The Mental Health Janitors

Aaron Quinonez and Jessica Burgans

We help you clean up the mess in your head. Aaron and Jess help navigate through the wonderful and sometimes scary world of therapy to educate you, empower you, and encourage you through your difficult times. Join Us Today! 

  1. VA Disability Explained: PTSD, Medication-Based Ratings & The Fight Over Veteran Care

    2D AGO

    VA Disability Explained: PTSD, Medication-Based Ratings & The Fight Over Veteran Care

    Send us Fan Mail Memorial Day can carry a very different meaning for veterans living with trauma, grief, and survivor’s guilt. For many, the battles did not end after coming home. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez and Doc Jess talk about PTSD, VA disability struggles, survivor’s guilt, and the emotional weight many veterans silently carry for years. They unpack the VA’s proposed medication-based disability changes, share personal experiences with broken systems and trauma recovery, and explain why healing often starts with community, purpose, and honest conversations. They also share the impact of Operation Restore Hope, a veteran healing retreat focused on trauma education, service, and rebuilding connection after war. This episode is a reminder that healing does not happen overnight, but one conversation, one step, and one moment of vulnerability can change the direction of someone’s life. Listen in to learn how trauma affects the brain, why unresolved pain keeps people stuck, and how purpose, connection, and vulnerability can help people reclaim their lives after trauma. #PTSD #VeteranMentalHealth #MentalHealthJanitors #TraumaHealing #VAClaims #MilitaryPTSD #SurvivorsGuilt #MemorialDay Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 03:14 - Western Medicine, Pharma Limits Veteran Mental Health 05:13 - VA Disability Rating System Impacts PTSD Veterans 11:37 - Veterans Share VA Mental Health Treatment Experiences 11:50 - Operation Restore Hope Creates Veteran Healing Impact 12:04 - Importance Of NGOs Supporting Veteran Mental Health 12:22 - Social Media Driving Veteran Mental Health Advocacy Efforts 37:51 - Future Of Veteran Mental Health Support Programs Be part of our growing community where honest conversations about veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, VA disability challenges, trauma healing, survivor’s guilt, and post-traumatic growth help people understand the impact of combat and service, rebuild emotional resilience, navigate broken systems, and take ownership of their healing journey while learning how to process the mental and emotional weight life and service can leave behind. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website- https://sgtq.net/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/#PTSDRecovery #VeteranMentalHealth #VAClaims Support the show

    40 min
  2. Low Information Person Syndrome (LIPS) Explained | Why People Reject Facts

    MAY 13

    Low Information Person Syndrome (LIPS) Explained | Why People Reject Facts

    Send us Fan Mail Small moments can quietly shape how we understand the world. A headline shared too fast, a comment taken out of context, or a strong emotional reaction can quickly turn into certainty before the full story is understood. When that happens, people stop listening to learn and start listening to defend what they already believe. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez and Doc Jess break down how low information thinking shows up in everyday life and why people often react before they reflect. They explore how emotion, social media, and mental shortcuts can shape what we think is true and lead to conflict even in conversations about mental health. They also talk about cognitive dissonance and why the brain rejects new information when it challenges what someone already believes. Instead of slowing down, people often protect their current view even when better information is available. This episode is a reminder that clarity comes from slowing down, not from having the loudest opinion.  Listen in and learn how to catch patterns that cloud thinking so you can respond with more awareness instead of reaction. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 02:45 - Low Information Thinking Explained Clearly 06:06 - Mental Health Tools and Awareness Tips 11:35 - Cognitive Dissonance in Mental Health 16:33 - Gender Affirming Care Mental Health Debate 22:18 - Finding Common Ground in Conversations 25:27 - Mental Health Awareness Final Takeaways Be part of our growing online family where real conversations about mental health, emotional regulation, cognitive bias, anxiety management, and personal growth help people understand how the mind works, rebuild healthier thinking patterns, and take ownership of their thoughts and responses while learning how to clean up the mental mess life can create.  🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website- https://sgtq.net/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/#MentalHealthAwareness #CriticalThinking #EmotionalRegulation Support the show

    27 min
  3. The Real Reason Veterans Struggle With Pain, Sleep & Recovery

    MAY 5

    The Real Reason Veterans Struggle With Pain, Sleep & Recovery

    Send us Fan Mail The mission ends. The impact doesn’t. What your body goes through during military service: constant strain, heavy loads, lack of recovery adds up over time. And when you carry those same habits into civilian life, the effects only compound. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Sergeant Q and Doc Jess get real about the long-term toll of service. From physical injuries to survival based routines, they break down why so many people struggle with recovery after years of pushing past their limits. They also talk about what actually works when it comes to rebuilding your health starting with discipline, awareness, and the right foundations. Because healing isn’t instant but it is possible. Full episode out now. Tune in to listen Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 05:00 - Post-Military Lifestyle and Health Issues 10:23 - Introduction to Evolve and Mental Health 14:08 - What Peptides Really Do to Your Body 30:53 - Challenges with FDA Approval and Pharmaceutical Companies 37:53 - Personal Experiences with Peptides 38:12 - The Hidden Link Between Peptides and Mental Health 38:30 - Final Takeaways Be part of our growing online family where real conversations about military life, recovery, and mental health help people understand what happens after service, rebuild healthier habits, and take ownership of both mind and body while learning how to clean up the mental and physical mess life can leave behind. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: • Website- https://sgtq.net/  • Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 • LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ • Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ Support the show

