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In today’s episode, through a question and answer session, we dive into the topic of rest. Rest in the form of actual sleep, rest from our jobs, from school, from social interactions, and rest, even from the work that our healing and recovery requires of us.    In a heavily digitized world, we are often expected and asked to be engaged—or at least available—at all times. But as human beings who get tired and drained, being “always on” and “always accessible” is an expectation we can’t and shouldn’t meet. It’s honestly something we need to protect ourselves from if we want to lead healthy, balanced lives. And because To Write Love aims to inspire and lead by example, this episode also marks a mid-season break for the podcast so that Becky, our editor and producer, can go on a month-long sabbatical.    When we say that “we need you here,” we also mean to say that we need you to take care of yourself so that you can be here. We need you to advocate for your well-being, to prioritize things like rest so that you don’t get burnt out to the point that being a “story still going” feels next to impossible.    Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.  For self-care tips and resources, go to twloha.com/self-care/.    Follow and learn about The Nap Ministry at thenapministry.wordpress.com/.    Read about and participate in the Black and White campaign by visiting twloha.com/blog/black-and-white-5-0/.  Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

Mindfulness. It’s become a bit of a buzzword. But boiling it down to a single word does it a bit of disservice. Mindfulness can take the shape of various forms of meditation, yoga practices, immersing ourselves in nature, noticing our breath, or tapping into our senses.    But how does mindfulness, and all the avenues it involves, intersect with mental health? How can our awareness of the present moment, of a tangible aspect of reality change or improve our inner world?    To help us explore and understand this, we’re going to be joined by Tianna Soto. Tianna is a Puerto Rican, Jamaican-Chinese writer, speaker, and mental health educator based in New York City. She received a Master's in Clinical Psychology in Education from Columbia University and is a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor. Her ongoing mission is to empower others to embrace their journey with clarity and confidence.   Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA   instagram.com/twloha/   facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.  Learn more about Tianna Soto at tiannafaye.com/.    Purchase Bessel van Der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps The Score” book by going to barnesandnoble.com/w/the-body-keeps-the-score-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/1117229987.    Download the Insight Timer app at insighttimer.com/.    Follow Tianna Soto at instagram.com/tiannafayee/.    Listen to “Trigger Protection Mantra” by Jhene Aiko by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkJGa0eaktE.  Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

Candance wrote, “Parts of my brain continually struggle for power while others retreat completely. But no matter what’s been taken—time, control, hope for the future—it’s never too late to start anew.”   Bianca said, “Every day I learn new things about how my OCD manifests, and I am figuring out in real-time what that means for my relationships, health, and job.”   And Kirsten shared, “OCD, contrary to popular belief, is not tidy or clean. It’s messy. Exhausting. Loud.”   These words come from personal experiences with OCD. Stories we’ve had the honor of sharing on our blog. But OCD is not a challenge we’ve talked about on this specific platform. So on today’s episode, it is our honor to have Sara Galgalo, a psychotherapist who works at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, as our guest to help us better understand OCD, how it gets misdiagnosed for other things like anxiety, and the type of treatment that is having a pretty incredible impact.    Sara is a big Doctor Who fan, she grew up playing sports and was even a figure skater for years, and she loves to go hiking back in her home state of Washington.    Sara Galgalo is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Sara received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Sara’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on CBT for adults, adolescents, and children suffering from all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and other anxiety disorders. In addition to treating individual clients, Sara also currently leads a low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD.  She’s a big Doctor Who fan, grew up playing a lot of sports (and was a figure skater for a few years), and loves to go hiking in her home state of Washington. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.  Check out the services offered at the OCD Center of LA by visiting https://ocdla.com/.  Read blogs relating to OCD at https://twloha.com/blog/topics/ocd/.  Discover resources and learn more through the International OCD Foundation by visiting https://iocdf.org/.  Purchase “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green by going to https://www.johngreenbooks.com/turtles-all-the-way-down-book.  Check out the show Pure at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_(British_TV_series).  Buy the book “The Happiness Trap” by Dr. Russ Harris at https://thehappinesstrap.com/.    Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

