State of Mind with Debra Sloss Debra Sloss

Episode 66: Join us for an enlightening discussion on adult autism with Lou Ursa and Jasmeen Miah, both psychotherapists and self-advocates on the autistic spectrum. In this conversation, we confront stereotypes, share personal stories, and offer heartwarming examples of thriving with autism. With diagnoses on the rise, we all can engage in meaningful conversations about autism, explore how societal structures shape perceptions of "disability" and offer empathy, understanding and inclusion.

Episode 65: Join us to explore the growing significance of Yoga Therapy in mental health treatment. With a cultural shift emphasizing the mind-body connection, yoga has become something crucial for holistic well-being. Our guests, including integrative mental health practitioner Dr. Juko Holiday and survivor Melaney Seacat, share insights into its therapeutic benefits that are aiding veterans and individuals like Melaney. Tune in to discover more about this transformative approach.

Episode 64: Dive into the pressing reality of the youth mental health crisis. In this episode crafted by teens, for teens, we explore how youth can lend support to their peers through mental health education, community engagement, and advocacy. Join 17-year-old guest host and mental health advocate, Niku Sedarat, as she leads a discussion featuring four teen guests from diverse Monterey Bay area high schools. Together, they discuss the unique needs of their communities and unveil the many ways in which youth-driven mental health advocacy can spark meaningful change.

Meet our guests Marley Miller, Melissa Macias, Oscar Alvarez-Delgado, and Devin Bloom, as they courageously share their personal journeys and innovative approaches to promoting mental well-being among their peers.

Episode 63: Delve into the intricate world of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a widely misunderstood psychiatric condition rooted in profound childhood trauma. Join clinical psychologist and trauma specialist Dr. Alisa Brady as she sheds light on DiD and the serious mental health symptoms associated with it. DID survivor Clay Whitten shares their firsthand experiences and the transformative impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy on their journey towards healing. Gain insights into the complexities of DID, and unravel the layers with experts who bring compassion, understanding, and hope to this topic.

Episode 62: Gender-based violence is an umbrella term that includes the more familiar descriptors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and dating violence. It’s a significant problem across our country and around the world, impacting one in every three American females under the age of 18. Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable. For survivors, the mental health impacts are substantial and can include an array of symptoms. Join us to learn prevention tips and prepare yourself to help stop such violence.

Episode 61: At present, nearly one in three adolescents will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18. In this episode, we’re joined by college student Elena Shain, who courageously shares her story of navigating severe anxiety since childhood. She tells how, together with her family and her service dog, she has gained knowledge about herself and developed skills to better manage her life. Also with us is psychologist Sheilah Siegel, Ph.D., who provides information about teen anxiety symptoms, coping strategies, treatment approaches and shares resources.