HOPEfull Conversations with Kari Eckert

Imagine yourself going to work aimlessly every day, talking to others without a reason, working out just because you have to, and not having any aspirations for yourself or those around you. How would you feel? Goal-setting in is an essential tool for self-motivation and self-drive – both at personal and professional levels. It gives meaning to our actions and the purpose of achieving something hi...

Trigger Warning:  Sexual Assault The Association of American Universities' 2019 Campus Climate Survey reported an overall 13% rate of nonconsensual sexual contact at U.S. colleges. More than 1 in 4 undergraduate women reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact since enrolling in school.  Survivors may experience a variety of health conditions after being sexually assaulted. Common aftereff...

When singer-songwriter Jordan Lally lost his father to suicide, he knew he could no longer hide his own struggles with anxiety & depression. It was time for him and his bandmates in  Big Infinite  to get “real” and share their own mental health struggles with the world. The "Power of Expression" is an "unplugged" style music documentary and a 5-song EP that share  Big Infinite's  healing journey a...

For the athletes whose identity is wrapped up in the sport they play, their self-worth can become linked to their performance. They may feel pressured to keep playing long past the time they stop enjoying their sport because of the sacrifices and investments they and their parents have made. If they do finally quit, they sometimes feel guilt or like a failure for letting others down, which can lea...

Trigger Warning:  Suicide and Suicidal Ideation Ups + Downs is a film by freeski athlete Drew Petersen which chronicles his battle with his mental health.  Drew has a lifelong struggle with PTSD, bipolar disorder, brain injury, depression, and suicidal thoughts.  During a trip to Mt Hood, Oregon, he heard the crack of rock fall and was subsequently hit with a microwave size boulder.  After his acc...

Joining me today is Tim Parent.  Tim lives in upstate New York with his son and his motorcycle. He is the cohost of a weekly podcast, Above Ground Podcast. He relies on music daily and is passionate about being a mental health advocate. Tim is here to talk about it, break down the stigmas that prevent others from talking openly about it, and spread awareness when possible. He shares real ways for...

Joining me today is Lila Paton, a senior in high school, Robbie’s Hope Intern, and producer of HOPEfull Conversations.  We have asked our Robbie’s Hope Ambassadors and followers to send in their anonymous confessions ranging from secrets, struggles, fears, loves, mistakes, regrets, and hopes.  Lila and our other Interns have chosen a few of the submissions for discussion on this episode’s podcast....

The holidays can be an especially hard time for people to maintain their mental health. Many people go through short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spri...

A certain level of stress is normal. And positive stress responses from events such as changing schools and meeting new friends can actually help students learn and grow. But when exposed to repeated stressful events without the tools to manage feelings, stress can become emotionally and physically toxic.  Unlike adults, who can communicate about how stress impacts their lives, children and teens...

Many mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation, are more common among first responders and veterans. Both undergo intensive training to prepare for their physically demanding and potentially dangerous jobs — but are they prepared mentally and emotionally?  Constant exposure to traumatic events and life-...

Entering adulthood can be an emotional time, but sometimes the ups and downs can mean something more. Millions of young adults are living with a mental or substance use disorder and many either do not realize they have one or are not paying attention to the signs and not seeking help. In fact, of the 8.9 million young adults who reported having a mental illness in 2018, more than 2 in 5 went untre...

Twelve and a half years old. That’s the average age at which a child opens a social media account. Growing research finds that the more time spent on social media, the more likely a person will experience mental health symptoms like anxiety, isolation, and hopelessness. And according to one recent study, high levels of social media use over the span of four years was associated with increased depr...

A recent article in Forbes by Mark Perna wrote about how the pandemic has inspired Gen Z to rethink their education, career and future.  Often called Generation Resilient, they are entering into a post-pandemic world with new levels of confidence.  “This generation has shown remarkable resilience in channeling their penchant for activism, creativity and motivation,” says Laura Howe, Senior Vice Pr...

A recent article in Mental Health Weekly by Dr. Caroline Carney outlined the challenges youth face today and the impact that COVID has had on their mental health.  We still do not have full data detailing the impact of COVID on suicide rates, but the consensus is that death rates spiked.  We know for certain that there has been a significant increase of youth seeking emergency care for mental heal...

A recent NCAA study revealed that rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression continue to rise among student-athletes.  When responding to mental health support questions, 69% of women's sports participants and 63% of men's sports participants agreed or strongly agreed that they know where to go on campus if they have mental health concerns.  But when asked if they would feel comfortable s...

According to the CDC, in 2021, more than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. More than half (55%) reported they experienced emotional abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, including swearing at, insulting, or putting down the student.  1...

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teens in the U.S. and the number one cause in Colorado, where Robbie’s Hope began. But what’s more staggering than the statistics is that there isn’t more being done to help the individuals affected most—teens. As adults and as a society, we are failing our children. It is our goal to empower the next generation to cope with the stress and pressur...