The topic of this episode is rather specific. It’s something we haven’t addressed on the podcast until now and have only briefly explored elsewhere. It’s something that carries a heavy stigma and the weight of expectation. It’s something that impacts 20% of people who are pregnant or give birth. We’re talking about perinatal—that’s before, during, and after pregnancy—mood and anxiety disorders that include depression, irritability, and heightened anxiety.    To help us paint a picture of what these struggles can look like, we’ll be talking to Ceara Pertain, who will not only share her own difficult journey with a traumatic birth experience and a myriad of mood disturbances that followed—but will cast a net of compassion for those entering or facing motherhood. And to guide us in understanding these challenges and how treatment can range from therapy and medicine to movement and sunshine, we’ll be joined by counselor Leighya Richard.   Ceara Pertain, is an Air Force veteran, an Intuitive Life and Soul Coach, a Master Resiliency Trainer, a Yogi, an author, a blogger, and a poet. She lives with her mystical daughter and her black cat, and is a self-confessed book-and-crystal fanatic.   Leighya Richard is a licensed mental health counselor, wife, and toddler and “pandemic baby” mom. She works to support and advocate for women’s health and to empower those facing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA   instagram.com/twloha/   facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.  Read Ceara’s blog by going to twloha.com/blog/author/ceara-pertain/.  For perinatal mental health resources, visit anxiouslyexpecting.com/ and postpartum.net/.  Purchase “Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1641701307/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_WR0A5TDRS5AMH5NPHNC5.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

Self-injury appears in the TWLOHA mission statement. It’s something we work to destigmatize and to present hope and healing for those who struggle with it. But in today’s episode, we’re talking about what it means to be the parent, friend, partner, or loved one of someone who engages in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors. What so many people need is a safe space to share without judgment and to explore their options when it comes to professional care.    To help us navigate and understand how to be safe spaces, we’re joined by counselor Michelle Moore, who addresses the hard but honest fact that we, as caretakers, confidants, and guardians, can rarely be everything that person might need. She also talks about how it’s OK for us to recognize that we too might ultimately need help in being safe spaces.    Michelle Moore is a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, Florida, who works at Solace Counseling, which is also owned and run by Michelle and her husband Aaron. She specializes in working with both adults and adolescents who are facing mental health challenges such as self-injury, eating disorders, depression, addiction, and more.  Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at  For resources, blogs, and more on self-injury, go to twloha.com/find-help/help-by-topic/self-injury/.  To check out Cornell University’s Self-Injury Resources, visit selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/.    Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

In the premiere episode of season five, we’re addressing the topic of grief. Contrary to popular belief, grief comes in many forms, it impacts people in varying ways, and it does not have to stem from the loss of a loved one. Grief is the thing that we feel and experience in the absence of something or someone we love—a pet, a relationship, a parent, a job, a home. To help us explore, identify, and even learn how to navigate grief through creativity, we’ll be joined by content creator Vivian Nuñez, reporter Megan Fernandes, and therapist Eric Adams.     Megan Fernandes is an award-winning business and community news reporter that has worked in newsrooms across the country. For a long time, Megan thought that her purpose was to share the stories of others, but after losing her mother to cancer in January of 2020, Megan turned to memoir writing and poetry as a way to cope with her grief and tell her own story.  She now writes to share her struggles in coping with grief, mental health, and trauma to normalize these conversations and remind others that they are not alone.   Vivian Nuñez is a writer, content creator, and dog mom. Her award-winning Instagram community has created pathways for speaking on traditionally taboo topics, like mental health and grief, but don’t worry she’s also really funny. While her humor is a cross between Chandler Bing and Phoebe’s mom jokes, she’s also one with TikTok trends, dog videos, and how much fun it is to be creative. Her life and work are rooted in the simple truth that life’s a lot more livable when you get to play outside the box.    Eric Adams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Mental Edge Counseling in Dover, Delaware. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Download TWLOHA’s daily-use self-care app, The Hopeful, at  Read Megan Fernandes’ blog at twloha.com/blog/author/megan-fernandes/.  Purchase a guided grief journal by going to amazon.com/Navigating-Grief-Journal-Exercises-Reflection/dp/1648763162.  Listen to “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran by visiting youtu.be/3Mk0F6mLKik.  Learn more about Vivian Nuñez by visiting vivnunez.com/ or following her at instagram.com/vivnunez/.  Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

