Today we have a talk with Dr. Dorothea Howard. She is an award winning executive producer and host of the Lovesick podcast. She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and has been an advocate ever since. We discuss how she is living a successful life despite having a chronic illness. Our host Edward Portillo also lives with a chronic illness so c…

Today we welcome back David Dicken, crisis counselor, to discuss the disconnect between older and younger generations. The lack of purpose and loss of connection with one another play a role in why our young people feel out of place. In this episode, we learn how to bring back that connection and ways to find true purpose in your life. David Dicken…

When was the last time you truly felt heard? Ed and Arna Vodenos Clinical Director of the NAMI OC WarmLine dive deep into the subject of compassionate listening. Find out the philosophy and the care that is put into the NAMI OC WarmLine through the work that Arna does with her peer mentoring team. NAMI OC WarmLine - (714) 991-6412 Contact: ItsOkayt…

In today's episode Ed discusses where stereotypes and prejudices come from and the science-backed method to unravel them with Anu Gupta from Be More with Anu. Send comments to Ed:Itsokaytofeel@namioc.org Anu's Website:www.bemorewithanu.com Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Today we welcome back Shelley Armenta. She is an In Our Own Voice presenter and warmline operator with NAMI OC. We dive into the topic of resilience and how to cultivate it through self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, changing your thought patterns, and more. Thanks for tuning in! Contact Shelley: Heygirl@ShelleyArmenta.comwww.Shelleyarmenta.co…

Today we talk with Janeane Bernstein, a mental health advocate, volunteer with NAMI Westside, journalist, and speaker. We dive into how we as a society have come out of the pandemic better equipped to handle difficult situations because we all collectively went through it together. Her book, Better Humans: What the Mental Health Pandemic Teaches Us…

Peer Support is a crucial component that makes NAMI work. Today we have peer support specialist Jared Bendifallah join the pod to discuss his mental health journey. We discover his 5 pillars of recovery to mental wellness, the importance of Peer Support groups, and our Peer to Peer classes. Find out more about Jared with the links below. Jared's Li…

Happiness is not just a fleeting feeling, it can be a reality to live in. This episode we focus on this idea of happiness with the author of "Taking a Shot at Happiness," Maria Baltazzi. We explore the traits and habits one can practice that can create a lasting feeling of contentment. In that feeling of contentment we can come to a better understa…

Today we have a discussion with Amy Neville from the Alexander Neville Foundation. We dive into navigating social media and the hidden dangers of purchasing drugs through these platforms. We then discuss ways to make a difference in saving lives and preventing tragedy. Find out more about this organization: https://anfhelp.org/ Email us at: Itsokay…

Today we discuss overcoming trauma. If you are going through a tough time, hold on, do not lose hope! Get insights and coping skills on how to thrive despite experiencing traumatic events. If you need someone to talk to reach out to our 24/7 OC Warmline at (714) 991-6412. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Pr…

We dive into the connection between the gut and mind with Peter Lourthu. Ever thought about how the food you eat affects your mental health? First of the year is always a good time to make life changes. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Programs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Warmline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NAMI Orange County…

This week, we have a combo platter for our listeners: Breann and Madi, the hosts of NAMI OC's Anxiety Sucks! team up with Ed Portillo, host of NAMI OC's other podcast It's Okay To Feel. We're here to share our New Year’s resolutions and discuss some movies that have shaped our idea of mental health. Please fill out our surveys and/or email us at it…

In this episode we sit down with author Minaa B. and discuss the struggle for fulfillment. How easing into rest informs our passion and purpose outside of labor. Ever felt that you were in a toxic system of busyness? Learn what true community care looks like and how to hold space for pause. Minna B. LMSW: https://www.minaab.com/ Resources: ⁠⁠⁠NAMI …

Have you ever thought about how your deposition or tendency to act a certain way affects your mental health? In this episode Ed talks to a comedy performer Tim Larson and writer Rene Scheys to discuss how thinking funny contributes to healthy mental health outcomes. Come join us for a laugh and an insightful conversation on how comedy can play a ro…

This week we jump into the subject of education and the mental health of students post covid. Lori Woodley-Langendorff from All It Takes joins us to discuss a Trusted Space as series for educators that addresses the ongoing needs of our youth and education system in real time. Find out more at www.allittakes.org Resources: ⁠⁠NAMI Orange County Webs…

In this episode Ed takes on a deeply personal issue: organ transplant and how that experience affects an individual's mental health. Ed links up with another transplant recipient Lennox Moreno and they discuss the whole experience and the lessons they learned through this life altering experience. Resources: ⁠NAMI Orange County Website⁠ ⁠NAMI Orang…

