GROUP

We look back at some goofy mental health moments from the show's history, and Rebecca shares a big announcement about the future of the podcast. More info and resources at www.grouppodcast.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode of GROUP, we debunk some dangerous myths about suicide, and we break down what to do if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts. We do so with the help of psychotherapist and suicidologist, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal, author of “Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals,” and the woman behind speakingofsuicide.com. A trigger warning that we briefly discuss self-harm, and the myth that cutting means suicidality. For those who need immediate help in the US, please consider calling The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For international folks, here’s a list of hotlines for countries around the world. More info and resources at www.grouppodcast.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Oh no, my hairstylist is trying to make conversation with me! Oh god, the bartender is judging me because of my drink order! So many things to worry about every gosh darn day! On this episode of GROUP, we break down some of the seemingly mundane things that can leave us spiraling. Rebecca explains her fear of mail (yes, mail can be scary—WHO KNOWS WHAT’S INSIDE THAT ENVELOPE) and recounts an uncomfortable interaction she had at the post office. We also hear from listeners and friends of the show about packing anxiety, hair cut avoidance, and public transportation dread. Lots of love, commiseration, laughter, and affirmation!  As always, more info at www.grouppodcast.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our final episode on grief, we continue our conversation with Professor George A. Bonnano and learn about the differences between grief and depression. We hear from John W. Evans, author of the award-winning memoir, “Young Widower,” about the complicated grief he experienced after losing his wife to a bear attack in 2007. Catherine and Rebecca chat about ways to be supportive of grieving friends and loved ones, and we end with a story from journalist Carmel Delshad about the ways grief changed her for the better. More info at www.grouppodcast.com.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As part of our continued conversation about grief, we speak with Professor George A. Bonnano, expert on bereavement and author of “The Other Side of Sadness.” We learn the evolutionary purpose of grief and the dangers of assuming that everyone should follow a particular model for mourning. We also hear three stories about dealing with loss: we speak with Carly about how she recovered after her experience with stillbirth; Julie shares what it was like to be forced into grief counseling during high school; and former New York Times health reporter Catherine Saint Louis explains why she was nervous about her absence of grief after the death of her estranged father. Grief Stories #2 will be released on 5/16. More info at www.grouppodcast.com.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Between episodes on grief, here’s a mini episode on meds! Rebecca tells GROUP friendapist Catherine Drury that she’s been feeling depressed. She went to see a new psychiatrist to discuss medication, and the appointment was… weird… and bad. Definitely weird and bad. Also, a call for listener experiences with meds: tell us about your decision to try psychiatric medicine, your experience changing up your meds, or what it was like weaning yourself off them. Were you happy with your doctor? Did you have any weird side effects? Message us at www.grouppodcast.com!   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

British comedian Cariad Lloyd is the creator and host of Griefcast, a podcast featuring comedians talking about death. In this episode of GROUP, Rebecca chats with Cariad about the strange process of watching their loved ones die, the connection between grief and anxiety/depression, and the role of comedy in the healing process.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An investigation of the polarizing medium of online therapy, where the ability to remain anonymous has inspired folks who would usually balk the idea of psychotherapy to seek help from counselors on the internet. We hear from a psychologist about her frustrating and strange experience with text therapy; we peek behind the curtain at Talkspace and BetterHelp; and we chat with a digital mental health expert about his conflicted feelings regarding these platforms.  More info at grouppodcast.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Woebot is a digital friend who teaches strategies for dealing with anxiety and depression, but can this new A.I. bot really improve your mental health? Rebecca and Ian give Woebot a try and share their excitement (it’s super helpful for tracking your mood) and their concerns (Facebook might be able to see personal mental health info you share? Yikes!). We also chat with a friend of the show who’s been relying on Woebot to feel better for months.  More info at grouppodcast.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Romantic relationships may bring passion, comfort, and intimacy. They can also make you puke with fear! This episode of GROUP is dedicated to love, dating, and of course, anxiety. Rebecca speaks with Hattie Cooper, author of The Anxious Girl's Guide to Dating, about some of the uniquely terrifying things that come with finding a partner including: the bizarre nature of first dates, opening up about mental health issues, and "blind date diarrhea." More info at www.grouppodcast.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Finding a good (affordable) therapist who fits your needs can feel impossible. How do you do it?! GROUP breaks down the process step-by-step with Dr. Anna Charbonneau, author of Talk It Out: How to Find the Right Therapist and Get What You Need to Feel Better. Also in the episode: WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND A THERAPIST WHO TAKES MY INSURANCE?, listener voicemails, ghosting your therapist, and how to speak up and request change during a session.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An entire show dedicated to breaking down and dealing with the unhelpful/critical thoughts we have about ourselves (cognitive distortions). Psychotherapist Catherine Drury guides us through seven different distortions with the help of chuckle-inducing examples from some of our favorite anxious/depressed folks from comedy television: Leslie Knope, BoJack Horseman, George Costanza, and other classic characters. More at grouppodcast.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you hit the booze juice a little hard last night, your entrance into the New Year might be sort of rough. Along with headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, hangovers can bring feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. Fun! In this mini episode of GROUP, Rebecca chats with award-winning mental health blogger Claire Eastham and the President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America about adult beverages, mental health, and how the two are connected. More info at grouppodcast.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For some folks, a party or networking event is a great way to meet new people. For others, it can be a panic-inducing HELLSCAPE! In this episode of GROUP, we deep dive into the minds of people with social anxiety, featuring mental health blogger Claire Eastham, author of the best-selling book “We’re All Mad Here,” and Therapist Noah Clyman, director of NYC Cognitive Therapy. Also: stories of disguise, intrigue, and nerds in cages.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

GROUP breaks down an eating disorder that, unlike anorexia or bulimia, has nothing to do with body image. ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) can look a lot like picky eating, but it’s physically and psychologically very different. We hear stories from three different individuals whose lives have been affected by ARFID: vlogger Morgan Ashley Gale who eats mainly bread and cheese, Robert Rund who spent years living on only hamburgers and french fries, and Erin Kerch whose ten-year-old son eats mainly chips, crackers, and dry cereal. We also speak with Dr. Evelyn Attia, Director of Eating Disorder Research at the Columbia University Medical Center, and we hear from Dr. Kim DiRé who has treated an impressive amount of ARFID patients and has a unique theory about what causes the disorder.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.