The Over|Thinking Podcast

A fridge note whispers "I am whole and complete." A vision board behind a door holds worthy and believe; sticky notes on another spell kind, loving, brave — until they're no longer needed. In Episode #29 of Overthinking, students and peer supporters from the Recovery College Wellness Center at CMHA Durham trace the path from intrusive thoughts and decades of self-doubt to the daily practice of believing what others see. Dee rewrites the inner critic through art and songwriting on repeat. Ron hits the wall at mile 20 of the 1983 Toronto Marathon and keeps going: "I didn't come this far not to finish." The arc lands where it once felt impossible: "I love myself." It's easy to hear "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey as a karaoke anthem. Harder to hear it as what it actually is here: the sound of five people refusing to quit on themselves

This episode feels like leaning over a cluttered workbench in the mind—hands searching in the dark for whatever might fit, then swapping it out when it doesn’t. Crystal and the group speak from lived experience about the messy, moment-to-moment reality of using coping skills and wellness tools: the difference between what truly steadies you and what only numbs, the hard-won learning that comes through solitude, change, pain, boredom, and trying again. There’s no single map—just small experiments, gentle course-corrections, and the courage to sit with what won’t leave right away. Like The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” the conversation carries a quiet permission to stop wrestling the storm and trust that thoughts and feelings can move through, not stay forever.

What if the “changes” your body is begging for aren’t in your mind, but in your nervous system? In this Overthinking Podcast episode, Annie shares how relentless fatigue, burnout, and even fainting became her Bowie-style turning point—an inner shift that broke old “go, go, go” patterns. With doctors finding nothing wrong, she began transforming her daily life through cold showers, grounding barefoot walks, lymphatic massage, breathwork, and safe touch to feel regulated again. What change would happen if you truly listened to your body today?

On the Overthinking Podcast (CMHA Durham Recovery College Wellness Center), Crystal hosts a roundtable with Catherine, Annie, Deena, Nikki, and Rory about how kindness can turn into self-abandonment, the emotional and physical toll (regret, tension, shame, burnout, lack of joy), and how it can function as a survival skill. They share examples from family dynamics, gift-giving without return, and being pushed when setting boundaries, and discuss strategies like recognizing the pattern, communicating needs, checking for “joy,” and practicing putting “no” on the table. “I’m A Slave For You” speaks to this episode as the team describes people pleasing as feeling obligated to serve others, saying yes when they mean no, and neglecting themselves for acceptance, reciprocity, or to avoid conflict. 

Crystal hosts the Overthinking Podcast roundtable with Annie, Katherine, Ruairi, Nikki, and Deena on living with mental health challenges while working or studying. They describe bad days as discombobulation, comprehension and speech struggles, big emotions, hearing voices, slow or hyper-speed thinking, and all-day panic with symptoms like sweating, breathlessness, pounding heart, dizziness, and nausea. Coping includes box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, music/singing, crochet, focusing on one thing, switching tasks, and resting at home. They discuss disclosure, procrastination, deadlines, and the difficulty and guilt of asking for and accepting help. “Under Pressure” fits the theme of managing pressure and mental loops.

The Overthinking Podcast, presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham, discusses the national project co-producing recovery college metrics in Canada. The guests, Christine Ellery, Catherine Warzecha, and Holly Harris, share their roles and insights on this groundbreaking initiative. They elaborate on the collaborative efforts, the challenges of sustainability, and the phases of data collection that have led to significant growth and international interest. The conversation highlights the project's core values of hope, social connectedness, and personal growth, demonstrating the transformative power of recovery colleges. The title 'Rise Up' from Andra Day fittingly encapsulates the theme of overcoming challenges and inspiring change within the mental health community.

The CMHA CAMH Recovery College Report can be found here: https://cmha-national-dev.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CMHA-CAMH-Recovery-College-Report-v8.pdf.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, host Crystal is joined by Deandra and Rory to discuss the complexities of dating while managing mental health challenges. The conversation covers the importance of self-love, setting boundaries in relationships, and recognizing red flags. They also delve into the impact of past traumas on current relationships and the evolving landscape of modern dating, especially with the advent of dating apps. The episode emphasizes the need for personal growth and self-awareness before entering a new relationship. Given the theme of finding and celebrating oneself despite challenges, Whitney Houston's song 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' resonates well with the episode's focus on self-discovery and seeking meaningful connections.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosted by Madison and featuring guests Rory, Deandra, and Crystal, the discussion centers around the impact of stigma and labels on individuals' identity and mental health. The guests share personal stories and insights on how labels related to gender, mental health diagnoses, and addiction have affected their lives and the lives of their loved ones. They explore ways to challenge and overcome these labels to promote a more inclusive and understanding society. The episode also emphasizes the role of organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association in providing support and combating stigma. The song 'Paint It Black' by The Rolling Stones is a fitting title as it reflects the dark and challenging experiences individuals face due to stigmas and labels, and the desire to change and illuminate those aspects to foster acceptance and understanding.

In this episode of the Overthinking Podcast, hosts Deandra, Crystal, Rory, and Victoria discuss how seasonal changes affect their mental and physical health. They share personal experiences with seasonal depression, preferences for different weather, and coping strategies like light therapy. The conversation aims to promote wellness, recovery, and understanding of how seasons can impact mental health. The song 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' by The Verve is referenced to underscore the intricate and varied emotions tied to the different seasons. Presented by the Recovery College Wellness Center at the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham.

"Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees aptly captures the essence of this episode of The Overthinking Podcast by CMHA Durham, featuring Victoria's journey with endometriosis and its impact on her mental health, including bipolar disorder and anxiety. Hosts Crystal and Deandra discuss the significance of self-advocacy, medical gaslighting, and the importance of supportive relationships. Victoria details her struggles with severe pain, misdiagnosis, and finding validation, highlighting her resilience and support system. The conversation underscores the need for greater awareness, funding, and understanding of women's health issues, encouraging ongoing dialogue and self-advocacy.