Tune in to episode one of two for our discussion on ADHD with Maine ADHD specialist Dr. Christie Pickel! In this episode, our team goes on a deep dive into ADHD. What is it? How can you recognize it? What are best practices? You’ll hear from ADHD specialist Christie Pickel, who shares her own experience and how she has built a career around studying and working with individuals with ADHD. Keep an eye out for part two as we continue our conversation!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Deanna Plaisted, Mental Health Education and Outreach Lead

Guests:

Dr. Christie Pickel, Maine ADHD Specialist

Links:

General ADHD Resources and Statistics: https://chadd.org/

ADHD focused magazine with stories and articles from real people: https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4XFqtKPczEPay0i75W7GSJ0pE5VygLt2CviQUHTFmEILQzSxAYl

Facts-Based Approach to ADHD: https://www.adhdevidence.org/

Dr. Russell Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/@russellbarkleyphd2023

Learn more about Dr. Christie Pickel: https://www.psychologyspecialistsme.com/dr-christie-pickel

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we sat down with Dianne Bunch, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Saint Mary’s. In this week’s conversation, we’ll learn more about their plans to expand their mental health facility and resources. You’ll learn about Maine’s growing need for mental health care and the work Saint Mary’s is doing to fill that void and help individuals navigate mental health support and resources. Make sure to tune in and see what the people of Maine are doing to strengthen their mental health and support one another in this week’s episode!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Guests:

Dianne Bunch, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Saint Mary’s Medical Center

Links:

Saint Mary’s Behavioral Health - https://stmarysmaine.com/services/behavioral-and-mental-health-servicesStrong Futures (Adolescent Support) - 207-777-8898

Rapid Access (Recovery Support) - 207-376-3419

Behavioral Health Home (Behavioral Health Support) - 207-330-3962

Partial Hospitalization Program (Day Hospital Program) - 207-777-8100

St Mary's (General Information) - 207-777-8100

NAMI Maine upcoming events - https://namimaine.org/events/

NAMI Maine Helpline - https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

Today marks the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and NAMI Maine wants to bring light to this important observance. Join our suicide prevention team to discuss the importance of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Our team talks about the importance of suicide prevention work, especially for the state of Maine. You’ll learn about risk and protective factors, what to look for if you think someone is struggling, and the best language to use when offering help to a loved one. This month shows us that suicide prevention efforts are important and that it’s important for everyone to have an understanding of how to reach out and look after our own friends and family.

Hosts:

Mary Gagnon, Senior Clinical Director

Ian Gould, Suicide Prevention Trainer

Links:

Check out the work of NAMI Maine’s Suicide Prevention Department: https://namimaine.org/suicide-prevention/

Get in contact with us: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

Upcoming events from NAMI Maine: https://namimaine.org/events/

Stay for Life: https://www.stayforlife.org/

Maine CDC: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/substance-use-and-behavioral-health/suicide-prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join Ambrose Ward and Delaney Ireland to discuss the stress of going back to school. Although this shift back to school life can be stressful, learn about the resources that NAMI Maine provides. There are also plenty of other resources and materials to help you prioritize your mental health and wellness. From useful mental health apps to Maine-specific resources, there are plenty of ways to help Build Your Mental Health Toolkit!

Host:

Ambrose Ward, Marketing and Media Specialist

Delaney Ireland, Youth Mental Health Education and Prevention Lead

Links:

NAMI Maine Youth Education Resources: https://namimaine.org/youth-ed-resources/

OUT Maine LGBTQ+ Youth Resources: https://www.outmaine.org/programs/for-youth/

Maine Youth Thriving: https://maineyouththriving.org/

SPURWINK Youth and Family Resources: https://spurwink.org/youth-and-family/youthbehavioralhealth/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #Youth, #Backtoschool, #Youthresources, #Youthmentalhealth

In this week’s special episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we took our staff on the road to speak with Cara Cribb, Founder of Anchor ME Harbor. Cara speaks about her vision to provide a safe space for people and animals to come together in healing. Providing a respite from the stressors and anxiety we face each day. You’ll learn about how Cara first began her journey to bring this idea to Maine, and how it’s grown over the years. You’ll also learn about how animals can help be a positive aspect of someone’s mental health journey. Make sure to check out this episode and visit Anchor ME Harbor!