    39 min
  4. How to Take Back Control of Your Mind (Stop Negative Self Talk)

    MAY 1

    How to Take Back Control of Your Mind (Stop Negative Self Talk)

    Send us Fan Mail If you feel stuck in life, constantly doubting yourself, or replaying the same negative thoughts over and over, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez sits down with Paul, a men’s mental health coach, to break down how your identity, self worth, and life direction are often shaped by voices that were never yours to begin with. You will learn how people unknowingly live by beliefs formed by family, society, and past experiences, and why those patterns lead to self sabotage, feeling not enough, and staying stuck. Paul shares his personal journey of struggling with identity, shame, and expectations, and how he learned to take back control by changing the internal narrative. This episode also explores why negative self talk feels so real, how the brain gets stuck in repeating patterns, and how one simple question can begin to shift everything. You will learn how to respond differently to your thoughts, how to open up new possibilities, and how small daily practices can start to rewire the way you think and live. The goal is not to silence your thoughts, but to take control of which ones you follow. Watch if you are searching for • How to stop negative self talk • How to take control of your mind • How to stop self sabotage • Men’s mental health support • How to rebuild self worth Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 01:10 - Paul’s Story and Identity Struggles 02:50 - How Labels Shape Self Worth 04:30 - Society’s Influence on Your Inner Voice 06:10 - Why People Feel Not Good Enough 08:00 - Understanding Self Sabotage Patterns 10:00 - Whose Voice Are You Listening To 12:00 - The Question That Changes Your Thinking 14:20 - Rewiring Your Mind and Breaking Patterns 16:30 - The 7 Day Practice and Next Steps 🎁 Free Resource from Paul If this conversation resonates with you and you are ready to take back control of your thoughts and break free from negative patterns, Paul is offering a simple 7 day guided practice to help you shift your internal narrative and create new possibilities for your life. 👉 Get started here: https://firstonesfree.com/ Be part of our online family where faith meets mental health, and honest conversations with your spouse turn struggles into growth. Find practical strategies, real testimonies, and truth that doesn’t flinch. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ Support the show

    19 min
  5. APR 28

    The 10-Second Pause That Builds Emotional Control and Mental Discipline

    Send us Fan Mail Moments of reaction can quietly shape the direction of your life. One triggered moment can escalate into anger, defensiveness, and words you did not plan to say. In those moments, your brain shifts into survival mode, and it becomes harder to think clearly, pause, or respond with intention. What starts as an emotional spark can quickly turn into conflict, regret, or disconnection. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Sergeant Q and Billy the Barber unpack what it really means to move from emotional reactivity to self control. They break down the difference between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit in a way that actually makes sense through neuroscience, showing how the brain processes automatic thoughts, emotional responses, and survival driven reactions. They also introduce one simple but powerful tool that can change everything, the pause. That small 10 second window between trigger and reaction that helps reset your mind, reduce emotional intensity, and give you space to choose a better response instead of defaulting to impulse. Through real life moments from barber shop conversations to personal stories of anger, discipline, and growth, this episode shows what mental and spiritual fitness looks like in everyday decisions, not just theory. If you have ever struggled with anger, emotional overwhelm, or reacting before thinking, this conversation will help you slow down, recognize your patterns, and start building real self control one moment at a time. 🎧 Listen in and start practicing the pause in your next triggering moment. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 01:19 - Billy’s Journey From Anger To Control 15:33 - Fruit Of Spirit In Real Life 15:51 - Thinking Brain Vs Survival Brain Explained 21:19 - Power Of Pause Builds Mental Discipline 21:34 - Real Life Emotional Control Examples 21:48 - Build Mental Strength Through Discipline Be part of our growing online family where mental health, personal growth, and honest conversations help people build resilience, take ownership of their lives, and learn how to clean up the mess in their heads. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website- https://sgtq.net/  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ #RelationshipCommunication #EmotionalConnection #MarriageAdvice Support the show

    26 min
  6. Black and White Thinking Is Keeping You Stuck in Depression (Behavioral Activation Fix)

    APR 21

    Black and White Thinking Is Keeping You Stuck in Depression (Behavioral Activation Fix)

