Radio Specials for Mental Health Awareness Month in May
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John Kinzer
Each Thursday through May, WITF presents a special hour of programming that explores emerging research and informed perspectives on vital issues along with thought-provoking interviews with top experts, the voices of people living with mental illness, and sound-rich stories from across the country. These specials, from Call to Mind air Thursdays at 11am in place of the second hour of 1A.
Thursday, May 1 – Beyond the Mirror: The Challenge of Eating Disorders
An estimated 29 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. These mental illnesses can be profoundly disruptive to a person’s life and psychological wellbeing. And eating disorders can be deadly.
Thursday, May 8 – The Aging Mind
Studies show that one in four older adults live with a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. But many older people don’t get the help they need. And America’s aging population is expected to double by 2050.
Thursday, May 15 – Promise & Peril: Technology and Mental Health
Technology is ever-present in modern life, from remote work to communities on social media, from dating apps to telemedicine. We live with an ever-expanding array of online options and an ever-growing list of new questions about how healthy it is to spend so much time online with our devices.
Thursday, May 22 – Treating the Young Mind
Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide. It can be a disruptive illness, making it difficult to find a meaningful job, attend school or manage relationships. People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment, but there is hope. A growing body of research shows that with new interventions it’s possible to live well with the illness.
Thursday, May 29 – Silent Battles: Mental Health & Military Service
Mental illness is the leading cause of hospitalization for America’s military service members. Anxiety conditions and post-traumatic stress disorders lead the list of diagnoses.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
