Tag: psychiatric conditions

Life often includes many stressful moments, but stress around the holidays can be overwhelming for many people. From feelings of fatigue and isolation to financial stress and unrealistic expectations, it can be difficult to prepare ourselves for the increased stresses the holidays can often bring. In this episode, Trevor talks about his struggles with emotional regulation and what helps ground him. Then we are joined by McLean’s Mark Longsjo, LICSW, who helps remind us that we have more control than we believe and shares some suggestions to help each of us keep things in check.

Leonard Su is a fully trained, fully licensed, fully retired vascular surgeon. After 4 years of college at Yale University, 4 years at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3 years of laboratory research, 7 years of residency both at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Washington, AND 10 years of clinical practice, he hung up his scalpel and picked up a keyboard. He traded O.R. Lights for stage lights. His clinical career was cut short by mental illness, but he remains ever willing to help others. Only now instead of sutures and stents, he uses words and the power of talk. He speaks on the issues of mental illness in society, particularly in the medical profession, and strives to start conversations about mental illness. His background, while clearly steeped in medicine, also includes experience with stage such as with dancing in a local production of the Nutcracker, improv Comedy, and small episodes of trying stand-up Comedy.

Through this podcast, you will meet our host Trevor, who in addition to working at McLean, also knows a thing or two about living with mental health challenges. With Trevor as our moderator, he will guide us through up close and personal conversations with clinicians, advocates, celebrities, and ordinary people who have extraordinary stories to share. Along the way, you’ll also get to know Trevor, as he opens up about his own experiences with mental illness, growing up in a Native American household, and traveling the globe as a documentary filmmaker. In this week’s episode, Trevor introduces you to Jeff, whose experience with mental illness led him on a long journey that finally ended with him being paired with his service dog, Earl. Jeff talks about how his life with Earl led to his founding of Go Fetch Wellness, an organization focused on helping others discover the benefits of service animals for those living with chronic mental health conditions.