In the final episode of season four and to close out the Another Day With You campaign, we talk to someone who attempted suicide at the age of 27 and went on to write a book inspired by his own experience. That person is author Bill Konigsberg and that book is The Bridge. In our conversation, you’ll hear about Bill’s chronic, untreated depression which led to an attempt, and how writing the book became a way to dispel the lies his brain was telling him while encouraging readers to realize how valuable and interwoven their lives truly are.   Along with The Bridge, Bill is the author of five young-adult novels, which have won awards including the Stonewall Book Award, the Sid Fleischman Award for Humor, and the Lambda Literary Award. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with his husband, Chuck, and their two Labradoodles, Mabel and Buford—who you might hear barking in the background during the interview. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read Bill’s words on the TWLOHA at twloha.com/blog/stay-another-day/.   Purchase The Bridge by going to store.twloha.com and typing in The Bridge in the search bar.   Learn more about and connect with author Bill Konigsberg at billkonigsberg.com/about/.   Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

When the pandemic altered nearly every part of daily life, we wondered what it would mean for those struggling, for those currently fighting to stay alive. A mental health crisis already existed and the pandemic only made it more glaringly obvious. The collective trauma and loss nearly doubled the number of people having thoughts of suicide and experiencing depression compared to previous years.   One bright spot, a moment of tragic optimism, is that this shared experience made talking about mental health almost a normal part of everyday life. We were surprised to see moments where the polite, “How are you?” was not expected to be met with an unassuming “fine.”   Over the course of the next few episodes, in honor of TWLOHA’s Another Day With You campaign and World Suicide Prevention Day—which is this Friday, September 10th, we’re using this space to have conversations that challenge the lie that says we can’t or shouldn’t talk about suicide. We want to share real-life experiences as they relate to suicide attempts, loss, and ideation.    For today’s episode, instead of a one-on-one interview, we’re doing something a little different. We’ve invited an array of voices to share some heartfelt responses to some questions: 1. Who or what has helped you stay another day? And 2. What would you say to someone who is finding it difficult to stay another day? Their responses are honest and unique, but there is often, and perhaps unsurprisingly, a common occurrence of hope. If some responses don’t resonate with you, that’s OK. Because our desire is for even just one message, one encouragement you hear to inspire you or someone you care about, to stay for another day.  Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Learn more about the Another Day With You campaign at twloha.com/wspd.     Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

When the pandemic altered nearly every part of daily life, we wondered what it would mean for those struggling, for those currently fighting to stay alive. A mental health crisis already existed and the pandemic only made it more glaringly obvious. The collective trauma and loss nearly doubled the number of people having thoughts of suicide and experiencing depression compared to previous years.   One bright spot, a moment of tragic optimism, is that this shared experience made talking about mental health almost a normal part of everyday life. We were surprised to see moments where the polite, “How are you?” was not expected to be met with an unassuming “fine.”   Over the course of the next few episodes, in honor of TWLOHA’s Another Day With You campaign and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, we want to use this space to have conversations that challenge the lie that says we can’t or shouldn’t talk about suicide. We want to share real-life experiences as they relate to suicide attempts, loss, and ideation. For today’s conversation, we’re chatting with and hearing from Carrie Thompson, who lost her son Ben to suicide two years ago.    Carrie is a mother, a wife, and a high school English teacher, who recently moved from a small town in New Hampshire to the city of Seattle, Washington. As a suicide loss survivor, Carrie is on a quest for understanding and healing. She’s an essayist of “creative nonfiction and sad stories” mostly exploring topics around grief and loss to suicide. A piece she wrote about hiking in honor of her son Ben, titled “The 48 Mountains That Held My Grief” was featured in the New York Times. Her words are honest, unapologetic, and wise. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read Carrie’s words by going to medium.com/@carrietnh or  twloha.com/blog/author/carrie-thompson/    Read “The 48 Mountains That Held My Grief” at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/28/opinion/hiking-grief.html.    For resources for suicide loss survivors, visit afsp.org.    To learn more about TWLOHA’s high school program, Between the Bells, go to twloha.com/highschool/.    Learn more about the Another Day With You campaign at twloha.com/wspd.     Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

When the pandemic altered nearly every part of daily life, we wondered what it would mean for those struggling, for those currently fighting to stay alive. A mental health crisis already existed and the pandemic only made it more glaringly obvious. The collective trauma and loss nearly doubled the number of people having thoughts of suicide and experiencing depression compared to previous years.   One bright spot, a moment of tragic optimism, is that this shared experience made talking about mental health almost a normal part of everyday life. We were surprised to see moments where the polite, “How are you?” was not expected to be met with an unassuming “fine.”   Over the course of the next few episodes, in honor of TWLOHA’s Another Day With You campaign and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, we want to use this space to have conversations that challenge the lie that says we can’t or shouldn’t talk about suicide. We want to share real-life experiences as they relate to suicide attempts, loss, and ideation. For today’s episode, we’re joined by Ashley Holstrom, who is talking about the latter: suicidal ideation. As you’ll find out in more detail, suicidal ideation has been a part of Ashley’s existence as far back as she can remember. And for her, she describes the thoughts as passive rather than active; she thinks these thoughts but has no plan to act on them. They are a “passive wish to no longer exist.”   Ashley is a professional book person, designing for an indie publisher and writing for Book Riot. She's an advocate for mental health, reads any book about mental illness she can get her hands on, and wrote an essay about trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling) for the young adult anthology (Don't) Call Me Crazy. Ashley lives in the Chicago area with her rainbow library and cats named after Hemingway and Asimov.   Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read Ashley’s words by going to twloha.com/blog/author/ashley-holstrom/.    To purchase (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start The Conversation About Mental Health, visit barnesandnoble.com/w/bookkelly-jensen/1128063600.    To check out My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach, go to marklukach.com/book.    Learn more about the Another Day With You campaign at anotherdaywithyou.com.    Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month in the US. It exists to “bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness” in this country. While mental health challenges impact humans regardless of race, body size, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, and so on, we also recognize that racism, colonization, police brutality, and white supremacy—among other things—are events and harsh realities that affect BIPOC in a significant way that can not and should not be ignored or dismissed.    In this episode, to help us lean into those things, we’re joined by Ricky Neal, Crisis Text Line’s Volunteer Experience Manager. As a Black man growing up in Laurens, South Carolina, he’ll share his personal mental health experience when it comes to racial identity and cultural stigma, and from a professional lens, Ricky will talk about the importance of having the people on the other end of a call, text, or counseling appointment be able to identify with the unique struggles BIPOC communities face on a daily basis.   Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   For a collection of articles, books, and videos on learning and practicing antiracism, visit twloha.com/blog/an-invitation-to-learn-and-practice-antiracism/.    For a list of BIPOC-specific mental health resources go to twloha.com/blog/bipoc-mental-health-resources/.    Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month in the US. It exists to “bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness” in this country. While mental health challenges impact humans regardless of race, body size, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, and so on, we also recognize that racism, colonization, police brutality, and white supremacy—among other things—are events and harsh realities that affect BIPOC in a significant way that can not and should not be ignored or dismissed.    To help us shed a light on this and to learn, grow, and expand our understanding, we’re honored to be joined on this episode by Gabes Torres. Gabes is an Indigenous person from the colonized islands of the Philippines and a non-US citizen migrant. She is currently a licensed therapist in Seattle, Washington, who works predominately with clients who identify as Black, Indigenous, transgender, queer, and people of color. Through her work, she hopes to decolonize and de-center white Eurocentric frameworks as it relates to things like healing and therapy.    Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA   instagram.com/twloha/   facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Connect with and learn more about Gabes Torres by going to gabestorres.com/.    For a collection of articles, books, and videos on learning and practicing antiracism, visit twloha.com/blog/an-invitation-to-learn-and-practice-antiracism/.    For a list of BIPOC-specific mental health resources go to twloha.com/blog/bipoc-mental-health-resources/.    Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.   

