionalized. A stint in a psychiatric hospital can inspire fear or hope for the individual fighting a mental health condition. In order to tell what it’s like, Helen, Valerie and two special guests discuss hospitalization at the most personal level. All four have had multiple hospital stays and now live in recovery. Together they describe what it’s like to live in a mental hospital, and how to make the most of the place, the people...

This episode is Valerie and Helen’s holiday gift to their listeners everywhere. Tune in for their favorite mindfulness exercises of 2022. Perfect for anyone who’s overwhelmed or exhausted by the holiday season—or just needs a few moments alone to breathe! Join the Mental Health Hope and Recovery Community on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their episode on bipolar disorder, Helen and Valerie welcome Dr. Stephen Strakowski, a national leader in the bipolar field. Drawn from his vast experience with research and clinical practice, Dr. Strakowski eloquently discusses the basics of bipolar disorder—symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, relationships, and recovery. He then describes his cutting edge research, and the bright prospects that his findings provide for future treatment opportunities for the complexities and...

Fulfilling the multiple obligations of a parent is especially challenging if the parent is also experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. This is known as symptomatic parenting, and the surrounding issues and possible remedies can be life-changing within a family. Helen and Valerie examine this sensitive, far-reaching subject from two points of view: the perspective of the symptomatic parent, and that of the adult child of a symptomatic parent. Join our hosts as they investigate and...

And now for something different, with two remarkable guests. Anders Osborne, legendary New Orleans songwriter and musician, takes us on a intimate journey through addiction and mental illness, and their extreme impact on his creativity and recovery. Anders is joined by his friend Ben Anderson, founder of Park City Song Summit, an international conference featuring these same subjects and promoting the healing power of music and song. Join Valerie and Helen for this amazing exploration of...

Episode 19, the first episode on Aging and Mental Health, received an overwhelming response, full of thoughtful and far-reaching questions. In this episode, Valerie and Helen look for answers with Dr. Cherie Simpson, a Clinical Nurse Specialist who works with geriatric psychiatric patients. The amount of expert information will enlighten listeners, regardless of age. Join the Mental Health Hope and Recovery community on Facebook and leave Helen and Valerie a question Learn more about your ad...

Among the most feared, and often reviled, of all mental disorders, BPD and its extreme symptoms have frequently been labeled intolerable and untreatable. But times and knowledge have changed—much stigma is being replaced with hope and recovery. Helen and Valerie will examine BPD from three perspectives: one who has it; one who has had intimate, difficult relationships with persons who have it; and one who has taught and enlightened hundreds of families and caretakers of those who have it....

Valerie and Helen investigate the complex and profound impact that aging has on mental health. And vice versa. These issues affect the elderly, yes, but also those in their 40s, 50s, 60s. Individuals with mental health challenges, caregivers, families, and friends will learn much about the aging process and its consequences. Don’t miss this unforgettable episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices