E360 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Foojan Zeine chats with MIA NOSANOW, MA, LP, a licensed psychologist and longtime therapist specializing in college mental health. For twenty years, Mia worked at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, seeing thousands of students for individual and group counseling since Macalester is one of the most culturally diverse undergraduate colleges in the United States, with students from every state and ninety-nine countries, including many first-generation college students. Mia created The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health to address this growing need, a complete resource for students, the professionals who work with them, and parents and loved ones. Drawing on her more than twenty years of experience counseling a diverse set of college students, she has written the first comprehensive mental and emotional health manual designed specifically for those in college. More information at MiaNosanow.com 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary: Dr. and Mia discussed the importance of mental health and wellbeing for college students. They also discussed the connection between physical and mental health, with Mia stressing the importance of essential self-care for mental wellbeing. Both shared their experiences as college students, highlighting the need to prioritize self-care and balance academic and social activities. They discussed the impact of technology and social media on young people's health and learning. Mia expressed concern about the constant input and lack of balance in young people's lives, leading to potential health issues. Dr. noted how social media can interrupt the learning process and lead to anxiety and substance abuse. Mia shared her insights from her book, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's values, and making informed choices based on accurate research. She also highlighted the significance of managing time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking help. Dr. agreed with Mia's approach and stressed the need for students to be aware of common issues, understand their struggles, and develop strategies to overcome them. Both underscored the importance of individuality and tailoring approaches to one's unique needs and circumstances. Dr. and Mia discussed the importance and benefits of counseling for college students. Mia highlighted the challenges students face in adulthood and the pressures of college life, emphasizing the need for a safe, non-judgmental space for support. They discussed the importance of mental health and wellness, focusing on various aspects such as sleep, nutrition, movement, and substance use. Mia shared her strategies for improving sleep, emphasizing the significance of creating a conducive sleep environment and managing disturbances. They also discussed the negative impact of social media on one's ability to relax and focus and the importance of socializing and having fun for mental health. Lastly, they highlighted the significance of sleep for academic performance, with Mia sharing her research that suggests getting at least seven hours of sleep before exams improves test results. Dr. and Mia discussed the prevalence of drug and alcohol use among young people and its impact on mental health. They highlighted the need for self-awareness and understanding of the effects of different substances on one's wellbeing. Mia emphasized the importance of reflecting on personal values and experiences with substances, as well as the role of family dynamics in shaping one's relationship with drugs and alcohol. Dr. pointed out the high levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among young people, underscoring the need for effective coping strategies and emotional regulation. Mia's book, which includes sections on identity, emotions, and coping skills, was presented as a resource to help young people navigate these challenges. Mia and Dr. discussed the importance of acknowledging and managing one's emotions, emphasizing that it's crucial for personal growth and achieving goals. They highlighted the shift in societal attitudes towards emotions, from suppression to valuing them as essential signals. They also discussed the need for self-reflection, mental health, and developing these skills as a lifelong process. Lastly, they introduced their book, "The College Student's Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College," and agreed on the necessity of a culture change to value mental health and learning.