Rough Patch or Something More: How to Tell When Your Mental Health Needs More Than Practice

How do you know if what you’re feeling is a real problem or just a rough patch? Dave and Luke sit down with Dr. Karen Manotas, child and adolescent psychiatrist, to dive into the answer behind this very question. Dr. Manotas shares her journey working with kids in crisis to building school-based psychiatry programs across Utah, driven by her belief in access to care for everyone. Over the years, her work has shown her that, no matter your age, self-awareness has its limits. Dr. Manotas breaks down why we as humans are able to pick up on sudden changes, but have a harder time recognizing gradual changes. She shows how conditions like depression and anxiety can distort our read on ourselves in opposite directions. Dave and Luke ask how everyday people can recognize changes in themselves and check in with loved ones who may be struggling. This conversation is packed with clinical depth, as well as everyday wisdom that can be applied across all ages. **Chapters** **\[Start] Meet Dr. Karen Manotas:** Dave and Luke introduce Dr. Karen Manotas, who shares her story of leaving traditional psychiatry to build school-based mental health care across Utah. **05:08 The Surprising Truth:** The overwhelming pressure on teachers and school staff, and the generational shifts in how kids handle stress. **14:02 Spotting the Slow Signals:** Why gradual changes are so much harder to notice than sudden ones, and the key warning signs that signal something is really wrong. **30:01 When to Seek Professional Help:** How to ask for help, check in with a struggling friend, and a look at the 11-year average gap between symptoms and treatment. **41:37 What is Mental Fitness?:** Karen defines her version of mental fitness and gives clear sources of where to turn for help when the need arises. **Links and Resources** **Connect with Dr. Karen Manotas** Karen Manotas, MD | University of Utah Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Call or Text 988 Crisis Text Line | Text H-O-M-E to 741741 SAMHSA National Hotline Sign up for NUE - The Mental Fitness App