Host:

Jill Henderson, Director of Development and Communications

Guests:

Cara Cribb, Founder and Executive Director of Anchor ME Harbor

Links:

Check out Anchor ME Harbor: https://anchormeharbor.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTdveVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYWklNNkh3NTlUM0JsZUE2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvzaaBd5YHxykdCBw9mHDd_if4j-dkFEVLZ0YxrVAM34JSbGHZSP-FgLD1hR_aem_Tuxq--bZmkZ5m1e2aBuraw

Visit their social media: https://www.facebook.com/anchorMEharbor

Register for the 2026 Walk and Family Fun Fest: 2026 Walk & Family Fun Fest

NAMI Maine Helpline: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

NAMI Maine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namimaine/

NAMI Maine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMIMaine/

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join Deputy Director Libby Wright to learn about the work the Maine Celtics does to encourage healthy living in Maine schools. In this episode, we sit down with Jazz Rugira, Community Engagement Manager for the Maine Celtics, to learn more about this program in collaboration with Martin’s Point. You’ll learn about what a typical presentation looks like and how to reach out if you’re interested in seeing it at your school!

Host:

Libby Wright, Deputy Director

Guests:

Jasmine Rugira, Maine Celtics Community Engagement Manager

Links:

Check out more from the Maine Celtics: https://maine.gleague.nba.com/

Check out their social media: https://www.instagram.com/maineceltics/

Maine Outdoor Kids: https://www.maineoutdoorkids.com/

NAMI Maine Helpline: https://namimaine.org/helplinemaine/

NAMI Maine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namimaine/

NAMI Maine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMIMaine/

As June is recognized as PTSD awareness month, it is important to bring awareness to the Maine men and women who fought for their home and country. For this week's episode of NAMI Maine Talks, we were able to speak with the Executive Director of Vet 2 Vet Maine, Maggie Catanese.

Vet 2 Vet Maine is a non-profit organization that serves the veteran population of Maine. Matching veterans with other local volunteer veterans, Vet 2 Vet provides support, companionship, and links to services across the state.

Learn about the work that Vet 2 Vet has done to help fight social isolation and loneliness among our veterans. You’ll hear about the process to become a veteran volunteer, stories of success, and even how their organization is able to stretch from Presque Isle to Kittery. All this and more on NAMI Maine Talks!

Host:

Tori Tracy, Sr. Manager of CIT Partnerships and Education

Guests:

Maggie Catanese, Executive Director of Vet 2 Vet Maine

Links:

Check out the work of Vet 2 Vet Maine: https://www.vet2vetmaine.org/

Looking to get involved as a veteran: https://www.vet2vetmaine.org/join-vet2vet-maine

Check out NAMI Maine's guide to caring for your veteran: https://namimaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Guide-to-Support-Your-Veteran.pdf

In this week’s episode of NAMI Maine Talks, join NAMI Maine’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Jill Henderson, as she talks about The Mental Edge Softball Camp with its founder, Oakley McLeod. Created in 2024, Oakley has organized this event to bring mental health awareness to youth softball players across the state. Her work has gained attention statewide, and this year the camp welcomed over 200 softball players.

Host:

Jill Henderson, Director of Marketing and Communications

Guests:

Oakley McLeod, Founder of Mental Edge Softball Camp

Links:

Learn more about Mental Edge Softball Camp: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579289657434

Check out Oakley in the news: https://www.wmtw.com/article/scholar-athlete-of-the-week-oakley-mcleod/71312315

Check out NAMI Maine’s Youth Resources: https://namimaine.org/youth-ed-resources/

Hashtags:

#stigmaFREE, #MentalHealthMattersToME, #ItTakesAllOfUs, #HOPE, #WellBeing, #Resources, #StrongerTogether #ReachOut, #Maine, #NAMI, #Softball