NAMI OC Presents: It's Okay To Feel

On today's episode we have Dr. Bera from UCI Health, a specialist in psychosis. He takes a deep dive into what schizophrenia and psychosis can look like, explaining that these are brain diseases characterized by abnormalities that vary from person to person. Dr. Bera discusses how research is improving and how the mystery of schizophrenia is beginning to unravel as science continues to explore the...

On today’s episode we welcome our special guest, Dr. Tom Okamoto, to launch our new series on schizophrenia, psychosis and tardive dyskinesia. Dr. Okamoto discusses the tremendous progress in schizophrenia research over the past decade, including promising developments in funding and treatment. He also shares valuable insights on how families and peers can provide meaningful support to those exper...

Today we have a special episode honoring our late Program Manager and the host of this podcast, Edward Portillo. This episode includes stories from several people who cared about him deeply. You will hear from (include list of names) about their fondest memories of Edward. He was a special human being and we are proud to honor him here. Contact us: itsokaytofeel@namioc.org

Tune in this week for a conversation with the incredible Dr. Angela Leighton with Mental Health First Aid: an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. mentalhealthfirstaid.org Contact us: itsokaytofeel@namioc.org

This week, tune in for a conversation with Capt. Christine Berryman of Orange County's Behavioral Health Bureau.

Tune in to the newest season of NAMI OC's It's Okay to Feel with hosts Dave Hill, Madi Morrison, and Breann Durham! We begin with a candid tribute to the podcast's original host, Ed Portillo, who will be missed dearly. After some catching up with Dave, Madi, and Bre, we jump into an informative and exciting conversation about NAMI Walks with coordinator Jennifer Lewis! Contact:  ⁠itsokaytofeel@nam...

One of the most popular questions we get here at NAMI OC is "How do I get my loved one who resists treatment into treatment?" Dr. Brian Licuanan wrote a book on that exact topic and we have him on the pod today. Dr. Licuanan is not only an author, speaker, and board-certified psychologist practicing in Southern California, he is also a NAMI OC support group leader. Take a listen as we go...

When June comes around what do we think of, Dads and Grads of course! In this episode we focus on Dads and talk to two extraordinary fathers Joshua Osborne and Phillip Banks. Ed discusses with them the growth that happens within and how to be stellar #GirlDad. Phillip Banks Contact -  Banks Family Tech

Today we have a talk with Dr. Dorothea Howard. She is an award winning executive producer and host of the Lovesick podcast. She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and has been an advocate ever since. We discuss how she is living a successful life despite having a chronic illness. Our host Edward Portillo also lives with a chronic illness so conversations like this are very personal. Do not l...

Today we welcome back David Dicken, crisis counselor, to discuss the disconnect between older and younger generations. The lack of purpose and loss of connection with one another play a role in why our young people feel out of place. In this episode, we learn how to bring back that connection and ways to find true purpose in your life.  David Dicken Contact Info: Dave@makesomeonegreattoday.com www...

When was the last time you truly felt heard? Ed and Arna Vodenos Clinical Director of the NAMI OC WarmLine dive deep into the subject of compassionate listening. Find out the philosophy and the care that is put into the NAMI OC WarmLine through the work that Arna does with her peer mentoring team.  NAMI OC WarmLine - (714) 991-6412 Contact:  ItsOkaytoFeel@namioc.org

In today's episode Ed discusses where stereotypes and prejudices come from and the science-backed method to unravel them with Anu Gupta from Be More with Anu.  Send comments to Ed: Itsokaytofeel@namioc.org Anu's Website: www.bemorewithanu.com Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Warm...

Today we welcome back Shelley Armenta. She is an In Our Own Voice presenter and warmline operator with NAMI OC. We dive into the topic of resilience and how to cultivate it through self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, changing your thought patterns, and more. Thanks for tuning in! Contact Shelley: Heygirl@ShelleyArmenta.com www. Shelleyarmenta.com Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Websi...

