The Psych Central Show: Candid Chat on Mental Health & Psychology

Chrisa Hickey’s journey into mental health advocacy started when her son, Tim, was diagnosed with very early onset schizophrenia after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital for the first time at the age of 11.  He had been showing symptoms for years and had received a half dozen different diagnoses. His family was desperately looking for answers.   Tim’s illness took a toll on the entire family, which was only exacerbated by the lack of information and resources available to them.  In America, fewer than 100 children per year are diagnosed with very early onset schizophrenia. Chrisa had to find information and resources for herself and didn’t want anyone else to have to start from scratch.  And so the Parents Like Us Club was born. Join Gabe and Chrisa as they talk about the struggles of dealing with a mentally ill loved one, especially a child.  And find out what has helped Tim, now 25, achieve the happiness and stability he has today. Guest Information for 'Parents Mental Illness' Podcast Episode In 2009, Chrisa Hickey began writing a blog about raising her son Timothy, diagnosed at age 11 with childhood onset schizophrenia. Marian, one of her readers (who later became a friend) commented that parents raising children with severe mental illnesses were sort of a strange little club, and that there were other "parents like us" that should be part of the club. In 2015, the club was formed. Chrisa began collecting stories of other Parents Like Us and posting them to her blog,  .  

Everyone complains about work. Having to go to work every day, working too much, not getting paid enough- working can be challenging for so many reasons. Today's episode focuses on working while having schizophrenia.  Host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard share antidotes from their own work lives and speak with fellow schizophrenic Michelle Hammer. Michelle, an award-winning graphic designer and entrepreneur, discusses her struggles working full time and transitioning to working for herself. Cheryl Wallace the Vice President of Programs at Rose Hill Center, a psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation center, also joins this episode and speaks about how Rose Hill facilitates programs to help people with schizophrenia rejoin the workforce after a psychotic episode. 

It seems like every day there is another mass shooting in the news: Newtown, Parkland, Odessa, Dayton. Most of these news reports refer, or at least allude, to the shooter having mental illness. But is this true? Common wisdom holds that someone must be mentally ill to do such a thing. But is it really that simple? Join us for a nuanced discussion with Dr. John Grohol, the founder of PsychCentral.com, as he explains how media bias and slanted reporting have contributed to the myths and misunderstandings of who is violent in America. Guest Information for 'Mass Shootings and Mental Illness' Podcast Episode John M. Grohol, Psy.D.  is a pioneer in online mental health and psychology. Recognizing the educational and social potential of the Internet in 1995, Dr. Grohol has transformed the way people could access mental health and psychology resources online. Pre-dating the National Institute for Mental Health and mental health advocacy organizations, Dr. Grohol was the first to publish the diagnostic criteria for common mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. His leadership has helped break down the barriers of stigma often associated with mental health concerns, bringing trusted resources and support communities to the Internet. He has worked tirelessly as a patient advocate to improve the quality of information available for mental health patients, highlighting quality mental health resources, and building safe, private support communities and social networks in numerous health topics. About The Psych Central Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations , available from Amazon; signed copies are also available .  

Today’s guest has a simple plan for radical life changes: Step outside of your comfort zone. Lucia Giovannini is a former supermodel-turned-psychologist whose new book advises that the path to a meaningful life lies in stretching our intellectual and emotional abilities.  Lucia believes that making a concentrated effort to learn and grow on a daily basis can make you a happier person and help you realize your true potential. And isn’t that the goal of a well-lived life? Listen in as Lucia gives easy, practical tips for expanding your horizons, reaching the best of your abilities, using your talents to serve the world, and finding inner happiness. Guest Information for 'Comfort Zone' Podcast Episode Lucia Giovannini is a world renowned sensation, a former international Italian supermodel-turned transformational speaker and author of 13 books. Her newest book, A Whole New Life, has been translated into 8 languages, and is available in English from Post Hill Press, a Simon & Schuster imprint.   Her 25 years of inspiring work through conferences &  has been influenced by growing up throughout different parts of Italy and Africa, immersed in the beauty and the pain of those unforgettable lands. Her work crafts a synergy between traditional psychological techniques, motivational practices, and ancient eastern rituals that turns her seminars into profound experiences for Asian and European audiences alike. Lucia holds a doctorate in psychology and counseling, a bachelor’s degree in psychoanthropology, and is an international affiliate of the American Psychology Association. Please visit her online at  .

Today’s guest is a self-described introvert who wants to help her fellow introverts improve their lives and careers. What makes someone an introvert? Is it just shyness? What is the difference between extroverts and introverts? How is the workplace skewed to favorite extroverts? What can introverts do to make up for that imbalance? What additional challenges do introverted women face? Join us for answers to these questions and more! Guest information for ‘Introverts Versus Extroverts’ Podcast Episode Chelsey Brooke is a professional counselor, published writer, blogger, Pathfinder Coach and internationally-known figure helping introverted women live passionate and purposeful lives. Her mission is to inspire introverted women to live connected to their true purpose and to share the most authentic version of themselves with the world. Get exclusive access to her free training series on how to find clarity, build self-belief and cultivate a successful mindset at  .