Beth and Noel’s Mental Health Journey – Part 2: The Caregiver’s Perspective

*** Trigger Warning: ***

This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation, overdose, caregiver burnout, and mental health crisis response. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing, please consider skipping this episode or listening with someone you trust.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Beth and Noel, continuing one of the most personal and powerful stories ever shared on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. In this episode, we focus on Noel’s experience as a caregiver, from crisis preparation to emotional exhaustion, and everything in between.

Our podcast is proud to be a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 2 million downloads, we’re deeply committed to keeping mental health real, raw, and accessible.

We’ve been nominated again for the 2025 People’s Choice Podcast Awards — in both the Adam Curry Legacy and Health categories.
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Mental Health Quote of the Episode:

"If people love you, they’re going to accept it and do anything for you. That’s what I do for Beth." – Noel

Episode Description:

Noel opens up about the unimaginable weight of caregiving for someone facing constant mental health crises. From making the house “suicide-proof” to navigating his depression and recent ADHD diagnosis, Noel shares the emotional reality behind supporting Beth.

This episode offers a rare and compassionate glimpse into the perspective of a caregiver — the confusion, the calm under pressure, the isolation, and the love that holds it all together.

SEO Keywords: caregiver mental health, suicide prevention, partner support, ADHD and caregiving, crisis management, mental health relationships, trauma response, men and mental health, emotional regulation, support systems

Meet Our Guests:

Beth is a microbiologist and survivor who has overcome severe mental health challenges with the help of DBT, supportive care, and her determination. Her honesty and insight make this a truly moving story.

Noel is a musician and podcast editor (and the one who makes us sound good!). He has spent more than two decades by Beth’s side — a caregiver, partner, and advocate — often quietly holding things together when everything else fell apart.

Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving requires resilience and preparation — from managing medication to handling emergency hospitalizations.
• Even caregivers need care — Noel shares how therapy, music, and dogs became his therapy.
• Love doesn’t mean fixing someone — it means standing by them even when it gets hard.

Actionable Items:

1. Don’t ignore the mental health of caregivers — check in, offer help, or simply listen.
2. Have a safety plan in place for households managing suicide risk.
3. Explore creative coping tools, such as mindfulness, DBT, or music therapy.

Chapters / Timestamps:

• [00:00] Noel’s Role as a Caregiver From partner to protector — how Noel managed the crisis side of Beth’s illness.
• [02:00] Suicide-Proofing the Home Practical ways Noel tried to keep Beth safe.
• [06:00] The Turning Point Moments When the ambulance had to stop for critical care, the dog that saved a life.
• [10:00] Mental Health & Masculinity Noel’s experience with depression and his ADHD diagnosis.
• [15:00] Love Without Conditions Why emotional support sometimes means going it alone — and still showing up.
• [22:00] Self-Care That Works From gardening to music to dog grooming — finding peace in the chaos.

References:

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Mental Health Resources

Australia

• Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 24-hour crisis counselling and suicide prevention. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service – https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 24/7 phone and online support. Call 1300 659 467.
• Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Mental health support for depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636, 24/7, or chat online.
• MindSpot – https://www.mindspot.org.au/ Free online and phone services for anxiety, depression, and stress. Call 1800 61 44 34.
• Medicare Mental Health – https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/ Connects you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
• MensLine Australia – https://mensline.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/ 24/7 mental health support for men. Call 1300 78 99 78.
• Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) – https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/chat-online/ Eating disorder support 7 days/week, 8 am–midnight AEST. Call 1800 33 4673.

United Kingdom

• Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/ Free 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or email [email protected].
• SHOUT – https://giveusashout.org/ Free, confidential text support 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258.
• Mind UK – https://www.mind.org.uk/ Mental health info and support. Call 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected].
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support Support for anyone struggling or in crisis. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use web chat (5 pm–midnight, daily).
• Beat Eating Disorders – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Eating disorder help across the UK. Call 0808 801 0433

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

• United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: