In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, host Crystal is joined by Deandra and Rory to discuss the complexities of dating while managing mental health challenges. The conversation covers the importance of self-love, setting boundaries in relationships, and recognizing red flags. They also delve into the impact of past traumas on current relationships and the evolving landscape of modern dating, especially with the advent of dating apps. The episode emphasizes the need for personal growth and self-awareness before entering a new relationship. Given the theme of finding and celebrating oneself despite challenges, Whitney Houston’s song ’I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ resonates well with the episode’s focus on self-discovery and seeking meaningful connections.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosted by Madison and featuring guests Rory, Deandra, and Crystal, the discussion centers around the impact of stigma and labels on individuals' identity and mental health. The guests share personal stories and insights on how labels related to gender, mental health diagnoses, and addiction have affected their lives and the lives of their loved ones. They explore ways to challenge and overcome these labels to promote a more inclusive and understanding society. The episode also emphasizes the role of organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association in providing support and combating stigma. The song 'Paint It Black' by The Rolling Stones is a fitting title as it reflects the dark and challenging experiences individuals face due to stigmas and labels, and the desire to change and illuminate those aspects to foster acceptance and understanding.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosts Deandra, Crystal, Rory, and Victoria discuss how seasonal changes affect their mental and physical health. They share personal experiences with seasonal depression, preferences for different weather, and coping strategies like light therapy. The conversation aims to promote wellness, recovery, and understanding of how seasons can impact mental health. The song ’Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve is referenced to underscore the intricate and varied emotions tied to the different seasons. Presented by the Recovery College Wellness Center at the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham.

”Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees aptly captures the essence of this episode of The Overthinking Podcast by CMHA Durham, featuring Victoria’s journey with endometriosis and its impact on her mental health, including bipolar disorder and anxiety. Hosts Crystal and Deandra discuss the significance of self-advocacy, medical gaslighting, and the importance of supportive relationships. Victoria details her struggles with severe pain, misdiagnosis, and finding validation, highlighting her resilience and support system. The conversation underscores the need for greater awareness, funding, and understanding of women’s health issues, encouraging ongoing dialogue and self-advocacy.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, host Merrick Katrowski talks with Crystal and Deandra about supporting transgender children. Crystal shares her journey with her two transgender children, emphasizing unconditional love and mental health support. The discussion covers challenges like social anxiety and therapy, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment. ’I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston is a suitable title as it reflects Crystal’s unwavering love and acceptance for her children throughout their transitions, embodying the theme of unconditional parental love.

This episode of The Overthinking Podcast, hosted by Merrick Kutrowski, features writers Jay-den and Clark discussing the challenges and triumphs of writing and publishing, from overcoming writer’s block to leveraging inner strength. The theme of perseverance and emotional resilience is reinforced by The Beatles’ song ’Paperback Writer,’ symbolizing the aspirational journey of becoming recognized authors.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosts Merrick Kutrowski and Clark interview Jay-den about battling social isolation and anxiety. They discuss therapy, supportive relationships, and energy management using the 'spoons' metaphor. The song 'The Sound Of Silence' by Disturbed was chosen as the title because it symbolizes the profound isolation experienced and the journey towards finding connection and a voice through professional help and community support over a few years. 

The episode delves into Sean's harrowing experiences with schizophrenia and his path to seeking help. Hosted by Jamie Andrews and Clark, Sean recounts his struggles with severe anxiety, drug addiction, and auditory hallucinations that felt painfully real. He found relief via medication and therapies like CBT and DBT. The title 'Voices Carry' by Till Tuesday is apt as it underscores the persistent, often intrusive nature of Sean's auditory hallucinations. His story emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and the life-changing impact of proper treatment.

In this episode, hosts Jamie and Crystal, along with guest Deandra, discuss the Recovery College Wellness Center’s impact through peer support, diverse classes, and a welcoming community. Deandra shares her journey of finding purpose, resonating with the theme of Joe Cocker’s ”With A Little Help From My Friends,” which underscores the importance of support and camaraderie in overcoming challenges.

Jamie Andrews hosts Marie Logan to explore the Recovery College Wellness Centers’ educational approach to mental health. They discuss the importance of co-designed courses facilitated by individuals with lived experience and celebrate the transformative impact on students. Marie shares her journey to becoming the lead adult educator at CMHA Durham’s Recovery College, highlighting her team’s contributions and the center’s inclusive, empowering environment. Like the song ’Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles, this episode shines a hopeful light on mental health recovery and community support.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, host Jamie Andrews talks with guest Ray about his personal experiences with PTSD. Ray shares his traumatic experiences growing up in Trinidad, including being robbed and shot at, and how he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD in 2022. They discuss various coping strategies, including meditation, nature walks, and cognitive behavioral therapy, that Ray uses to manage his condition. Ray also talks about the importance of support from his family and mental health professionals. The episode emphasizes the value of seeking help and fighting stigma associated with mental illness, echoing the message of ’Everybody Hurts’ by R.E.M.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosted by Jamie Andrews, guest Tyler discusses his personal experiences with neurodivergence, specifically autism. The conversation covers the definition of neurodivergence, its impact on Tyler’s life, and the importance of incorporating neurodivergence into mental health treatments. Tyler shares his struggles with various diagnoses including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD, and emphasizes the need for personalized, patient-focused therapy. Drawing inspiration from Lady Gaga’s ’Born This Way,’ Tyler advocates for greater recognition of neurodivergence in the medical field and offers advice to others navigating similar paths.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, inspired by John Lennon's 'Imagine,' host Jamie Andrews, cohost Julien and guest Matthew discuss the profound impact of mental health stigma. Matthew shares his personal experiences with General Anxiety Disorder and depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without shame. The episode encourages listeners to envision a world where mental health is openly addressed and supported, advocating for improved mental health services and coverage. Listeners are urged to seek assistance, maintain a positive outlook, and find hope in their mental health journey.

In this episode, we follow Clark's journey of living in institutions after a car accident in 2010, which led to brain and spine injuries. He discusses his experiences in various hospitals, drug rehabs, and psych wards, emphasizing the challenges and benefits of institutionalization. Clark reflects on managing his struggles, finding purpose, and advocating for oneself while sharing insights on wellness and recovery.

The power of overcoming mental health challenges is a transformative journey that demonstrates resilience, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Our conversation with a fellow peer supporter and mental health coach, Blair Mann, showcases the human spirit’s ability to rise above obstacles, embrace vulnerability, and seek growth through healing and self-discovery, relating that we all have the power to choose who we want to be!

Our Over|Thinking guest and Recovery College Peer Support Specialist Onika Dainty says “I AM Bipolar”. It is an identify she proudly wears, one that she has ‘earned’ through her own tremendous struggle and lived experience of Bipolar disorder. Listen, learn, understand as Onika shares what it feels like to BE Bipolar in her unique, power-packed no-holds-barred style.

Here Without You: Part 2 Our two part series on grief concludes. When someone dearly loved, dearly close is no more. This is what Deanna Joyce, our guest for this two-part series on Grief shares. Through the lens of her own grievous experience with losing someone whom she dearly loved – her mother.

Here Without You: Grief. Lots of it going around during these pandemic times. How to deal with it? How to relate? How to prepare for the unpreparable? How to support? How to get past? Or get through? When someone dearly loved, dearly close is no more. This is what Deanna Joyce, our guest for this two-part series on Grief shares. Through the lens of her own grievous experience with losing someone whom she dearly loved – her mother.

Social Anxiety. Am I worthy? Why do people reject me? I must not be a good person. But am I bad? Myriad masks. Are they working? Compulsively negative thought patterns. Trying to solve problems that we are creating for ourselves in our minds. Which lead to more problems. TORN! Recovery College Wellness Centre Summer Co-op student Martin Luciani-Noli takes us deep into his mind and his struggle with social anxiety. And how he has learnt to cope more effectively.

Anxiety. Crawling in our skin. Consuming. Confusing. Debilitating. So much a part of many of us that we think it is normal even as it as it drags us down. If you’ve experienced anxiety you will be able to relate to our Over|Thinking guest for this episode – Christian-Ann Silveri. A student of Recovery College at CMHA Durham, Christian-Ann bravely, vulnerably shares her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how she is beginning to successfully manage this very common, challenging  condition.