Understanding the Misunderstood

In this episode, Erika delves into research around suicide and defines key terms related to suicidal ideation, suicide planning, suicide attempts, and suicide risk. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, she explores common myths surrounding suicide, including the misconceptions that talking about suicide puts the idea into someone's head, that people who talk about suicide are simply seeking attention, and that suicide only affects people with mental illness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
SOURCES / RESEARCH FOR EPISODE
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
SAMHSA 
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika interviews Ellen Lubensky, an attorney and Stanford graduate who shares her experience with psychiatric medication harm and withdrawal after becoming physically disabled for more than 20 years. Together, they explore informed consent, the risks and limitations of psychiatric treatment, important questions patients and families should ask before starting medication, and non-pharmaceutical approaches to mental health. Ellen also reflects on what she wishes she had known before treatment and what she hopes others can learn from her experience.
 
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com
 
Visit Ellen's websites:
https://ellenlubensky.com/
https://www.thementalhealthchoiceproject.org/ 

In this episode, Erika delves into Relationship OCD (ROCD), exploring the intrusive doubts, anxiety, and compulsive reassurance-seeking that can make relationships feel confusing and overwhelming. She breaks down what ROCD is, how it can be misunderstood, and why constant questioning about your feelings or relationship doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Most importantly, this episode offers an educational and compassionate perspective for anyone struggling with relationship-related anxiety and reminds listeners that they are not alone.
 
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika reflects on Mental Health Awareness Month while celebrating four years of her podcast’s journey. Erika opens up about the personal growth, healing, vulnerability, and challenges that shaped both her life and the creation of the show, sharing how the podcast became a safe space for honest conversations around mental health, trauma, self-discovery, and resilience. Through heartfelt reflections and gratitude for her listeners, she reminds audiences that healing is not linear, vulnerability is powerful, and no one has to struggle alone.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Anna Lim, a lecturer in Deaf Studies at the Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Together, they explore the realities of navigating mental health care as a Deaf individual and unpack the systemic barriers that continue to impact access, equity, and culturally responsive support.
Resources: 
Deaf LEAD – Free mental health and crisis support for Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and late-deafened individuals, including crisis intervention, trauma-informed counseling, emotional support, and referrals to additional services.
The DeafYes! Center – Provides Deaf-centered addiction and mental health counseling, research-informed services, and community outreach, with ASL-fluent therapists and accessible care options.
My Deaf Therapy – ASL-fluent therapists offering culturally responsive counseling for concerns such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, relationships, and addiction, with nationwide telehealth options.
National Deaf Therapy – Network of Deaf-affirming therapists providing accessible mental health services designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, often through telehealth and ASL-accessible care (commonly referenced as a Deaf-friendly therapy provider).
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika discusses genetic uncertainty, resilience, and the emotional realities of Huntington’s Disease with Lori Jones. Author and advocate Lori Jones joins the show to share insights from her memoir Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve and her lived experience growing up in a family affected by HD. Together, they explore stigma, secrecy, caregiving, and the psychological impact of hereditary illness, as well as how communication, kindness, and storytelling can create connection and reduce shame. This episode offers a compassionate look at courage, identity, and the power of speaking openly about difficult truths.
Lori's Website: https://lorijoneswrites.com/
Lori's Book: https://lorijoneswrites.com/books
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika discusses the deeply emotional and often unspoken realities of inheriting or living in a family with a genetic disease — specifically the resentment, shame, and identity shifts that can come with living under a diagnosis or genetic risk. Grounded in both lived experience and psychological research, this conversation explores how inherited conditions can affect not only the body, but relationships, self-perception, and emotional wellbeing.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz — clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of Post Traumatic Parenting — to explore how generational trauma shapes families and what it takes to break the cycle. They discuss the subtle patterns that can pass from one generation to the next, why breaking them can feel so challenging, and practical ways parents and caregivers can foster healthier, more connected relationships. Dr. Koslowitz also clears up common misconceptions about trauma-informed parenting and shares insights to help families heal with intention, compassion, and emotional safety. 
Dr. Robyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.koslowitzpsychology/
Linktree: linktr.ee/dr.koslowitzpsychology
Book: Post Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted To Be
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika dives into generational (or intergenerational) trauma — what it is, how it’s passed down, and why breaking the cycle matters. She explores research-backed mechanisms of transmission, from family systems and cultural narratives to biological and epigenetic factors. You’ll learn practical strategies for healing, including processing your own story, regulating your body’s stress responses, practicing self-compassion, and fostering resilient family communication. Erika corrects common myths about generational trauma, showing that healing is possible even if you didn’t directly experience the original trauma. This episode is full of tools, insights, and encouragement to help you break old patterns and create a healthier, more connected legacy.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika sits down with her colleague, Lily Beckett — Assistant Clinician at an ABA clinic — for an open and insightful conversation about the field. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about autism often seen in the media, reflect on lessons learned from working with children on the spectrum, and share their hopes for how ABA can continue to evolve to better support neurodiverse individuals.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood
For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com