Interview with Dr. John Huber Profound Speaker, Advocate, & Podcast Host for Mental Health
Table of Contents
Stacey Chillemi
Welcome Dr. John Huber, first off can you tell us a little about yourself?
Dr. John Huber
First and foremost I am my kids’ dad. It sounds cliché but it is true, they give me more pleasure than they will ever know. I am a Clinical Psychologist by profession. That leaves it kind of open when explaining what I do, in that everything we do involves psychology and different people have different issues in every part of that life. I think I am driven to try and help others because I truly care about people and nothing makes me happier than watching people achieve their goals, my children especially with reason, but everyone that I get to hear about overcoming adversity coming out the other side better for the struggle is a blessing.
Stacey Chillemi
What inspired you to begin your show called, Mainstream Mental Health Radio?
Dr. John Huber
I want mental health topics to become mainstream. Mental health issues are everywhere but we as a people feel like we are the only one that suffers. As people learn that everyone has to deal with this life one way or another and just because on the outside things look amazing does not mean that they are not struggling inside. The best way to do this is to start the discussion, so that is what we are doing, listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mainstreammentalhealth
Stacey Chillemi
Is there a message in your Podcast that you want readers to grasp?
Dr. John Huber
You are not alone! Stand up and be heard, do not let others that do not know your story tell you how you should be. We have a lot of interesting guests on our show, from all parts of mental health. The world is diverse and we need to spread that message.
Stacey Chillemi
What advice can you give to the millions of people who have spent their lifetimes fighting mental illness?
Dr. John Huber
Do not give up! As alone as you may think you are, there are others that know your pain.
Stacey Chillemi
Do you think there is a stigma around mental illness in people?
Dr. John Huber
Yes, there is! Humans fear the unknown, and mental health issues create an unknown and that scares people. If we can get out and educate, instruct, and lead the discussion we can expose the unknown and break the stigma!
Stacey Chillemi
How can people effectively overcome mental illness?
Dr. John Huber
Unfortunately, that is not an easy question. Every person and every issue is different and has its own nuances. There is no magic pill, and that is part of the problem!
Stacey Chillemi
Can someone with a mental illness overcome a mental illness naturally without resorting to prescription medication?
Dr. John Huber
Yes, many people do. So do not avoid getting help because you may think that all the professional’s will do is give you a drug. Start your discussion with these professionals letting them know where you see medication fitting into your treatment, if at all.
Stacey Chillemi
What methods or techniques do you find most helpful coping with a mental illness?
Dr. John Huber
Do you have any advice for people suffering from mental illness?
Stacey Chillemi
What are your current projects?
Dr. John Huber
My current projects include my nonprofit organization, Mainstream Mental Health. We have been working on our first target and that is to get out there and educate the masses about mental health. We have done this through media outlets such as radio and television as well as print media. This has been in local, national and international outlets. I think we are doing a great job, but I also do not think this will ever be something we can give up. We have a radio blog at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mainstreammentalhealth
Our second project we are working on is stepping up with and helping our veterans.
Locally we are involved in a veteran’s court which has had excellent results helping our veterans that have mental health related issues take care of business and deal with offenses. So far the program has less than a 10% recidivism rate compared to the national general population rate of 68%.
On a state and national level, we know that getting mental health through the VA is difficult at best due to the massive numbers and bureaucracy dealing with such a large provider system. The average wait for a veteran to see a therapist at the VA is over 130 days. So we have begun to raise funds to address how to provide for out-patient treatment and to allow for faster access for our veterans.
Stacey Chillemi
Do you have a website people can visit?
Dr. John Huber
www.mainstreammentalhealth.org
Stacey Chillemi
Where can people listen to your show?
