Strength Beyond Struggle

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, Adrian Arcieniga shares his personal journey with ADHD, discussing the challenges he faced throughout his childhood and adolescence. He highlights the importance of family support, the impact of medication on his identity, and the struggles he encountered in school. Adrian also opens up about his experiences with substance use during high school and his path to rehabilitation, ultimately finding faith and purpose in helping others. This conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding ADHD and the power of community and mentorship in overcoming life’s challenges.

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, host and guest Mark Schaeffer delve into the profound impact of suicide and grief on individuals and communities. Mark shares his personal experiences with loss, including the deaths of friends and family members, and discusses the importance of coping mechanisms, support groups, and the Ray of Light Project, which aims to provide hope and healing through music. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and open dialogue about mental health, particularly in the context of cultural perspectives and the unique challenges faced by children dealing with grief.

In this conversation, school counselor Kadi Tenney discusses the evolving role of school counselors in addressing mental health issues among students. She highlights the importance of mental health support, the challenges faced by counselors, and the impact of the pandemic on student well-being. The discussion also covers cultural perceptions of mental health, the necessity of parental involvement, and the transformative experiences of students who have benefited from counseling. Tenney emphasizes the critical need for more trained counselors in schools and encourages open communication about mental health.

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, school counselor Kadi Tenney discusses the concept of 'survival mode' in families and its impact on children. She highlights the challenges faced by families today, including economic pressures and mental health issues, and how these factors contribute to students' struggles in school. The conversation emphasizes the importance of family dynamics, communication, and the role of schools in providing support to students and families in crisis. Tenney shares insights on recognizing warning signs of distress in students and the significance of seeking help, as well as the potential for breaking cycles of trauma through education and support.

The Strength Beyond Struggle podcast aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, sharing personal stories and experiences to foster understanding and support. The host, Michele Nelson, discusses her own journey with mental health alongside her daughter's, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about mental health, especially among youth. The podcast is supported by NAMI and AHCCCS , focusing on the alarming rise of mental health issues among teens, particularly in Arizona.

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, Ecko Helmick shares her journey with mental health, discussing how animals have played a crucial role in her life. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the impact of her diagnoses, and how animals have provided her with routine, purpose, and companionship.

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, Ecko Helmick shares her journey through mental health challenges, particularly in the context of her education. She discusses the lack of resources in schools to address mental health issues, her personal experiences with anxiety and depression, and the impact these struggles had on her academic performance. Echo emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy, particularly for young people, and her decision to pursue a career in trades as a more suitable path for her strengths. She also highlights her involvement in the Ending the Silence program, aiming to help other students feel less isolated in their struggles.

In this conversation, Sierra Grandy discusses her innovative approach to mental health through gamification and play. She introduces the 'Questify Your Life,' a system that encourages individuals to view their journeys as quests, complete with goals, challenges, and rewards. Sierra emphasizes the importance of play in mental health, the need for self-directed living, and the value of community support. She shares insights on dealing with rejection sensitivity, the significance of creativity, and the role of acceptance in personal growth. The discussion highlights how gamification can empower individuals to navigate their mental health journeys with a sense of agency and fun.

In today's episode of Strength Beyond Struggle, we are talking about storytelling with Sierra Grande. Sierra is a Keynote Speaker with Quest for Your Life LLC, a Mental Health Advocate, a Law School Graduate, and a Neurodivergent Thought Leader. Join us as we unravel the power of telling your story. How it heals and hurts, and how you can use it to help yourself and those around you.