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Gay and Christian arent two terms that go together often. In many U.S. churches, being gay is still something to keep secret. Conversion therapy is seen as the thing real christians do when they really want to be “good.” What does that actually do for your mental health though? Today we welcome to the conversation Seth Showalter, LCSW. Seth gives us the details on his story – being gay in a conservative christian world, life with a TBI, utilizing therapists, the suicide lifeline from the counselor’s side, and EAPs. Seth is the host of the Mental Podcast and a cohost on the Fade to Gray Podcast. He is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, former Suicide Lifeline Counselor, and a lifelong man of faith. Please make sure to check out his social media and podcasts to get in touch with him and hear his new podcast! Mental Podcast – Facebook Fade to Gray Podcast – Facebook, Instagram Check out the Episode Pinterest Board for bonus content and all the links in one spot! (like info on the Lectionary and GoodRx!) One Time Support Contribution Patreon National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

COVID 19 has the entire world scrambling for safety and healing. Social distancing and stay home orders are in place to #FlattenTheCurve and mental illness risks are at an all time high, especially for those of us who already had these issues. As we are all trying to figure out what to do in response to COVID, I wanted to take some time to go over some really important angles and make sure that we heal in the right direction. This was a world changing, history making virus. People are panicking, businesses are being shut down to #slowthespread, and the President keeps changing his story. COVID has been a catalyst to shine light on the Institutional Betrayal Trauma going on in the United States. In episode 46, we talked in depth about why it can have such devastating consequences. Coping with COVID (or the Coronavirus) is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Meditation and mindfulness, art, and community are more important than ever. Surviving this pandemic means banding together in ways we may have never thought possible. So let’s lead into the future with love. Amira Stanley – Core Mind Gut Connection – FB + IG Coronavirus Meditation Check out the Episode Pinterest Board for more! One Time Support Contribution Patreon Mary Rose Foundation – FB + IG (Julie Allen) The Queer Counselor – FB + IG (Haley Jones) National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

Institutional betrayal is one of the most under-addressed forms of trauma. What does it mean? Who does it affect and how? I invited my friend Liz on to talk about her lived experience as someone who came up with numerous ACEs, religious abuse, what a mental illness friendly church looks like, faith rituals, cultural diagnosis biases, and institutional betrayal. Advocacy is one of the most important roles we can play as allies. Institutional betrayal doesnt get turned around and healed without everyone working together, advocating for real, positive change for folx in the mental health system AND before that. Its about **1.5** hours and worth every second, even if the audio quality is rough due to skype. Check out the Episode Pinterest Board for more! One Time Support Contribution Patreon National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

Selena Maestas joins Rayah to talk about her journey with eating disorders. Selena’s story includes: Anorexia, Body Dysmorphia, Orthorexia, and Parental Substance Abuse. Selena Maestas Coaching is how she shares the healing she has worked so hard at. You can also check out her group, Momboss Mindset, where she specializes in helping Mom business owners work through their internal shadows. Richie and Rayah also experiment with a new segment called “Awkward Conversation Starters.” To encourage us all find ways to get through the awkward and into meaningful conversations. National Eating Disorder Association Screening tool, Recovery Record (ED Recovery App), NEDA Help Line: (800) 931-2237, NEDA Chat Selena Maestas Coaching Selena’s Facebook, Instagram, and the Momboss Mindset Facebook Group One Time Support Contribution Patreon National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

“You are good.” Good? Me? Many of us struggle to feel like we are worthy or good. Often this conflict is introduced by theological wounds. Prophets and Heretics is the first of an ongoing series on faith within the Depth of Echoes schema.  We will explore religious trauma, answer hard questions about mental illness and faith, and figure out how to restore space in the community for the marginalized. Because we, are GOOD. Many of us who have asked the hard questions about faith have been labeled or called ‘Heretics.’ Are we? Pastor Adam and Rayah talk in depth about just a few of the ways traditional churches may wound with scripture, why it’s wrong, and what you can do to bring back the good. Kyle’s Gallery for those sweet Star Wars prints Trans Day of Remembrance Sermon By Amira Adam Ericksen, also has a podcast! One Question with Pastor Adam Clackamas United Church of Christ Austen Hartke/AustenLionheart (Youtube) http://austenhartke.com/book Previous episodes about Boundaries (latest ep) or here & here One Time Support Contribution Patreon National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

