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If you've ever stared at a simple task and felt an unexplainable, heavy resistance… you are definitely not alone - and you are not broken! With the help of psychologist and clinical director Leslee Marcom, we'll unpack the topic of executive functioning and why struggles with organization, time management, procrastination, and task initiation are not signs of laziness or lack of motivation. Our conversation explores what executive functioning is, how it affects daily life, and why challenges are common not only in ADHD but also in anxiety, depression, learning differences, chronic stress, and burnout. Dr. Marcom shares practical, evidence-based strategies to improve focus and follow-through.  This episode is especially helpful for adults with executive functioning challenges, parents and educators supporting kids with ADHD, and anyone looking for realistic tools and compassionate insight into how the brain works. Links Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Dr. Dan Siegel's Upstairs/Downstairs Brain - A simple video overview  Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups  or www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups  Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

For most of her life, science teacher and meteorologist Crystal Weidman was labeled a "picky eater." While friends and family fixated on her unique food rules, they completely missed the clues that something more serious was to blame.  In this episode Crystal shares her story of navigating ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) along with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).  This conversation sheds light on what ARFID really is (and isn't), why recovery is rarely linear, and how community and self-compassion can transform a life.  Whether you're familiar with ARFID or hearing about it for the first time, Crystal's story offers connection, clarity, and hope. Links Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Other episodes about ARFID: What is ARFID Anyway? Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder with Dr. Michelle Jones - Click here for episode. Is It Picky Eating or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)? - Click here for episode.  Overview of ARFID (Overview, Resources, Quiz, FAQ, and more): www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/conditions/arfid  Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

In this episode of the Mental Note Podcast, psychiatrist Dr. Alyssa Lucker unpacks the complicated relationship between social media and mental health - especially for teens and young adults.  We explore the challenges of researching social media effects, how it influences the developing brain, and where responsibility lies between parents and platforms. Dr. Lucker also highlights potential benefits — like connection, creativity, and self-expression — alongside the risks of sleep disruption, mood changes, and addictive patterns. With practical advice on digital literacy, family communication, and self-reflection, this conversation asks the bigger question: is social media a healthy part of modern life, or just a poor substitute for real-world connection? Links Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Child and Adolescent Mental Heal Treatment - Child + Adolescent Mental Health Treatment  Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: Click Here!    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199  Content Breakdown: Why is Dr. Lucker passionate about social media hygiene 02:19 What does research say about social media's affect on teen mental health? 03:19 Difference between screen time and social media screen time 06:56 Benefits of social media 10:00   What's is the best approach for social media in our life? 12:50   Questions to ask yourself if you're concerned 14:30  Similarities / Differences with adult mental health 16:20  What is digital literacy and how do we cultivate it? Effects of AI? 17:36  Signs that professional support is needed 22:05  Dr. Lucker's top take away for listeners 26:50  

Depression doesn't always look like staying in bed or losing motivation. For high-achieving people, it often hides behind packed schedules, perfectionism, and quiet exhaustion. In this episode, therapist Jenny Jacobsen unpacks how depression shows up differently in top performers, the overlap between burnout, boredom, anxiety, and depression, and the early warning signs you need to know. She also shares practical strategies—from microdosing self-care to building foundational habits and practicing self-compassion—that can help you reconnect, heal, and move forward one step at a time. Links: Jenny's Website: www.jennyjacobsencounseling.com  Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

Should I Say This in Therapy? Have you ever wondered what your therapist can and can't share outside the therapy room? Or when therapy confidentiality laws require them to break that trust?   In this collaborative episode, Ellie Pike joins clinicians Maria Ortiz and Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash from the 'On the Mic with ED' podcast to unpack the often-misunderstood boundaries of confidentiality in therapy.  Topics Covered: What informed consent really means When therapists are legally required to break confidentiality (and when they're not) due to mandatory reporting How clients can navigate trust, shame, and uncertainty in the therapy room Whether you're in therapy for an eating disorder, addiction, trauma, or personal growth, this conversation will help you understand your rights in therapy and navigate those hard conversations with confidence.  Links: On the Mic with ED Podcast Website - www.theweightofitall.com Apple Podcasts - Open Podcast App Spotify - Open Spotify Instagram - @onthemicwithed  Mental Note Podcast - www.mentalnotepodcast.com Eating Recovery Center - www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center - www.pathlightbh.com     Free Group Support - www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups   Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist -  (877) 850-7199   

