NAMI OC Presents: It's Okay To Feel

In this episode we discuss finding spiritual wellness with Dr. Esther Park of Oak Health Center and our (anonymous) special guest who has extensive experience consulting for faith based organizations. We talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy worship environments and mental health in faith settings. Oak Health Care Center: https://www.oak.care/ Resources: NAMI Orange County Websit...

Today we talk with crisis counselor David Dicken and discuss how to navigate challenging emotions. Find out tips and tools on how to support individuals who are going through a difficult situation. Learn healthy habits that create a safe space to foster open discussion and trust when handling challenging topics.  David Dicken Contact Information: www.makesomeonegreattoday.com www.rocksideranch.com...

Many have heard about artificial intelligence but most have not discussed how it will fundamentally impact our lives in the coming years. Ed speaks with Varun Rishi, data analytics leader and founder of  incourage.ai . We dive into the intricacies of A.I. and how the mental health industry may look different in the coming years due to this game changing technology.  Find out more about Varun's...

Life coach Hina Kalhoro joins the podcast to discuss the importance of self care for parents with special needs children. As someone with lived experience Hina explains easy ways that parents can prioritize their wellbeing in the midst of the responsibilities of raising a family with a special needs child. Connect with Hina Kalhoro: IG: @LifeCoachHina Resources: NAMI Orange County Website NAMI Ora...

We welcome Jennifer Lewis, special events manager for NAMI OC and the manager of our largest fundraiser of the year, the 5K Walk taking place Saturday August 26th. We go over all the features and attractions to look forward to. Find out how this is more than just a fundraiser it is a place to build community.  How to Sign Up: NAMIWALKS 

It's Okay to Feel now has a new host, Edward Portillo, and even new theme music! Ed is stepping in for our previous host, Craig Nemeth. In this new episode, Steve interviews Ed as he shares his mental health journey.  Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline and Support Groups Disclaimers: It’s Okay To Feel is for informational/educa...

This week has been busy with graduations and vacations so we thought it would be fun to bring back one of our most popular episodes from last year. This episode we begin the discussion about the importance of self care. We want to give you all some background in our journeys and  how self care plays a significant part in our lives. This is the start of a multi episode series on a adventure we went...

This week we have a special guest from San Luis Obispo, Tom Buckley. We discuss his relationship with mental health and recovery while touching on important topics within the community. This Episode's Resources: More about Tom - www.aspirecounselingservice.com/san-luis-obispo NAMI SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) - www.namislo.org Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Oran...

This week we have a special guest with us, founder of Tour De Recovery, Cork Snider. Cork joins us again this year to tell us about how the tour went the last year and what to look forward to this ride.  This Episode's Resources:  • Faith's Hope Scholarship - http://www.somedayproductions.org • Tour de Recovery - https://somedayproductions.org/the-route-and-tour-stops Event Details - Sat...

This week we discuss two crisis intervention resources: The OC WarmLine and Be Well's crisis response unit. These are great resources to find help if you are experiencing a crisis and don't know what to do. This Episode's Resources OC WarmLine - Support & Resources 24/7          Call: (714) 991-6412         For more info or to chat online, visit: www.namioc.org/oc-warmline Be We...

This week we highlight our CARE Together forums with Ed. He is part of the NAMI Orange County team and we discussed the importance of spotting dysfunction in a faith based community. This Episode's Resources: Past CARE Together Forums: NAMI OC YouTube Channel  Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Call our  OC W...

This week we talk about the importance of sleep and how to use your sleep pattern as an indicator for your mental health. This Episode's Resources: Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Call our  OC WarmLine  directly 24/7 for resources and support at  (714) 991-6412 Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Disclaimers: It’s Okay To Feel is for informa...

This week we discuss some myths and stigma surrounding violence among those who suffer from mental illness. We talk about the connection between a violent past and mental illness and try to disconnect the common belief that most people that suffer from mental illness tend to be more violent than others. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Call our  OC WarmLine  d...

This week Steve interviews Craig about his story. We talk about his struggles with grief, loss, addiction, depression and anxiety. He highlights key parts of his story where change started to happen and how it has led to his success today.  Resources: NAMI Orange County Peer Connector Upcoming Events Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Donate to NAMI Orange County

This week we discuss a story by Emily Pearl Kingsley called "Welcome to Holland."   It is about finding yourself in a place you didn't expect to be and changing your expectation to find the beauty of where you are at. We talk about our experiences as a family member and from a peer's perspective. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline and Support Groups

This week we share an interview of Steve on Open Line with Tami Heidi. Steve and Tami discuss mental health challenges impacted by the pandemic due to isolation, fear and uncertainty from the lack of person to person connection, as suicide rates continue to rise. They go into the stigma surrounding Steve's experiences as a family member of a loved one with a mental health condition and what h...

This week we go in-depth on another one of our Family to Family class topics about "Taking Care of the Caregiver". We touch on key tips for success in making sure to keep yourself healthy and happy while having a loved one with a mental illness. Family to Family (F2F) is a no-cost, 12-week educational program for loved ones of those living with a mental health condition (over 18) to impr...

This week we discuss one of the main topics from our Family to Family class. Letting go is all about how to let go while still caring for your loved one that is struggling with a mental health condition. We talk about boundaries and ways to be supportive without fixing. Family to Family (F2F) is a no-cost, 12-week educational program for loved ones of those living with a mental health condition (o...

This week we talk about the upcoming NAMIWalk on Nov 19th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. Our Walk Coordinator, Cam, is our guest this episode!   Tune in as he gives us more information about the upcoming Walk on Saturday, Nov 19th as well as the importance of this event and exclusive intel on how this year’s theme came to be!  A morning of fun, entertainment, exercise and connecting to end the s...

This week we bring together how connection has been a big part of our conversations over the past year. We touch on the Walk and our Peer Connector program. These are two great ways to get connected with people that understand you and can help with any struggle you may have. Resources : Peer Connector Program - namioc.org/mentoring-services NAMIWalks (11.19.22 at Angels Stadium) - namiwalks.org/or...

This week we talk about suicide prevention month.   It is important to not just communicate with people in your life but to connect with them.  We talk about the difference between communication and connection and how to create successful connections. Steve discusses the new NAMI OC Reach In Campaign for September. For more details, visit our website: www.namioc.org.  Have you taken the #ReachInOC...

This week we touch on the importance of connectedness. This is forming those connections within your family, community, and the world to help support and guide you on your mental health journey. We talk about examples and suggestions of how to build stronger connections and find support groups. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline and Support Groups Disclaimers: It’s Okay To Feel is...

This week we wrap up our self care series. We discuss the last legs of the John Muir trail and the importance of how this trip benefitted our mental health. Self care is one of the most important things we can do for our mental health and recovery. Reach out and find what self care means to you and discover your own self care that will change your life. If you have any questions or want to share y...

Craig and Steve meet with Cork Snider, a cycling enthusiast that is riding from San Jose to Oceanside from June 3-12 to raise money and awareness for mental health and substance abuse recovery. There is a tour stop in Anaheim on June 11 at 9am at ARTIC Lot B where speakers and performers will be participating and seeing Cork, and his riding partner Rick Burns off towards San Clemente. It's a...

This week we breakdown the most recent things we have done for self care. I discuss my new position at Hoag Hospitals Emergency Department. We talk about another leg of the John Muir Trail. This leg held plenty of trials and successes through grief. Come listen to our story and learn about self care.