    Send us Fan Mail Small patterns in your thinking can quietly shape the way you see everything. A single experience can turn into a fixed belief, and over time that belief can limit your options, your reactions, and your relationships. What starts as one moment becomes a pattern where everything feels all or nothing, right or wrong, success or failure. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez and Doc Jess break down dichotomous thinking, also known as black and white thinking, and how it shows up in everyday life. From relationships to personal discipline, they explore how this mental pattern creates unrealistic expectations and keeps people stuck in cycles of frustration and inconsistency. They also talk about how outside influences like social media can strengthen this type of thinking, making it harder to slow down, ask questions, and see other perspectives. More importantly, they introduce a practical tool called behavioral activation. Instead of waiting to feel motivated, they explain how small meaningful actions can build momentum and help shift your mindset over time. It may seem simple, but when used consistently, it can change how you approach habits, goals, and challenges. Through real examples and practical tools, this episode helps you notice unhelpful thinking patterns, open up your perspective, and take action in a way that moves you forward. 🎧 Listen in and start building change one small step at a time. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 02:56 - Social Media Is Warping Your Thinking 09:34 - Cognitive Distortions Are Running Your Mind 11:55 - Behavioral Activation Breaks the Cycle 18:10 - Use Behavioral Activation Daily 19:02 - Take Control of Your Thinking Today Be part of our growing online family where mental health, personal growth, and honest conversations help people build resilience, take ownership of their lives, and learn how to clean up the mess in their heads. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website- https://sgtq.net/  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ Support the show

    21 min
  7. The Hidden Link Between Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression & Addiction Recovery (And Why Structure Changes Everything)

    APR 17

    The Hidden Link Between Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression & Addiction Recovery (And Why Structure Changes Everything)

    Send us Fan Mail Mental health does not fall apart all at once. It breaks down quietly through habits, silence, and the things we avoid. What you do each day either supports your life or slowly works against it. In this episode of The Mental Health Janitors, Sgt. Q sits down with Marc and Kelsey to talk about what really helps people move forward. They go beyond awareness and focus on real change through structure, support, and learning how to face what is going on inside instead of hiding from it. Marc shares his story of living with anxiety and panic attacks without understanding what was happening. That confusion led to addiction and a cycle that felt impossible to escape. His journey shows how pain can turn into unhealthy coping patterns and how speaking up can begin to change everything. They also break down their Mind Body Rhythm approach, a simple way to connect your thoughts, your daily habits, and your routine so you can build stability and stay grounded over time. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the same patterns, or like you are carrying everything alone, this episode will connect with you. 💡 Listen all the way through and take a step toward building a life that actually supports you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 02:22 - Mental Health Recovery From Addiction and Anxiety 04:14 - Structure and Support for Mental Health Stability 07:25 - Mind Body Rhythm for Mental Health Balance 08:51 - Free Mental Health Assessment and Recovery Guide 13:35 - Next Steps for Mental Health Growth and Healing 14:51 - Addiction Recovery Story That Changes Lives  🎁 Free Resource from Marc & Kelsey If this conversation resonated with you and you’re ready to move beyond awareness into real structure, daily discipline, and emotional resilience, Marc & Kelsey are offering a free resource to help you take your first step toward stability and lasting change. 👉 Claim Marc & Kelsey’s free offer here: https://firstonesfree.com/ Be part of our online family where faith meets mental health, and honest conversations with your spouse turn struggles into growth. Find practical strategies, real testimonies, and truth that doesn’t flinch. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ Support the show

    20 min
  8. This Marriage Communication Framework Stops Arguments Before They Even Escalate

    APR 14

    This Marriage Communication Framework Stops Arguments Before They Even Escalate

    Send us Fan Mail Small habits can quietly shape the direction of a relationship.  Even a small miscommunication can build into distance, frustration, and eventually disconnection. Reactions take over, defensiveness rises, and conversations turn into arguments instead of solutions. In this episode of Mental Health Janitors, Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez and Doc Jess break down the real reasons relationships fall apart. They challenge the idea that communication is the only issue and go deeper into the patterns beneath the surface as connection begins to fade. From the early stage of attraction to the shift into self-protection, they explain how couples slowly drift without realizing it. They also share a simple but powerful communication framework that helps remove blame, lower tension, and create space for real conversations. It may seem basic at first, but when used consistently, it can completely change how conflict is handled. Through honest examples and practical tools, this episode helps you recognize unhealthy patterns, take ownership of your responses, and approach conversations in a way that builds understanding instead of division. 🎧 Listen in and start applying it in your next conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Mental Health Janitors 01:13 - It’s Not Just Communication Problems 07:20 - Couples Slowly Drift Into Strangers 10:20 - Couples Who Pray Rarely Divorce 14:51 - Don’t Trust Your Emotional Brain 20:20 - Small Issues Become Big Conflicts 23:10 - Blame Turns Into Real Connection 25:30 - This Script Rewires Your Marriage Be part of our growing online family where mental health, personal growth, and honest conversations help people build resilience, take ownership of their lives, and learn how to clean up the mess in their heads. 🔗 Join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1988960518109166/ Listen on: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nPegvqPi1AO47Xbx3EvNz?si=d2cdfa086c32460c 🎧 Website: https://thementalhealthjanitors.com/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-mental-health-janitors/ Connect with Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez: Website- https://sgtq.net/  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SgtQ13 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keynotespeakerbusinessscalingcoachbetabloxjudgerealitytvstarpodcaster/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sgt.q_/ Support the show

    30 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We help you clean up the mess in your head. Aaron and Jess help navigate through the wonderful and sometimes scary world of therapy to educate you, empower you, and encourage you through your difficult times. Join Us Today!