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Recorded live at the Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this powerful community conversation brings together a panel of mental health experts, advocates, and leaders to confront the realities so many people are struggling with—but rarely talk about. Moderated by Ronya Nassar from the Harford County Health Department, this episode explores stigma, fear, youth anxiety, addiction, the impact of social media, cultural barriers, and the unique mental health challenges facing veterans and first responders.
You’ll hear raw, honest insights from professionals who work on the front lines every day—supporting children, families, people in recovery, and veterans navigating trauma. They break down misconceptions, share what they’re seeing in Harford County and beyond, and offer practical advice for approaching loved ones who are struggling. From understanding how anxiety shows up in the body to recognizing early warning signs, the panel delivers guidance that’s compassionate, clear, and grounded in real experience.
A major theme woven throughout the discussion is connection—being willing to listen, being willing to check in, and being willing to “be the one” someone can reach out to in a moment of crisis. You’ll also hear difficult but important conversations about youth self-diagnosis on TikTok, the growing emotional toll of overstimulation and isolation, and the urgent need for more accessible, culturally competent mental health services across our communities.
This episode is full of encouragement and hope. You’ll be reminded that healing is possible, no one is alone, and the simple act of showing up for someone can change everything. Whether you’re a parent, veteran, educato
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Chapters
1. Live from Edgewood American Legion Post 17 (00:00:00)
2. Rich’s Opening (00:00:58)
3. Meet Moderator Ronya Nassar – Ronya introduces herself and kicks off the live discussion (00:03:14)
4. Panel Introductions – Jennifer Redding, Laura Crowder, Wendy Beck, Nolanda Robert, and Michael Watts share who they are and what they do (00:03:36)
5. Misconceptions About Mental Health – “Putting on,” being “dangerous,” weakness, character flaws, and invisibility (00:08:15)
6. How to Talk to Someone Who Is Struggling – Approaching resistant friends or family, using physical health analogies, and the power of simply listening (00:13:54)
7. Words Matter: Language, Labels, and Fear – Moving away from the word “crazy,” stigma, fear of judgment, and fear of change (00:18:32)
8. Veterans, Communication, and Peer Support – Why veterans often only open up to those who’ve “been in the ditch” and how American Legion posts can be safe spaces (00:21:23)
9. Normalizing Mental Health in Everyday Life – Sharing clinicians’ own experiences, avoiding judgmental professionals, and “authentic curiosity” (00:24:37)
10. Access, Culture, and Community-Based Care – Cultural competency, putting services in schools, churches, and community centers, and huge waitlists (00:27:06)
11. Building Trust with Closed-Off Clients – Meeting people where they are, being human, and bringing in other services when needed (00:35:49)
12. The Future of Mental Health in Harford County – Mobile mental health, door-to-door ideas, and educating society that mental health is “normal” (00:37:16)
13. Parenting, Youth, and Missing the Red Flags – Parents on screens, missing warning signs, and the need for mental health first aid for parents (00:42:42)
14. Youth Anxiety, Social Media, and Self-Medication – TikTok self-diagnoses, boredom vs overstimulation, school anxiety, low self-esteem, and early substance use (00:49:53)
15. Suicide, Media, and Children’s Perceptions – Pack suicide, glamorization online, and why suicide is a “permanent answer to a temporary problem” (00:58:07)
16. Integrating Mental Health and Addiction Services – Why treating them separately fails, clinician training gaps, meds at discharge, and advocacy with doctors (01:00:39)
17. Hope for the Next Generation – Emotional maturity, youth speaking up, friend groups, and concerns about social media (01:07:11)
18. Final Messages of Healing – “You’re not alone,” healing is possible, healing is not linear, empathy, and buddy checks (01:13:14)
19. Audience Q&A: Pack Suicide and Online Groups – Real stories, online pacts, and warning signs (01:17:40)
20. Audience Q&A: Where Are the Male Therapists? – Men, ego, first responders, and why many men prefer a female therapist (01:24:49)
21. 988, Insurance, and VA Benefits – Crisis numbers, insurance coverage, and VA support for veterans and families (01:31:30)
22. Resource Roundup from Each Panelist – Websites, phone numbers, and how to get help in Harford County (01:34:32)
23. Rich’s Outro and Sponsor Thank-Yous – Closing thoughts, how to connect with the podcast, and supporter mentions (01:38:00)
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