Month: May 2019

Today I had the opportunity to visit a mental health exhibit at a nearby science center, and I wanted to highlight some key takeaways and reminders that came up for me.  Here you go:

1.The exhibit had an interactive display about trying to have a conversation when you are also hearing voices in your head – I have done this exercise before, but every time it still gets to me.  This is a very vivid example of how mental illness can make even basic situations extremely challenging.  A simple and yet powerful way to help you understand what it might be like to live with a serious mental illness.

2.People visiting the exhibit where given the opportunity to write on a card about their own personal story, and reading some of the cards created a range of emotions.  Some were hopeful, others were sad, but all of them shared a real slice of humanity.

3.The history of how mental illness and treatment were viewed was appalling.  Not only was some of the physical treatments absolutely barbaric, but one of the things that truly disgusted me was that mentally ill people were put on display as entertainment for people.  Revolting.  We have come a long way, but there is still a very long way to go.

4.The exhibit had stories of resilience and hope and recovery.  Even though mental illness has been associated with many negative things, it is important to understand that there is always hope and a brighter future ahead.

As the mental health momentum continues, I suspect we will see more public exhibitions, conversations, forums, etc. available to discuss this important topic.  I hope that everyone will get the chance to take part in these activities as they continue to grow, because they all help to educate and advocate for positive mental health for all.

Today I want to highlight another organization that is tied to mental health – This is My Brave.  Most of today’s information comes from their website, www.thisismybrave.org

This Is My Brave shares that storytelling saves lives.  Their mission is the following: to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues by sharing personal stories of individuals living successful, full lives despite mental illness through poetry, essay, and original music, on stage in front of a live audience, through stories submitted and published to our blog, and via our YouTube channel. 

This Is My Brave was started in 2013 and 2014, so it has not been around all that long, but it has already produced over 50 unique shows in the United States.  In 2017, This Is My Brave went international, with shows in Australia as well.  Although the number of shows has increased, This Is My Brave notes that they are doing this one person and one story at a time.

Personally, I have been to a This Is My Brave show, and it was amazing.  The stories are so personal, and the performances are moving.  I support This Is My Brave and the work they are doing to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and I encourage you to catch a live show and check out their online content.  The more stories the better in my opinion, and the more we talk about mental health the less stigma there will be.  I look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow.

How about you?  Have you heard of This Is My Brave?  If not, are you interested in learning more?  If you have heard of them, have you seen or viewed any of the performances?  What did you think?  Have you considered being a performer yourself?  What story could you share with others?

As I write this entry, I am about to make a decision that will change the life of me and my family.  You could argue that it really won’t be that big of a change, but this time around has had me more scared and afraid than ever.  Why? 

The big reason for me now is that I have a family to think about, and for much of my life that has not been the case.  Decisions that I made only affected me, and I had a lot more confidence in that.  Now, the decisions I make affect 3 people, and potentially more in the future.  What if this change is a mistake?  What if this new change is worse than what we have now?  What if this change doesn’t work out and I don’t have back up plan?  It is one thing to bring myself down, but it is another to bring down others with me. 

Again, this is likely small potatoes for me, but it has me thinking about depression and how this might be a constant feeling.  If someone is depressed, are they thinking about how they might be bringing down others?  Are they worried about someone around them “catching” what they have?  I sincerely hope not, but I imagine it is possible.

Of course, all I have done so far is look at the downside of things.  If I stopped a little to really think about the change, there is the potential for great opportunity and growth and good things.  You may not think about it in relation to depression, but somehow there may be a way to find some opportunities and good things that await you after a struggle with it.  I could be totally off base here, but at least I know in my change that there are some potential benefits that make the uncertainty a little bit easier for me.

Within the last week of writing this entry I had the chance to spend a good part of an afternoon advocating for mental health at my state capitol.  I have done this before, and every time it feels very empowering and meaningful.  Today, I want to share a few things I have learned that has helped to make my advocacy feel more impactful.

First, sharing your personal story is huge.  You do not have to go into a lot of details, and it is important to keep it short, but a story typically is going to resonate more with people than facts or numbers.  Next, while some stories can be heartbreaking, it is important to try to put a positive spin on it.  People are usually not motivated by what is wrong.  People are motivated by things that have worked or helped other people.  Possible solutions are also encouraging here.

After sharing your story and highlighting possible solutions or helpful ideas, it is important to have an ask.  What do you want?  What would you like to see?  After all, a main reason for advocating is to ask for changes or improvements.  Another helpful tip is that if you feel like it, offer yourself as a contact or resource if additional questions or information is requested.

Overall, advocacy it not a one size fits all approach.  Every person can advocate differently, and the tips I have mentioned here are a few that I have found to make sense and work for me.  They are not hard and fast rules, but I hope that you will at least find some of them helpful.

How about you?  Are you an advocate for mental health?  If so, how do you advocate?  Do you use the same tactics I have mentioned here?  Do you use other strategies?  If you feel so inclined, feel free to leave your ideas in the comments section.