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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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! 

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

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