Episode 11 From Breakdown to Recovery - a Personal Journey

Keywords

mental health, psychiatry, psychosis, recovery, marijuana, stigma, medication, mindfulness, personal journey, mental wellbeing

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter Dowling engages with Clay, a listener who shares his personal journey through mental health challenges, including a marijuana-induced psychosis. The conversation explores the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the role of medication in recovery. Professor Dr. Cathy Owen provides insights into psychiatry, demystifying complex concepts for a broader audience. Clay's story highlights the struggles and triumphs of navigating mental health issues, emphasizing the need for understanding and support.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to demystify psychiatry for listeners.

• Clay experienced a mental breakdown due to marijuana-induced psychosis.

• Medication can be a necessary part of mental health recovery.

• There is often stigma associated with mental health medications.

• Understanding psychosis is crucial for those affected by it.

• Seeking help can sometimes be a forced decision.

• Clay found solace in AA and Buddhism during his recovery.

• The journey to mental health is often non-linear and complex.

• Support from family and friends is vital in recovery.

• Engaging in activities like sports and arts can aid recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Journeys in Mental Health

02:29 Clay's Story: From Breakdown to Recovery

06:04 Understanding Psychosis and Its Impact

09:13 Seeking Help: The Path to Treatment

13:13 12 Step Programs – how they might help

Questions

If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at [e-mail]

Resources

Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline [phone]

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/