Research shows that the LGBTQ+ community is almost three times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. And, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-harm than heterosexual and cis-gendered people. This is not due to their sexual orientation or gender identity but oftentimes from outside factors such as a non-affirming home environment, a volatile political climate, and the lack of freedom and space to be true to who they are.    Today, in honor and celebration of June being Pride Month, we’re talking to Dr. Amy Green, the Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project (an organization providing crisis intervention and prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth) to talk about how LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately impacted by things suicide and other mental health challenges and how we, as allies and supporters, can help change those numbers. And in the second half of the episode, host Chad Moses sits down with Jessica Strait, a frequent author on the TWLOHA blog, to hear about her lived experience as a queer woman who grew up in a religious family, has dealt with multiple mental health challenges, and is in the midst of an ongoing journey toward self-acceptance.    Dr. Amy Green and her team support the organization’s work by using data and research findings to advance its crisis services and peer support programs, as well as advocacy and education initiatives. Under Dr. Green’s leadership, the research team produces innovative research that brings new clinical implications to the field of suicidology and LGBTQ mental health. Amy lives in Los Angeles with her wife, who is also a clinical psychologist working in suicide prevention, and their two dogs.   Jess Strait is a long-time TWLOHA supporter and a frequent author on our blog. She is a queer woman who currently resides in Wilmington, North Carolina with her partner of 16 years and their three kids. It wasn’t until 2014, that Jess and her now-wife shared their relationship publicly and got married the year after same-sex marriage became legal in the US. A former healthcare worker, Jess has dealt with a myriad of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse.    Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Connect with The Trevor Project and access valuable resources at thetrevorproject.org/.    Find out more about PFLAG by going to pflag.org/.    Read Jess Strait’s words at twloha.com/blog/author/jessica-strait/.    Shop TWLOHA’s Pride Merch Collection by visiting store.twloha.com/.    Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

May is Mental Health Month in the US. This month is a chance for us to continue combating the stigma that keeps far too many silent. It’s a chance for us to tell and to highlight stories of lesser-known challenges. It’s a chance to declare a few statements we believe to be Black and White.   In the third and final episode of the Black & White Miniseries, host Chad Moses and TWLOHA’s Community Care Coordinator Bianca Mujica discuss the statement: “Nothing can take away how far you’ve come,” which also serves as the focal point for our 2021 Run For It 5k. During their conversation, Bianca and Chad explore themes such as progress and growth, and how things like relapse and challenging chapters are ultimately unable to erase either.    Bianca Mujica is TWLOHA's Community Care Coordinator, meaning her work focuses on finding intersectional and creative ways to connect with people like you. She is a Mexican-American queer woman from Texas with a background in journalism and a love for language. Outside of work, she can be found experimenting with new art supplies, eating pasta, or making plans for her future animal sanctuary.   Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read the Black And White 4.0 blog at https://twloha.com/blog/black-and-white-4-0/ and shop the collection by going to https://store.twloha.com/collections/black-white.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.  

May is Mental Health Month in the US. This month is a chance for us to continue combating the stigma that keeps far too many silent. It’s a chance for us to tell and to highlight stories of lesser-known challenges. It’s a chance to declare a few statements we believe to be Black and White.   In the second episode of the Black & White Miniseries, host Chad Moses and TWLOHA Editor Becky Ebert explore the statement: “I am not broken. Who I am is whole.” Together, they talk about what it means to practice grace and acceptance when it comes to our present moment and self, and how we can be both hurting and healing.    Becky Ebert has been working as TWLOHA’s Editor for nearly half a decade, which means she’s the energy behind the organization’s blog and podcast. When she isn’t at her computer, you can find her behind the steering wheel of a car en route to a new place to explore, rewatching a Marvel movie, or outside hiking. And throughout all of those things, you’re sure to find her sidekick, a dog named Bucky Barnes, close by.  Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read the Black And White 4.0 blog at https://twloha.com/blog/black-and-white-4-0/ and shop the collection by going to https://store.twloha.com/collections/black-white.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at Sign up at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Register to move for something that matters in the 2021 virtual Run For It 5k by going to store.twloha.com/products/2021-run-for-it-5k/.     Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

