5. Mental Health Basics w/ Stephan France

Stephan France spent twelve years on active duty as a Navy Corpsman. After receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his career for nineteen years as a civilian nurse in the fields of Psychiatry and Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and crisis treatment arenas. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, he aims to provide patients with an open space free from judgment and stigma.

Stephan and I have also been friends for decades. We played in a band called “Flyer Lounge” in San Diego long ago. If you are looking for any of those songs online, more power to you…

In this episode, we cover a wide variety of topics, including the spectrum of mental health, active listening and non-verbal cues, the expectation effect, fundamental and limiting beliefs, cognitive behavioral therapy, reframing feelings, stoicism, anxiety and panic attacks, catastrophizing, mindful morning routines, focusing on the present, depression and medication, the responsibility for recovery, the fear of change, recovery setbacks, and creating purpose.

Note that we did experience some technical difficulties with the video recording. There are a few jump cuts, and Stephan's image even locks up around the ten-minute mark for a while. Eventually, he had to switch locations, and you will note his background changes about twenty minutes into the interview. My apologies for those issues.

You can find out more about Stephan and his practice at www.resilienthealthpsychiatry.com.

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DISCLAIMER: RARE SENSE content is not medical advice. Nor does it represent the official position or opinions of any other organization or person. If you require diagnosis or treatment for a mental or physical issue or illness, please seek it from a licensed professional.