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Wellness Compass Podcast
October 2, , 2026
Mental Health: Name It. Claim It. Reframe It.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this episode of the Wellness Compass Podcast, marriage and family therapists Scott and Holly Stoner offer a simple, three-part way to think and talk about mental health: name it, claim it, and reframe it. Drawing on 40 years of clinical work and their own family experiences, they explore how mental health is something every one of us has, and how it shapes, and is shaped by, the families and relationships we live in.
In this episode:
We all have mental health. It isn't only a concern for some people. Like physical health, it's one dimension of well-being in the Wellness Compass Model, and it can vary from day to day and season to season.
Name it. Just as cancer was once unspeakable, mental health is still often talked around with euphemisms. Naming a struggle the way we'd name a migraine or a family history of heart disease normalizes it, eases stigma, and helps others know how to respond. Many clients feel deep relief simply saying, "I think I'm depressed," for the first time.
Claim it. Owning our story, letting the people close to us know what we're carrying, and tending our mental health proactively. Scott and Holly share personal examples of how claiming a sensitivity keeps us from externalizing it or blaming others.
Reframe it. Thinking systemically, using the image of a mobile: stress anywhere in a family shows up in its individual members. Understanding this takes the blame off, gives hope, and helps us see the bigger picture, like why a recent move or a loved one's diagnosis might leave us feeling out of sorts.
Our agency. We rarely choose the state of our mental health, but we always choose our response, including whether to be vulnerable, ask for support, or step back from commitments.
A Wizard of Oz lesson. Healing came for the Wizard only when he was finally willing to name, claim, and reframe what he'd been hiding.
For reflection:
Is there something about your own mental health you've been hesitant to name?
Is there someone in your family you'd like to talk with a little more openly?
Is there something you'd like to share with a loved one?
How's your family?
Season 4's theme is "How's the Family?" We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas. Email us at connect@wellnesscompass.org, or reach us individually at scott@wellnesscompass.org and holly@wellnesscompass.org.
Find all episodes and the companion column, published every other week, at wellnesscompass.org. Join us again in two weeks.About the Hosts
Holly and Scott Stoner are marriage and family therapists who have been married 49 years and have three adult children, two grandchildren, and three in-laws. Together they co-host the Wellness Compass Podcast, drawing on decades of clinical experience working with families of every configuration.
Connect With Us
Have a family story, question, or challenge you'd like Holly and Scott to address on the podcast? Send it in — anonymity and identifying details are always protected.
Holly: holly@wellnesscompass.org
Scott: scott@wellnesscompass.org
This podcast and its companion column release every other week. Next episode in two weeks — same question: How's the family?
Connect with Holly and Scott
📧 Holly: holly@wellnesscompass.org
📧 Scott: scott@wellnesscompass.org
📧 Podcast & column: connect@wellnesscompass.org
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There is a weekly Wellness Compass Column that is emailed each Friday morning that corresponds with this podcast. You can sign up to receive this free weekly email at www.WellnessCompass.org