Boundaries of all kinds are the subject of the day therefore, Rayah is joined by guest host, Kara of Artstrom Digital Media, for a deep dive into various boundaries. Ranging from soft and moveable to rigid and impenetrable, there are all sorts of boundaries needed in our lives and it’s certainly vital to talk them out. If you struggle with setting limits in your personal life, this is the episode for you. Use the printable episode guide below as a handy resource to help you as you listen or sit down with it later. We hope you find it helpful as you explore and build healthy, sustainable boundaries in your life. FREE PRINTABLE EPISODE GUIDE ArtstromDigital Web, Facebook, Instagram Previous episodes about Boundaries here & here One Time Support Contribution National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

***ORIGINAL AIR DATE 11/21/18*** Happy Holidays! Rayah finishes up #Movember (Men’s Mental Health) with some of the warning signs you need to be looking out for and tackling the elephant in the room – sexual disfunction with medications. Dr. Alicia Hart comes on to share some solid tips for surviving the holidays with a mental illness. She also gives some reassurance to those struggling with eating disorders this feasting season. Dr. Hart is a Primary Care Naturopath with Vitality NW in Tualatin, Oregon.  The MOB Nation is an alliance of mom-owned businesses dedicated to empowering women who balance both motherhood and business. The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 NAMI Crisis Text Line: text “NAMI” to 741741 Email – Rayah@depthofechoes.com or Richie@depthofechoes.com SHOP Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Patreon Facebook Group: The Echo Chamber Question Voicemail Line: 541-819-0543 Anonymous Question Form Thank you to Jake Roach for creating our intro music. Interview background music created by SoundStripe.  Help for the Holidays with Dr. Hart

Healing from trauma? “It gets worse before it gets better” is a common truth. What does that mean when you’re healing though? While it’s different for everyone, Rayah shares what ‘worse’ has meant the last few months. We talk more about the struggles of the holidays, especially when you have had to put boundaries up. When people you love are missing from your life for your own healing. As we close out the year, Rayah goes over the future of the podcast and what that means for everyone listening. Dont worry – it’s good! The “better” parts are coming. Listen in for the ways that you can be involved and help make a difference in the lives of those in our community! Become a Patreon! One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. It Gets Worse Before it Gets Better – Episode 043

Rule the Yule this year with seven tools and coping mechanisms. Rayah gives an impactful 17 minute episode packed with tools you can actually use. We talk about expectations, boundaries, giving and receiving, traditions, and why you’ll need to say no A LOT. If you struggle with the holiday season, you are not alone. Many of us find it difficult for one reason or another. Let’s learn together how to make the most of this time of year. When January comes, we dont want to be checking ourselves into the psych unit because we have run ourselves ragged. Stay tuned for the accompanying blog post and video version of this episode coming out 11/20/19. Become a Patreon! One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text – “Connect” to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y’all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that’s you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

Men's Mental Health is an important topic for #Movember. Today we hear from Jonathan Geiman about his personal story with mental illness and trauma. Jon is a husband, father, business owner, health coach, and fellow podcaster. We talk about what impact it has had to be the adult child of an alcoholic, as well as how he handles his physical aggression in times of anxiety and panic. Jonathan has used medications, foods, therapy, and physical fitness to work towards wholeness and health and this in an episode you wont want to miss. Check out more of his story on his feeds! The Joe Health Show Riffin One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y'all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that's you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

The Nervous System. It's complex in nature and usually a bit too confusing for most of us to understand. When talking about healing from trauma, we must have some basic grasp of it, or we may end up working against ourselves. Topics in our 40th episode include Somatic/Autonomic Nervous Systems, the Vagus Nerve, and Neuroception. Rayah also gives strategies for helping the nervous system to regain its flexibility through focusing on Heart Rate Variability. The VIDEO version of this episode with visual aids is available right now for Patreon subscribers of all levels, and will be available to everyone the following week! One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y'all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that's you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.