For the last four years, TWLOHA’s Black and White campaign has happened every May. Why May? Well, May is Mental Health Month in the US. This month is a chance for us to continue combating the stigma that keeps far too many silent. It’s a chance for us to tell and to highlight stories of lesser-known challenges. It’s a chance to declare a few statements we believe to be Black and White when it comes to you and your mental health.   In the first episode of this year’s Black & White miniseries, host Chad Moses, with the help of TWLOHA’s Content + Copy Specialist Tori Muzyk, will be exploring the depth and meaning behind the statement: “Stop apologizing for existing.” Together, they discuss what it means to be more accepting of yourself and others, and how they’ve learned to hold space and grace for their past and present selves.    Tori Muzyk is TWLOHA’s newest team member. For the most part, she lives in the land of words. But when not writing, you can find Tori speaking in metaphors, petting dogs, fighting the good fight, and checking her horoscope. For those of you wondering, she’s a cancer. Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at:   twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Read the Black And White 4.0 blog at https://twloha.com/blog/black-and-white-4-0/ and shop the collection by going to https://store.twloha.com/collections/black-white.    Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at Sign up at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Register to move for something that matters in the 2021 virtual Run For It 5k by going to store.twloha.com/products/2021-run-for-it-5k/.     Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

On this episode of the TWLOHA Podcast, we’re exploring the theme of normalizing mental health professionals both giving and receiving help. Counselors, therapists, psychologists—they’re often a saving grace for many. They provide wisdom and guidance and a safe space for us to lay bare our struggles. But beneath the titles, the offices, the knowledge, and the compassion, mental health professionals are also people. And we believe all people can benefit from things like counseling—but sometimes counselors are faced with a shameful stigma that says they shouldn’t need assistance with the hardships they’re trained to decipher and handle. So today, joining host Chad Moses to discuss and dismantle this hypocritical and hurtful stigma, are LMHC Stephan Monteserín and Dr. Emily Burch.    Stephan Monteserín is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor currently located in his hometown of Orlando, Florida. He’s a valued TWLOHA Board Member and he works to help people grow into freedom from oppressive patterns of thought and behavior. As a counselor, Stephan’s goal is to assist those hurting as they pass through their struggles and acknowledge their pain.    In 2020, Dr. Emily Burch completed her doctorate in clinical psychology whilst working in an inpatient mental health facility. Her experience stems from a variety of clinical environments, including a community mental health center, a local corrections facility, and an equine-assisted therapy program. Along with her professional mental health experiences, Emily is a writer, whose words you can find on the TWLOHA Blog. For Emily, writing, along with the support of her friends, significant others, and her cats Poptart and Mr. Noodles, provides a break from the stress and struggle of the world.   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com.   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at Sign up at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Register to move for something that matters in the 2021 virtual Run For It 5k by going to store.twloha.com/products/2021-run-for-it-5k/.     Go to twloha.com/blog/author/emily-burch/ to read Dr. Emily Burch’s words on the TWLOHA Blog.   Learn more about LMHC and TWLOHA Board Member Stephan Monteserín at twloha.com/team/#stephan-monteserin.     Credits: This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor. 

