This episode takes a slightly different but (I believe) essential theme.

Joining me in this episode is Dr Michael Mol

- keynote speaker, health strategist, wellness researcher

Michael is unpacking the science behind mental health and ‘happiness as a health habit. He’ll be taking us deep into how you can hack your happiness with science-backed, habit-powered tools to train your brain - and your body - for performance, resilience, and joy.

Doc Mol provides a number of mental health gems that will help the listener get proactive in their pursuit for Mental health Wellness in a sustainable manner.

Episode one is broken down into four distinct parts :

1. HAPPINESS is the FUEL TO SUCCESS.

2. TRAIN YOUR BRAIN

3. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH vs MENTAL ILLNESS

4. UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRAIN NEURO-CHEMICALS

I know you will find this and the next episode both informative and (possibly even...) life changing.

Enjoy

JDJ

POSTPARTUM or POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Confession time - 20 years ago, I battled somewhat managing three kids under the age of three. And I had all the help I could have asked for

- an involved and loving husband

- help via a 'night nurse' to get sleep that I so desperately needed.

- a community of help available whenever I asked.

That said, i did have moments when I seriously doubted myself as a mother and I really struggled to keep my emotions together - as society expected of me !

When I first met Lisa, I understood that postpartum depression was very real, but as our friendship blossomed and she eventually fell pregnant after many years of trying with her husband, I could see things changing.

This two part interview not only helped me understand more of what I could only imagine was going on, but it has opened my heart to all who have struggled with the same symptoms.

If you have battled, or ARE STILL battling or even if someone you know has been through this time of desperation, please listen and keep an open mine. While I do know (personally...) ALL MENTAL HEALTH issues are very real and at times, really difficult to battle through, this episode can encourage and motivate everyone - YOU CAN GET THROUGH IT.

thanks so much to Lisa for opening up and becoming vulnerable. Your story is inspiring as you have been through something horrible and have made it through. Also, the fact that you want to help all moms with postpartum depresion get through with hope via an understanding of what you are experiencing, is very admirable.

LIsa is a very well known and acclaimed Interior designer who operates out of Claremont in Cape Town. For more on what she does, please visit her FACEBOOK PAGE : https://www.facebook.com/p/Lisa-Marie-Theophilus-Interiors-100067793075881/?locale=fo_FO

Alternatively, check our an interview she had with the Home Channel on DSTV.

https://thehomechannel.co.za/tv-schedule/finest-homes-107/

SEASON TWO is all about DEPRESSION

Depression is not just a fleeting feeling of sadness; it is actually a complex mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture or background.

EPISODE ONE is a quick breakdown of the most common forms people struggle with.

1. MDD - Major Depressive Disorder

Also known as CLINICAL DEPRESSION

With this type of depression, you would be experiencing persistent feelings of sadness as well as loss of interest in life in general that last for at least two weeks—and often times much longer.

1. PDD - Persistent Depressive Disorder

Also known DYSTHYMIA.

This form of depression is a chronic, low-level depression that can last for years.

1. BPD – Borderline Personality Disorder

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) has recently recognised the category which is a similar but different form of what we used to know as Bi-polar Disorder. In the episode,

Jackie discusses the Bipolar disorder while in Episode TWO she will elaborate more on the subtle differences between BPD and Bi-polar disorder.

Simply put – BPD is a personality disorder with BI-POLAR is a mood disorder.

1. S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the name suggests, SAD typically occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter when natural sunlight is scarce and vitamin D levels are generally lower.

1. P.P.D. - PostPartum Depression

This type of depression that can occur in women after giving birth.

It’s important to note that this is not just a case of the “baby blues’’

As we wrap up our overview of depression in EPISODE ONE, please remember that it can present differently from person to person. Being aware of the symptoms associated with each type can help us not only in recognizing if we or someone we know might be struggling but also in seeking the kind of help that can lead to recovery

Please be patient. Please be kind. And if you are someone who has suffered with depression, or is in the throws of it, please let us know how you are. Please reach out and always remember BE KIND TO YOUR MIND.

RESEARCH NOTES While most of what I refer to is both learned through my therapy qualification studies, I have booked this up with research done online (Google.com and recognised websites like https://www.sadag.org

I have then backed my research up with practical experience gained over the course of my life.

This final episode on ANXIETY allows me to express my gratitude.

I am grateful for all of you for allowing me the opportunity to share my, at times harrowing and paralysing, experiences with the unwelcome guest we know as ANXIETY

I feel liberated by sharing stories that have shaped our family.

I am proud of my husband and my kids for sharing their lives with you

But mostly, I am incredibly flattered to have heard from so many of you who have been able to change their thinking on anxiety and all other battles of the mind.

This episode was actually quite emotional for me as I reminisced on my past, pausing to reflect on my present with my family as well as maintain hope for the future.

Anxiety does NOT have the right to take over and become your master.

Always remember :

YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ARE VALID

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

YOU GOT THIS

Enjoy this recap from my lips to your ears

God Bless

JDJ

This is it...our ninth and FINAL episode in Series One of our UNFILTER THAT LENS podcast - a mental health podcast in which we focused predominantly on the ANXIETY.

Welcome to the second inciteful chat I had with my first born, Michaela. Quick recap...she is 21 years old and is the eldest of our three kids. Michaela has struggled with anxiety her entire life.

In episode 8, we found out that she feels she was born with an innate destiny that has (and still has) the tendency to cripple her.

I suppose it is anxiety borne by EXTREME EMPATHY although she has been officially diagnosed with a Compulsive Disorder.

Thanks Michaela for sharing....you are so awesome....

Series One of our UNFILTER THAT LENS podcast has focused predominantly on the ANXIETY side of mental health issues. While Anxiety can be diagnosed by a professional, it is difficult to say that none of us have ever experienced its horrible grip.

That said, like most illnesses, there are varying degrees of suffering.

We have journeyed through my personal battles with anxiety, before interviewing my husband and our eighteen year old twins.

All have had rather different experiences of anxiety, but in the last interview of the year, we get an idea of how debilitating anxiety can be and how it can change ones life.

MIchaela is 21 years old when I interviewed her...she is the eldest of our three kids and has struggled with anxiety her entire life. But not like most of us. She feels she was born with an innate destiny that has (and still has) the tendency to cripple her. She is, like her father, a desperate people pleaser, but there is a difference between the two of them.

While dad loves to keep people smiling and laughing to quench is people-pleasing thirst...Michaela is on a constant quest to rectify any deep pain that she wholeheartedly feels for those close to her.

I suppose it is anxiety borne by EXTREME EMPATHY.

Beautiful in theory, but it has truly robbed her of her own peace at times.

Thanks Michaela for sharing....you are so awesome....