Deborah Diaz De Leon joins the pod to discuss her role as the Director of Mentor services. We discuss the origins of these new programs and the role Deb and her team have done to bring it to life. Listen in on how you can get connected to our free mentoring services. Resources: NAMI Orange County Website NAMI Orange County Programs NAMI Orange Coun…

In this episode we discuss finding spiritual wellness with Dr. Esther Park of Oak Health Center and our (anonymous) special guest who has extensive experience consulting for faith based organizations. We talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy worship environments and mental health in faith settings. Oak Health Care Center: https://…

Today we talk with crisis counselor David Dicken and discuss how to navigate challenging emotions. Find out tips and tools on how to support individuals who are going through a difficult situation. Learn healthy habits that create a safe space to foster open discussion and trust when handling challenging topics. David Dicken Contact Information: ww…

Many have heard about artificial intelligence but most have not discussed how it will fundamentally impact our lives in the coming years. Ed speaks with Varun Rishi, data analytics leader and founder of incourage.ai. We dive into the intricacies of A.I. and how the mental health industry may look different in the coming years due to this game chang…

Life coach Hina Kalhoro joins the podcast to discuss the importance of self care for parents with special needs children. As someone with lived experience Hina explains easy ways that parents can prioritize their wellbeing in the midst of the responsibilities of raising a family with a special needs child. Connect with Hina Kalhoro: IG: @LifeCoachH…

We welcome Jennifer Lewis, special events manager for NAMI OC and the manager of our largest fundraiser of the year, the 5K Walk taking place Saturday August 26th. We go over all the features and attractions to look forward to. Find out how this is more than just a fundraiser it is a place to build community. How to Sign Up: NAMIWALKS…

It's Okay to Feel now has a new host, Edward Portillo, and even new theme music! Ed is stepping in for our previous host, Craig Nemeth. In this new episode, Steve interviews Ed as he shares his mental health journey. Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline and Support Groups Disclaimers: …

This week has been busy with graduations and vacations so we thought it would be fun to bring back one of our most popular episodes from last year. This episode we begin the discussion about the importance of self care. We want to give you all some background in our journeys and how self care plays a significant part in our lives. This is the start…

This week we have a special guest from San Luis Obispo, Tom Buckley. We discuss his relationship with mental health and recovery while touching on important topics within the community. This Episode's Resources: More about Tom - www.aspirecounselingservice.com/san-luis-obispo NAMI SLO (San Luis Obispo, CA) - www.namislo.org Get Connected: NAMI Oran…

This week we have a special guest with us, founder of Tour De Recovery, Cork Snider. Cork joins us again this year to tell us about how the tour went the last year and what to look forward to this ride. This Episode's Resources: • Faith's Hope Scholarship - http://www.somedayproductions.org • Tour de Recovery - https://somedayproductions.org/the-ro…

This week we discuss two crisis intervention resources: The OC WarmLine and Be Well's crisis response unit. These are great resources to find help if you are experiencing a crisis and don't know what to do. This Episode's Resources OC WarmLine - Support & Resources 24/7 Call: (714) 991-6412 For more info or to chat online, visit: www.namioc.org/oc-…

This week we highlight our CARE Together forums with Ed. He is part of the NAMI Orange County team and we discussed the importance of spotting dysfunction in a faith based community. This Episode's Resources: Past CARE Together Forums: NAMI OC YouTube Channel Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line…

This week we talk about the importance of sleep and how to use your sleep pattern as an indicator for your mental health. This Episode's Resources: Upcoming Events Donate to NAMI Orange County Call our OC WarmLine directly 24/7 for resources and support at (714) 991-6412 Get Connected: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Dis…

This week we discuss some myths and stigma surrounding violence among those who suffer from mental illness. We talk about the connection between a violent past and mental illness and try to disconnect the common belief that most people that suffer from mental illness tend to be more violent than others. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Wa…

This week Steve interviews Craig about his story. We talk about his struggles with grief, loss, addiction, depression and anxiety. He highlights key parts of his story where change started to happen and how it has led to his success today. Resources: NAMI Orange County Peer Connector Upcoming Events Crisis Line, WarmLine and Support Groups Donate t…

This week we discuss a story by Emily Pearl Kingsley called "Welcome to Holland." It is about finding yourself in a place you didn't expect to be and changing your expectation to find the beauty of where you are at. We talk about our experiences as a family member and from a peer's perspective. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline an…

This week we share an interview of Steve on Open Line with Tami Heidi. Steve and Tami discuss mental health challenges impacted by the pandemic due to isolation, fear and uncertainty from the lack of person to person connection, as suicide rates continue to rise. They go into the stigma surrounding Steve's experiences as a family member of a loved …