Trauma is a word that is coming up more and more and for good reason - most of us will experience trauma in our lives, yet struggle to define it. What is it? How do I know if something was traumatic or caused damage? How do I know if my trauma is "legit"? Richie shares about his very first trip to the psychiatric unit as a 15 year old kid and why that's made it so hard to go inpatient still. Richie also talks about the aftermath and what it's like to overdose on psych meds. If you're looking for answers about mental illness, trauma, and suicidality, you've come to the right place. We are in this journey together. INKTOBER/DOEPTOBER 2019 Prompt List! If this podcast is helpful to you, please consider making a monetary contribution. Paying for the content you love is how we make more of it. You can support monthly with our patreon or one-time through our paypal link. Depth of Echoes Patreon One Time Support Contribution Episode Research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKNYUMw31w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZLeQ8pW0l8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y'all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form

Rayah is suicidal, but don't panic. This episode goes deep into her most recent downturn as well as some of the contributing factors. Domestic violence, isolation, and emotional abuse. For millions, suicidal ideations and intrusive thoughts are a part of life. Talking about this subject saves lives. Rayah also tells how past trauma impacts our ability to process current crisis. We will learn about the amygdala hijack and why panic renders some of us speechless. The roles of adrenaline and cortisol during dangerous situations, whether real or perceived. Walking someone through a suicidal period can be scary and intimidating without some education and understanding. This episode is designed to help shed light on trauma, suicidal ideations, and how to help without knowing what to do. A special thank you to Jonathan, Julia, and Chris for your ears, voices, and support for this episode. Also, thanks Mom. If this podcast is helpful to you, please consider making a monetary contribution. Paying for the content you love is how we make more of it. You can support monthly with our patreon or one-time through our paypal link. Depth of Echoes Patreon One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y'all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form

A listener asks Richie about dealing with the shame of self harming as an adult. Our friend Kara shares her story of recovery from Non-suicidal self injury as well as her top harm reduction method. Rayah further explores shame, its effect of healing, and how to have self compassion. We finish off the episode with a body blessing Rayah wrote for her personal body image journey. If this podcast is helpful to you, please consider making a monetary contribution and paying for the content you love. You can support monthly with our patreon or one-time through our paypal link. Depth of Echoes Patreon One Time Support Contribution The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP (only the raddest merch for y'all) FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Crisis resources are also available to people who are trying to support someone in crisis. If that's you, just text or call and let them know the situation to the best of your knowledge. When dialing 911 always ask for a crisis intervention team if available. These units have extra training specifically in regards to mental health crisis and can absolutely be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. Episode 037 Art collaboration by Richie and Rayah Dickerson Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)

This week we hear Julia's story of postpartum depression and anxiety, breastfeeding, and being a new mom in a fundamentalist evangelical church. Rayah fills in more about postpartum mental illness symptoms and shares the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - a commonly used tool to help find moms in pain. One Time Support Contribution Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Depth of Echoes Patreon The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both those in crisis and their advocates: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link) also, that's me, not Julia ;-)

Rayah and Richie are back and talking about housing stress and how it’s been affecting them. Rayah gives some awesome updates about The Comfort Squared Project and all the cool things happening with the project. Richie dives into therapy and how it’s been going lately. Depth of Echoes Patreon The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)

Richie shares his struggles with self harm and Rayah fills in the broad facts on Non Suicidal Self Injury - NSSI. Self harm affects millions of people worldwide - including people you meet every day. Take a few minutes to learn more and hear personal insight into this highly stigmatized coping mechanism. 1-800-DONT-CUT Depth of Echoes Patreon To Write Love On Her Arms The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)

Richie is back from the psych ward and feeling really good. Rayah and Richie sit down together and talk about Richie's most recent trip and how he feels just hours after being released. One thing is very apparent - Richie is way more in control and at peace after his stay at the psych ward and is ready to embrace it and make the most of these moments of clarity. The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Patreon SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)

Richie is back in the psych ward, getting extra help. Rayah is running the ship - taking care of the boys, getting the house ready to sell, and reaching out to others. Rayah talks about the process of getting into to the psych ward and what self care currently looks like. The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Patreon SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)

Rayah goes solo today with a letter to all of you who had a mom that caused you pain. Mother's Day can be an incredible hard time of year when you dont have a mom you can celebrate. Today's episode is for you. The Comfort Squared Project Mail: Rayah Dickerson PO Box 741, Clackamas, OR 97015 The following resources are for both the person in crisis AND for family and friends of someone in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Text - "Connect" to 741741 Crisis Chat www.depthofechoes.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Patreon SHOP FB Group: The Echo Chamber Anonymous Question Form Music from Soundstripe (affiliate link)