After 911: Shaping A Generation Of Children with Author Helaina Hovitz Regal

After 911: Shaping A Generation Of Children with Author Helaina Hovitz Regal

In this engaging episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristen Sinanta-Walker welcomes Helaina Hovitz, an accomplished editor, journalist, and author, to discuss her personal and professional journey following the events of 9/11. Helaina, a native New Yorker, shares her experiences as a young girl growing up in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, detailing how these events shaped her life and career.

Helaina's memoir, 'After 9/11: One Girl’s Journey Through Darkness to a New Beginning,' serves as a focal point for the conversation. She reveals how she discovered a note in her psychiatrist's file diagnosing her with second-hand trauma due to 9/11. This revelation was pivotal in her journey towards understanding and healing, leading her to become a passionate advocate for mental health.

The episode delves into the role of therapy dogs in supporting mental health, featuring Helaina's own rescue dog, who provides emotional comfort and security. This segues into a discussion about Jeff Fink's company, Go Fetch Wellness, which specializes in pairing dogs with individuals facing mental health challenges. Helaina also highlights her work with numerous renowned publications, including The New York Times and Forbes, and her dedication to writing stories that inspire and promote social good.

She uses social media as a platform to share uplifting content, steering clear of negative political discourse, and focusing instead on the positive aspects of life, such as heartwarming animal stories. Listeners gain insights into Helaina's creative process and her efforts to raise awareness through storytelling. Her commitment to helping nonprofits and championing mental health causes shines throughout the conversation.

The episode closes with a light-hearted tribute to Miles the Therapy Dog, underscoring the importance of service animals in mental health recovery. Overall, this episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the impact of advocacy in transforming lives affected by trauma.