Everyone’s curious about the use of psychedelics for managing mental health –– but what does science say about it? Psychedelics aren’t for everyone, but early research suggests they may have the potential to make a meaningful difference in mental health and suicide prevention.

In this episode of Ask Dr. Jill, we’re joined by Dr. Lynnette A. Averill, a researcher specializing in psychedelics and their potential applications in mental health. Dr. Averill is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Research at the Menninger Clinic. She also co-founded the nonprofit Reason for Hope.

Dr. Averill and Dr. Jill explain how drugs such as Ibogaine, Psilicybin, and Ketamine work. We also share what treatment sessions can look like with these drugs and cover the safety factors patients must be aware of.

Dr. Averill shares what she’s learning through her own research, how AFSP-funded research is helping us better understand psychedelics and suicide prevention, and what questions researchers still need to explore.

For more about research funding from AFSP https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-research/

If you have a question you’d like to hear discussed on the show, please submit it here: https://forms.gle/qXfHeq7VyzHD4sNA6

To learn more about AFSP, visit afsp.org

The podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the positions or opinions of the producers or any affiliated organizations.

In recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Month (September), this episode of Ask Dr. Jill features guest Corey Feist, co-founder & CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation, which was formed in the wake of ER physician Lorna Breen's death by suicide during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization’s mission is to transform systems and culture in order to protect health workers’ wellbeing and mental health.

In this episode, we examine the reasons healthcare workers often hesitate to seek help—and why those fears shouldn't hold them back. We also discuss actionable steps that health systems and policymakers can take to protect and support the care providers who care for us, with mental health support tailored specifically to healthcare professionals, including expanded access to treatment and systemic reforms.

If you have a question you’d like to hear discussed on the show, please submit it here: https://forms.gle/qXfHeq7VyzHD4sNA6

To learn more about AFSP, visit https://afsp.org

The podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the positions or opinions of the producers or any affiliated organizations.

Faith and mental health are often discussed separately. But houses of worship can provide resources for those experiencing mental health challenges – even if you’re not religious.

On this episode of Strong Talk we’re joined by Monty Burks, the Director of the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He works with faith-based communities across the country to deliver services like suicide prevention resources and recovery support to their members.

We also discuss what faith really means and how to reconnect with a faith community after a negative experience. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or neither, this conversation will provide a new perspective towards faith-based healing.

To learn more about the HHS Center for Faith, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/faith/index.html

To learn more about AFSP, visit: afsp.org

The podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees and do not reflect the positions or opinions of the producers or any affiliated organizations.