Intermittent fasting is everywhere—from influencer feeds to doctor's offices—but is this trending approach to eating really the wellness cure-all it claims to be? In this episode of Mental Note, registered dietitian Jennifer Vittitow joins host Ellie Pike to explore the hidden downsides of intermittent fasting, including its impact on mental health, disordered eating behaviors, and social connection. Together, they unpack the science, debunk the diet culture spin, and offer a more compassionate path forward—one rooted in balance, flexibility, and trust in your body.  Links: Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Free Group Support: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

A dangerous secret lurked behind author Lara Jacobs' ambition: she relied on anorexia to focus her writing, blurring the line between artistic drive and self-destruction.  In this episode, Lara shares how years of chasing a story across continents ultimately led her to eating disorder treatment and to rediscovering herself—both as a writer and as a person in recovery. With honesty and hope, she reflects on the pivotal moments that helped her heal, the community that supported her, and how reclaiming her narrative became the most powerful form of self-expression. Now, she teaches others to do the same. Links: Lara's Website: larajacobswriter.com Lara's Instagram: @donotoverink Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Free Group Support: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

Supporting a loved one through eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to do it alone. In this special Q&A episode, we sit down with experienced parents Beth Ayn Stansfield and Amy Oberholtzer, who have navigated this journey with their own children and turned their experiences into advocacy. Beth Ayn, now the National Family Advocate for Eating Recovery Center, and Amy, founder of the nonprofit CATCH, share their hard-earned wisdom on self-care, technology, community-building, and trusting the process. Their insights offer guidance, hope, and reassurance whether you're just beginning or deep in the recovery journey. Beth Ayn + Amy's Links: Caregiver Support Groups - For caregivers of either children and teens or adults (Support Groups will be at the bottom of the page once you click the link.)  ED 101 and 201   CATCH CATCH Website Parents Support Network   Chicago area Trusted Professionals    Chasing Childhood Documentary Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast www.mentalnotepodcast.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com     Free Group Support: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/support-groups    Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199   

In a world where mental health care is often seen as one-size-fits-all, Akiera Gilbert is on a mission to break down barriers and open the doors of eating disorder treatment to those often left behind. As the CEO of Project Heal, Akiera leads an organization dedicated to transforming the system while offering immediate, life-saving support to those who face financial, cultural, and systemic obstacles to care. Through her work, Akiera emphasizes the power of community and the need to reimagine healing in ways that honor diverse experiences. In this episode, we explore her personal recovery journey, the realities of accessing treatment, and how understanding social identities is key to providing quality care for all. Join us as we discuss the future of inclusive healing and the incredible impact of Project Heal's work. Project Heal Links Project Heal Website: theprojectheal.org Clinical Assessment: Click Here Cash Assistance: Click Here Insurance Navigation: Click Here Meal Support: Click Here Community Support: Click Here Research and Advocacy: Click Here Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

As an eating disorder survivor turned eating disorder therapist, Carly Compton strives to be the person that she wishes she would have known when she was younger.  That conviction led her on a rewarding journey to become a therapist, model, host of the Recover with Carly Podcast, and creator of an eating disorder curriculum for adolescents. In all these endeavors, Carly focuses on partnering with individuals to give up dieting, recover from disordered eating, and find genuine happiness and acceptance within themselves — no matter their size, race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status. We sit down to discuss the steps that took her on such a liberating journey and also some practical ways you can improve your relationship with your body. Resources: Carly's Website  Recover with Carly Podcast  Body Image Workshop with ERC  Curriculum: Eating Disorder Education and Awareness Her Socials: Tiktok and Instagram  Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

From Chaos to Creativity: Storyteller and artist Landon Bryant explores his journey from struggling with life's basic challenges to finding success and support after an adult ADHD diagnosis. Landon shares how he navigated the difficulties of his condition, including years of trial and error with medications and strategies, and how he ultimately embraced the creative potential of ADHD. This conversation sheds light on the importance of self-awareness, support systems, and the unique strengths that can arise from challenges. His journey is a source of hope for anyone on a similar path. Resources: Get to Know Landon: Instagram @landontalks TikTok: @landontalks  Mental Note Links: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have exploded in popularity due to their weight-loss potential. But what do they actually do? How do they function? And why are they the subject of so much controversy? With insight from Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Regional Medical Director for the Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center, this episode will empower you to make an educated decision when it comes to your body and these medications. Crucially, we will also focus on how GLP-1s may affect individuals with eating disorders - even if they are being taken as diabetes medication rather than to lose weight.  If you'd like to learn more about GLp-1s from Dr. Wassenaar — and earn CE credits along the way — join Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight's virtual annual conference August 21-23 . Dr. Wassenaar will lead a special discussion on GLP-1s and their relationship to Binge Eating Disorder treatment. Sign up here. Resources: Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com 16th Annual Conference: Register Here Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com  Free Group Support: Register Here Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199

Growing up, Vik Chopra was not the kid most people assumed would end up serving a sentence in Federal prison. A student leader with straight A's and numerous volunteer hours, Vik secretly hid pain and shame beneath a shiny outward persona - with disastrous consequences.  Now a filmmaker, actor, and writer who has embraced his queer and South Asian identities, Vik takes us on a transformational journey through addiction, incarceration, and rebirth. His story is a testament to the powers of embracing community, fostering daily practices, and forgiving ourselves.  We encourage you to check out the podcasts and films he is making with justice-impacted individuals. Find them at his website linked below. ___________________________________________ Resources: Website - www.unincarcerated.com Instagram - @vikchopra    Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com  Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups  Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199 

Welcome to part two of our Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Discussion with Leah Young where we focus on the proactive steps you can take to find recovery from a SUD. Today's episode is all about what to do once you realize you have a problem with substances or addictive behaviors. We'll discuss topics like: Different strategies for ending destructive behaviors spanning from abstinence to harm reduction How to develop boundaries to enable healthier behaviors Easy ways to measure the success of your approach If you missed our last episode, you can easily find it in your podcast feed or by clicking the link in the show notes below. You don't necessarily need to listen to Part 1 to understand Part 2. However, you may want to pull it up if you are trying to figure out whether or not you have a substance use issue. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Click Here Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Click Here Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Click Here Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Click Here Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com  Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups  Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199  Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you.  www.aa.org www.marijuana-anonymous.org www.thesira.org - Self Harm www.slaafws.org & www.slaa4poc.neocities.org - Sex and Love Addicts www.recoverydharma.org www.smartrecovery.org www.celebraterecovery.com www.lifering.org www.moderation.org Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional 

In our next two episodes, we will explore a disorder affecting nearly one in five Americans - Substance Use Disorder (SUD). From knowing when your patterns are problematic, to building new neural pathways, to measuring success - we want to dig deep. And we've got the incredible expertise of Leah Young to show us why there's so much reason for hope when dealing with addictive behaviors and substances. You can think of today's podcast as Substance Use Disorder 101. It answers the questions, "How do you know if your use of alcohol or drugs is a problem?" and "Are you exhibiting problematic addictive behaviors?" We will cover topics like Early warning signs Denial Sober curiosity Next steps for getting support.
 Our second episode will examine recovery models for SUD - abstinence, moderation, and harm reduction - and how to know what works for you. Resources: Brief video overview about Substance Use Disorders from the Center for Disease Control: Click Here Infographic: 2022 Survey on Drug Use and Health - Click Here Book: Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington - Click Here Podcast: Sober Curious with Ruby Warrington - Click Here Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center: www.pathlightbh.com  Eating Recovery Center: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com  Free Group Support: https://www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups  Free Evaluation with a Trained Therapist:  (877) 850-7199  Nearly all substances and many addictive behaviors have 12-step meetings. Below are some examples, but you can search online for the national and local chapters nearest you.  www.aa.org www.marijuana-anonymous.org www.thesira.org - Self Harm www.slaafws.org & www.slaa4poc.neocities.org - Sex and Love Addicts www.recoverydharma.org www.smartrecovery.org www.celebraterecovery.com www.lifering.org www.moderation.org Plus many others that may not be as well known, available, and/or regional