S4 EP8: Mental Health & Drug Use

Awkward Conversations

In this special two-part episode, Jodie Sweetin and co-host Dr. Krystal Lewis revisit one of the most critical conversations from Awkward Conversations: the connection between mental health and drug use among young people. Joined by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and expert on mental strength, they offer invaluable guidance on recognizing mental health challenges like stress and anxiety that can lead to substance misuse.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Krystal offers expert advice on identifying signs of anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns in youth, while Amy Morin shares practical strategies for building resilience, confidence, and purpose in kids. Together, they explore how modern stressors—such as academic pressures, social media, and societal expectations—impact today’s youth and how parents can help them navigate these challenges.

Listeners will learn to foster open communication, reduce stigma around mental health, and promote responsible online behavior. The episode concludes with a powerful meditation session led by Dr. Krystal, promoting mindfulness and emotional well-being for parents and children alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Intervention: Recognize the differences between stress and anxiety and learn how to address mental health concerns early.

• Building Resilience: Amy Morin shares practical methods for instilling emotional strength and resilience in youth.

• Addressing Stressors: Understand the pressures that young people face and how open communication and professional support can make a difference.

• Mindfulness & Well-Being: Dr. Krystal leads a meditation session to help families practice mindfulness and emotional health together.

This episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, and caregivers looking for practical tools to support the mental well-being of young people in today’s challenging world.

BIOS:

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery.

@jodiesweetin

Dr. Krystal M. Lewis is a licensed Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She received her PhD from Virginia Tech and completed clinical training at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Dr. Lewis is passionate about the provision of clinical care, training, and mentorship and uses culturally informed, developmentally appropriate, and evidence-based approaches. Her clinical and research interests are focused on identifying mechanisms of change in psychological treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders. She has a small private practice where she provides assessment, treatment and psychoeducational testing to children, adolescents, and adults. She is a Board member for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, international bestselling author and the host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. Her books on mental strength, including 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, have sold more than 1 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages. She’s practiced therapy for over 20 years and she’s a sought after speaker whose TEDx talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, has become one of the most popular talks of all time with more than 22 million views. Amy lives on a sailboat in the Florida Keys.

@amymorinauthor

Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.

Resources/Links

SAMHSA | Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJC

Get Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vY

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention: https://bit.ly/48nxwYw

One Pill Could Kill: https://bit.ly/3ELxfBa

DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

DEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7Uj

DEA on Twitter: https://bit.ly/44VvEUt

DEA on Facebook: https://bit.ly/440b6ZY

DEA YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3s1KQB6

Elks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79Zdt

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

Elks DAP on Twitter: https://bit.ly/45CfpvR

Elks DAP on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qw8RKL

Elks DAP on YouTube: https://bit.ly/444vMQq

Jodie Sweetin’s Links

Jodie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/

Jodie’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en

Krystal Lewis’s Links:

Krystal’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrKrystalLewis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Amy Morin’s Links

Amy’s Website: https://amymorinlcsw.com/

Amy’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-stronger-with-therapist-amy-morin/id1687655510

Amy’s Books: https://amymorinlcsw.com/books-by-amy-morin/

Amy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymorinauthor/

Amy’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentallyStrongerPodcast/videos