David Susman

Tap Into the Power of Giving Thanks

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As I write this, during the Thanksgiving season, I’m reminded of many of the wonderful things I’m grateful for in my life: family, health, friends, a safe and comfortable home, a satisfying career, and the privilege of living in a free country. As I reflect on these things, I can’t help but feel a little more happy and blessed. (I’m also very grateful for the homemade mashed potatoes and gravy at the Thanksgiving dinner table!) Even when it’s not Thanksgiving …

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Thriving on the Other Side of Illness

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Mark Hattas This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked entrepreneur Mark Hattas about his history of mental health challenges and about the recent launch of his new mental health organization. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? MH: In 2011, I was …

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Find Value in All Parts of Your Precious Self

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Tina Busby This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked peer support specialist and advocate Tina Busby about her history of mental health challenges and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? TB: When I was 31, postpartum depression …

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When Recovery Hurts

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I’ve written a lot about recovery from mental illness and addiction on this blog and in many other forums. I’ve described what recovery is and what it isn’t, and how to develop your own personal recovery plan to achieve your goals. It’s also worth repeating that one of my favorite definitions of recovery is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” (SAMHSA) I’ve featured dozens …

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I Won’t Be Limited By My Mental Illness

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Anja Burcak  This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate and student Anja Burcak about her history of mental health challenges and her current activities. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? AB: In June, 2014, following my sophomore year …

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Great Mental Health Awareness Events to Put on Your Calendar

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It’s likely that you’re familiar with some of the annual events which raise awareness for health conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease or diabetes. But how much do you know about the many great programs which recognize a variety of issues related to mental and emotional health each year? The following list covers selected annual observances which strive to increase awareness, provide information and offer resources for various mental health issues and conditions, as well as a few which …

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No Longer ‘Running In Silence’

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Rachael Steil This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate and author Rachael Steil about her history of mental health challenges and her self-help memoir. Here’s our interview: DS: Tell us about when you first started becoming aware of concerns related to your mental health. How did these issues continue to affect you before you sought treatment? RS: I first started to sense something was …

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Why Your Glass Should Be Half Full: The Benefits of Optimism

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Is your glass ‘half empty’ or ‘half full’? In other words, are you more optimistic or more pessimistic? Do you see the future as hopeful or bleak? Let’s explore these and other related questions about optimism and pessimism. I hope (notice the optimistic tone there?) I can convince you of the many benefits from becoming more optimistic. And yes, you can become more optimistic and we’ll talk about how to do just that. What is optimism (and pessimism)? Optimism is …

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