Today we talk with Janeane Bernstein, a mental health advocate, volunteer with NAMI Westside, journalist, and speaker.  We dive into how we as a society have come out of the pandemic better equipped to handle difficult situations because we all collectively went through it together. Her book,  Better Humans: What the Mental Health Pandemic Teaches Us About Humanity, can be  purchased on Amazon.  T...

Peer Support is a crucial component that makes NAMI work. Today we have peer support specialist Jared Bendifallah join the pod to discuss his mental health journey. We discover his 5 pillars of recovery to mental wellness, the importance of Peer Support groups, and our Peer to Peer classes. Find out more about Jared with the links below. Jared's LinkedIn profile:  Jared Bendifallah | LinkedIn...

Happiness is not just a fleeting feeling, it can be a reality to live in. This episode we focus on this idea of happiness with the author of "Taking a Shot at Happiness," Maria Baltazzi. We explore the traits and habits one can practice that can create a lasting feeling of contentment. In that feeling of contentment we can come to a better understanding of ourselves and how we can achiev...

Today we have a discussion with Amy Neville from the Alexander Neville Foundation. We dive into navigating social media and the hidden dangers of purchasing drugs through these platforms. We then discuss ways to make a difference in saving lives and preventing tragedy.  Find out more about this organization:  https://anfhelp.org/ Email us at:  Itsokaytofeel@namioc.org Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange...

Today we discuss overcoming trauma. If you are going through a tough time, hold on, do not lose hope! Get insights and coping skills on how to thrive despite experiencing traumatic events. If you need someone to talk to reach out to our 24/7 OC Warmline at (714) 991-6412. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Warmline⁠⁠⁠⁠...

We dive into the connection between the gut and mind with Peter Lourthu. Ever thought about how the food you eat affects your mental health? First of the year is always a good time to make life changes. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Warmline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OC Warmline: (714) 991-6412 Connect...

This week, we have a combo platter for our listeners: Breann and Madi, the hosts of NAMI OC's Anxiety Sucks! team up with Ed Portillo, host of NAMI OC's other podcast It's Okay To Feel . We're here to share our New Year’s resolutions and discuss some movies that have shaped our idea of mental health. Please fill out our surveys and/or email us at itsokaytofeel@namioc.org and anxiet...

In this episode we sit down with author Minaa B. and discuss the struggle for fulfillment. How easing into rest informs our passion and purpose outside of labor. Ever felt that you were in a toxic system of busyness? Learn what true community care looks like and how to hold space for pause. Minna B. LMSW: https://www.minaab.com/ Resources: ⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Pro...

Have you ever thought about how your deposition or tendency to act a certain way affects your mental health? In this episode Ed talks to a comedy performer Tim Larson and writer Rene Scheys to discuss how thinking funny contributes to healthy mental health outcomes. Come join us for a laugh and an insightful conversation on how comedy can play a role in an individual's self care. Tim's Lar...

This week we jump into the subject of education and the mental health of students post covid. Lori Woodley-Langendorff from All It Takes joins us to discuss a Trusted Space as series for educators that addresses the ongoing needs of our youth and education system in real time. Find out more at  www.allittakes.org Resources: ⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠ ⁠⁠NAMI Oran...

In this episode Ed takes on a deeply personal issue: organ transplant and how that experience affects an individual's mental health. Ed links up with another transplant recipient Lennox Moreno and they discuss the whole experience and the lessons they learned through this life altering experience.  Resources: ⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠ ⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠ ⁠NAMI Orange County Warmli...

Deborah Diaz De Leon joins the pod to discuss her role as the Director of Mentor services. We discuss the origins of these new programs and the role Deb and her team have done to bring it to life. Listen in on how you can get connected to our free mentoring services. Resources: NAMI Orange County Website NAMI Orange County Programs NAMI Orange County Warmline NAMI Orange County Youtube OC Warmline...