On this special episode of the TWLOHA Podcast, we’re celebrating 15 years of hope and help on the organization’s birthday—along with the upcoming release of our daily-use self-care app called The Hopeful! In the first half, founder Jamie Tworkowski discusses the movement’s unexpected inception and shares some of his favorite memories, and TWLOHA’s first-ever social media coordinator Chris Youngblood talks about managing an overflowing inbox and a Myspace account all those years ago from his T-Mobile Sidekick. And in the second half of the episode, you’ll hear from two current team members—Katie Mumper and Bianca Mujica—the real-life folks who respond to your comments and texts and DMs.   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/. Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741. Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com. Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Sign up at twloha.com/thehopeful/ to be alerted when The Hopeful, a daily-use self-care app, becomes available to download.  Go to store.twloha.com and use code TWLOHABDAY to receive 25% off your entire order by 3/31. Read the original story by visiting twloha.com/learn/story/.    Credits: This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

On this episode of the TWLOHA Podcast, we’re discussing Bipolar Disorder, a mental health experience that by no means receives as much airtime or attention as others tend to. And yet, it's something so many people deal with day in and day out, it’s something we know is relevant to so many of you. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness—meaning it has no cure. That being said, this illness is not immune to treatment. Through personalized care, Bipolar Disorder can be managed. You can live with it. And to help us showcase what living with it can look like, we’re joined by educator and advocate Dr. Rachel Kallem Whitman and editor and writer Claire Biggs—two guests whose journeys may differ but still find common ground in their hopes of smashing the stigma that surrounds their diagnoses.   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast. Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/. Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741. Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com. Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Purchase Rachel Kallem Whitman’s book Instability in Six Colors at oneideapress.com. Use code TWLOHA10 at checkout for 10% off. Read Rachel’s words on the TWLOHA blog at twloha.com/blog/author/rachel-kallem-whitman/.  Watch “I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much” by Stella Young, by going to https://wrt.lv/2MMHAFn.  To buy Madness: A Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher, visit amazon.com/Madness-Bipolar-Life-Marya-Hornbacher/dp/0547237804.  Watch Lady Dynamite on Netflix at netflix.com/title/80046193.  Check out “5 Tips For Being An Ally” by visiting youtube.com/watch?v=_dg86g-QlM0&t=6s.  Go to amazon.com/Wishful-Drinking-Carrie-Fisher/dp/143915371X to buy Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher.  Visit https://insideourminds.org/ to learn more about Inside Our Minds—a radical mental health organization. To learn more about the Disability Visibility Project by Alice Wong, visit disabilityvisibilityproject.com/.  Purchase An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison at amazon.com/Unquiet-Mind-Memoir-Moods-Madness/dp/0679763309.  Listen to “this is me trying” by Taylor swift by going to youtube.com/watch?v=9bdLTPNrlEg. Read Claire’s words on the TWLOHA blog at twloha.com/blog/author/claire-biggs/.  Credits: This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.

In this episode of the TWLOHA podcast, we’re discussing self-injury. It is perhaps one of the least talked about mental health challenges. You might be wondering why that is, and we think the reason can be wrapped up into a single word: stigma. While conversations about mental health have progressed a great deal over the course of the last few years, self-injury remains shrouded by shame.  According to research, anywhere between 14 to 24 percent of young adults have self-injured before, and it is often used as a coping mechanism to help someone process and deal with the intense emotions they’re experiencing. To help us continue to break down and chip away at the wall of stigma surrounding this very human and very real challenge, we’re joined by counselor Lori Vann, a trusted voice when it comes to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, along with mental health advocates Mallory Ellington and Nik Wiles, who are both in recovery from SI.   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast. Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/ Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/. Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741. Connect with our team by emailing podcast@twloha.com. Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast. Find out more about Lori Vann and her work by visiting lorivann.com/.  Purchase Lori’s book A Caregiver’s Guide to Self-Injury at vannassociates.com/shop/. Access the NSSI: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Be Aware, Educate, Prevent, Intervene Private Facebook Group by going to facebook.com/groups/289208102223000/. Purchase the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders at psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm. Read Mallory Ellington’s words at twloha.com/blog/author/mallory-ellington/.  Listen to “Known & Loved” by Joel Ansett by going to youtube.com/watch?v=rqyvyuMO5m8.  Read Nik Wiles’ words at twloha.com/blog/author/nik-wiles/.  Checkout by Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman at peacefulwarrior.com/way-of-the-peaceful-warrior/.   Credits: This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.