This week we go in-depth on another one of our Family to Family class topics about "Taking Care of the Caregiver". We touch on key tips for success in making sure to keep yourself healthy and happy while having a loved one with a mental illness. Family to Family (F2F) is a no-cost, 12-week educational program for loved ones of those living with a m…

This week we discuss one of the main topics from our Family to Family class. Letting go is all about how to let go while still caring for your loved one that is struggling with a mental health condition. We talk about boundaries and ways to be supportive without fixing. Family to Family (F2F) is a no-cost, 12-week educational program for loved ones…

This week we talk about the upcoming NAMIWalk on Nov 19th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. Our Walk Coordinator, Cam, is our guest this episode! Tune in as he gives us more information about the upcoming Walk on Saturday, Nov 19th as well as the importance of this event and exclusive intel on how this year’s theme came to be! A morning of fun, ente…

This week we bring together how connection has been a big part of our conversations over the past year. We touch on the Walk and our Peer Connector program. These are two great ways to get connected with people that understand you and can help with any struggle you may have. Resources: Peer Connector Program - namioc.org/mentoring-services NAMIWalk…

This week we talk about suicide prevention month. It is important to not just communicate with people in your life but to connect with them. We talk about the difference between communication and connection and how to create successful connections. Steve discusses the new NAMI OC Reach In Campaign for September. For more details, visit our website:…

This week we touch on the importance of connectedness. This is forming those connections within your family, community, and the world to help support and guide you on your mental health journey. We talk about examples and suggestions of how to build stronger connections and find support groups. Resources: NAMI Orange County Crisis Line, Warmline an…

This week we wrap up our self care series. We discuss the last legs of the John Muir trail and the importance of how this trip benefitted our mental health. Self care is one of the most important things we can do for our mental health and recovery. Reach out and find what self care means to you and discover your own self care that will change your …

Craig and Steve meet with Cork Snider, a cycling enthusiast that is riding from San Jose to Oceanside from June 3-12 to raise money and awareness for mental health and substance abuse recovery. There is a tour stop in Anaheim on June 11 at 9am at ARTIC Lot B where speakers and performers will be participating and seeing Cork, and his riding partner…

This week we breakdown the most recent things we have done for self care. I discuss my new position at Hoag Hospitals Emergency Department. We talk about another leg of the John Muir Trail. This leg held plenty of trials and successes through grief. Come listen to our story and learn about self care.…

On this episode we talk about the beginning of our hiking. We touch on how we got started and the beginning of the John Muir Trail we did together. We are continuing to discuss the importance of self care and what we enjoy as our self care.By NAMI Orange County

This episode we begin the discussion about the importance of self care. We want to give you all some background in our journeys and how self care plays a significant part in our lives. This is the start of a multi episode series on a adventure we went on together after the passing of family members in the hopes to find peace.…

We are back! After a long couple weeks with COVID i am back and recording another episode for you all. This week we talk about how the walk went, Thanksgiving and the holidays, and go in depth in the different programs NAMI OC has to offer.By NAMI Orange County

This episode we discuss our upcoming NAMIWalk on November 20th. Steve and Craig break down a little bit of the history and importance of this event. We appreciate you listening and hope we will see you at the walk.By NAMI Orange County

On this new episode of It's Okay to Feel, we are meeting the new hosts Craig Nemeth and Steve Pitman. They talk about how they got involved with NAMI Orange County and what is to come for the new season! Disclaimers: It’s Okay To Feel is for informational/educational and/or entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychiat…

On this episode of It's Okay to Feel, Girl Scout Troop 2898, with Sonal, Urja, Roma, and Pia, talk about the basic knowledge of mental health and mental illnesses. This episode is part of their Silver Award, the second highest award any Girl Scout can receive. They chose to record an episode about this topic because of their passion for educating a…

Welcome to NAMI OC Presents: It’s Okay to Feel! On this episode of It’s Okay to Feel, besties Manny and Jerika have a candid conversation on their connection to the 90's era. Being born in 1998 they feel a true bond with the music, fashion, and the romance of their favorite era. Reminiscing on childhood memories listening to SWV, LL Cool J, TLC, Ne…

Welcome to NAMI OC Presents: It’s Okay to Feel! On this episode of It’s Okay to Feel, Hailey and Mikaela sit down to talk about how realistic mental health is portrayed in teen movies like It's Kind Of A Funny Story and Perks Of Being A Wallflower. On the flipside, they explore how reality tv shows like Survivor push contestants to breaking points.…