EP335: Katie Waechter - Mental Health Advocacy and the Stories That Unite Us

In this episode, Cathy Sykora sits down with mental‑health advocate, writer, and podcaster Katie Waechter. Katie shares how her background in psychology and health informatics shaped her work, and why telling stories—her own and others'—is a powerful way to break stigma. We explore how the conversation around mental health has evolved, the role of language and narrative in wellness, and how coaches and advocates can support clients with compassion, boundaries, and resources. Katie also delves into how AI is changing content and conversation in the mental‑health space—when it helps and when it doesn't. Listeners will gain concrete strategies for telling meaningful stories, setting boundaries as a helper, and collaborating across support networks. In this episode, you'll discover: What "mental‑health advocacy" truly means and why lived experience matters in shaping community and policy. How language around mental health has shifted (and why words like "die by suicide" vs. "committed suicide" matter). The importance of story and authenticity in our digital age of AI and social media. Practical tips for coaches and helpers: building a resource list, recognizing when it's time to refer, and protecting your own boundaries. How to use AI as a tool—not a crutch—in mental‑health communication and content creation. Why it's critical to collaborate across the ecosystem rather than staying siloed when supporting others in crisis. Ways to empower clients and community members by acknowledging physical signs of mental‑health issues and providing real pathways to help. Memorable Quotes: "Your story matters. Telling it to somebody else can not only help yourself, but it can help that individual as well." "Use AI as a tool, but don't allow it to speak for you. And don't use it as a therapy because that's not a good cycle to go down." "You've got to put your mask on first. Because if you put a mask on everybody else, then you're going to be suffering in the end, and then you can't help anybody." Bio: Katie Waechter is a passionate mental‑health advocate, writer, and podcaster. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and an MS in Information Science with a focus on Health Informatics from the University of North Texas. With over 20 years of creative‑writing experience, 15 years writing research‑driven health content, and more than a decade in social and content marketing, Katie is also a published poet and author. She is the founder of Watch Media Group, and hosts the podcast Watching Mental Health, which shares personal and professional stories that break stigma and spark meaningful conversation. Katie's mission is to make mental‑health information more attainable and to share the stories that unite us. Mentioned in This Episode: Watching Mental Health podcast: https://www.katierosewaechter.com/episodes Watch Media Group: https://www.watchmediagroup.com/ Katie Waechter website: https://www.katierosewaechter.com/ Links to Resources: Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.