Ending Fall Season With Mental Health

As we finish up our 2016 fall season, we are ending with a topic that EVERYONE watching is impacted by in some capacity. We are talking mental health.

With about 57.7 million people aged 18 and over suffering from a mental disorder each year in the United States alone, this health issue is one to take very serious. When you think of health we tend to go straight to our physical health however, as we learn  it's vital to prioritize our mental health too. With numbers on the rise it's crucial that people receive the help they need. This week on The Whitney Reynolds Show we explore some of the options that are available out there and hear from real people opening up about the hope they've found.

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No Shame on You

Dr. Scott Langenecker, is the Director of Cognitive Neuroscience and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research focuses on mood disorders across one's lifespan. Specifically, he is involved in studies to understand the abnormalities observed in depression and bipolar disorder. His research has resulted in translational neuropsychological measures that can be administered in clinical settings. He talks about how he offers assistance in treatment, educational, and occupational plans to the adolescent and their families.                       

Next we talk with Mike Bushman, author of Suicide Escape, a memoir exploring teen depression. Mike also mentors at 360 Youth Services and volunteers for mental health groups.  Hear what he has to say about mental illness and the role he plays in prevention and treatment.

We also speak with Miriam Ament, Executive Director of No Shame on U, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. After suffering from depression herself and encountering stigma and isolation from many friends and family members, Miriam founded this organization.

Veterans have served our country and now it is time to offer them our support. Hear Veteran Justin Orick speak of his challenges with mental illness upon returning from war and how he has learned to adjust to life back home. Many veterans face the same problem as Justin and it is substantial that they or anyone who knows a veteran hear his story.

Justin Orick

A big THANKS to our guests for trusting us with their stories this season. To recap these shows visit www.whitneyreynolds.com and be sure to tune in tonight, November 21st at 6:30 on Lakeshore Public Television for Mental Health.

SPONSORS THIS SEASON- Volvo, Volvo Oak Park, American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, Respiratory Health Association, Pearls Southern Comfort, Whiting Law Group & Modern Classics Furniture. THANK YOU for supporting women in business!  

A Life Story- Black Lives Matter

Meet Dr. Reverend Wayne Gordon. This outstanding man and his wife have exchanged comfort for making their mark in a community that desperately needs help. Their amazing journey to helping thousands in a dangerous neighborhood in Chicago started years ago and it's not over yet. Watch as we talk through why black lives matter, gun violence and the desperate need for change. He's one that's not sitting on the sidelines and just weighing in on these tough issues, he's actually in the thick of it. He is a true example of, "Being the change you want to see."

His story is one that leave you motivated and ready for change. Chicagoland make sure to tune in Monday May 16th at 6:30 PM to Lakeshore PBS.

As you know if you've followed our show over the seasons, we are dedicated to tough topics. All the issues we feature are real life stories that must be heard. If you have show idea or topic close to heart let us know by clicking the "Contact Us Page."

Food Allergies- My Personal Story

Well Hello Season 5-

Mark your calendars for an exciting new season of our show. Starting October 26th on Lakeshore Public Television we will be kicking off our 5th Season. Join us every Monday night at 6:30 as we talk through tough topics that are inspiring POSITIVE CHANGE.

SEGMENT SPOTLIGHT- Meet Jack the creator of "That Bites." A documentary on Food Allergies!

Hello everyone! I’m so excited to be kicking off our new season, and especially with a topic I think most of us can relate to: food allergies. It’s a season opener I know you’ll want to see, because this truly affects so many people!

                  My first brush with food allergies was during one of the most important times of my life; my honeymoon. My husband and I were in Costa Rica having the time of our lives. We were in some really cool hot springs, having fun, and not at all stressing about the food around us. We ordered drinks, not thinking anything of it. Unbeknownst to us, one of the drinks had banana in it; something Dave is incredibly allergic to. If you ever thought it was impossible for a banana to jeopardize your honeymoon: think again!
                  I was so scared! What was supposed to be one of the most fun times for Dave and I became a huge frightening ordeal for us. He got awful stomach pains and hives; it was clear something had happened to him. We were incredibly lucky, and he was only out for a day of our honeymoon; but it could have been much worse. It was my first time seeing how food allergies can be truly dangerous.

2013 Honeymoon in Costa Rica

                  After seeing my husband go through this, I realized how big of an issue food allergies really are; especially with children! When they’re at school, who knows what they’ll eat? And unfortunately, the way many people find out they have allergies is when they eat something for the first time as a child and get an allergic reaction.
                   Luckily with epi-pens, it’s easier to help someone who’s had an allergic reaction. Personally, I think everyone should have one on them; you never know when someone around you could eat a deadly banana! I think it’s important that we realize these allergies are a growing issue that we need to keep an eye on. Epi-pens are like tiny, life-saving magic wands! Why not have one? Especially in schools.
                  Living with food allergies is a stressful, hard task and sometime scary to order food even at restaurants. We’re so worried about whether or not to get fries on the side that we don’t realize our main course has food that will give us hives! There’s so much to keep track of! Watch our show and learn how to use an EPI pen and stay safe.
                  For those of you out there with intense food allergies, please be safe; and always make sure you know what is in your drinks! We will be live tweeting during the show @WhitneyReynolds so make sure to weigh in.

Also coming up this season-

• Women In Sports
• A Parent's Loss
• The Plus Size Movement
• Rising To The Top
• Suicide Prevention
• A Life Story

Pediatric Cancer Needs More Attention

Who doesn't like to jump around for a good cause? The picture below is a very typical evening when Action Booth is involved. This pic was taken last month when I emceed The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation party.

Even though everyone at the event was cutting up in the photo booth, we were all there for a very serious cause. Pediatric Cancer is under funded and unfamiliar to most people. The Bear Necessities Foundation helps kids and families impacted by pediatric cancer and also helps fund research. The reality is, kids are losing their lives every year to pediatric cancer and medical bills for those families are piling up. Kathleen Casey (the founder of Bear Necessities) saw these needs first hand after her son Barret lost his 5 and half year battle to pediatric cancer.  Not only did she see the need, but she also acted on it. Today the foundation is really moving and shaking things up in Chicago.  Each year they are growing and their mission is coming to life! Their events are fun and really have people "JUMPING" around for a good cause!

Have a family member who lost their battle to cancer? CLICK HERE for my KissFm interview with Camp Kesem (a summer camp designed to help kids who have lost someone to cancer).