David Susman

Let’s Stop “Committing Suicide” Once and For All

by

We were shocked to learn that one of our Kentucky state representatives, Dan Johnson, recently accused of molesting a 17-year-old girl in 2012, killed himself on December 13. Johnson denied any wrongdoing in a recent press conference. Stepping aside from the issue of Johnson’s alleged behaviors, his death by suicide is tragic. Johnson’s death was reported on the front page of the December 14th print and digital editions of the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader under the title “Accused of molesting teen, …

Read more

Life is About Creating Yourself

by

Stories of Hope: An Interview with Cynthia Dudley Lester This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. I asked peer support program administrator and mental health advocate Cynthia Dudley Lester 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? CL: …

Read more

Your Life Has Purpose

by

Stories of Hope: An Interview with Kitt O’Malley This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked writer and mental health advocate Kitt O’Malley 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? KO: As an 18-year-old pre-med freshman biochemistry …

Read more

Tap Into the Power of Giving Thanks

by

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 …

Read more

Thriving on the Other Side of Illness

by

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 …

Read more

Find Value in All Parts of Your Precious Self

by

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 …

Read more

When Recovery Hurts

by

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 …

Read more

I Won’t Be Limited By My Mental Illness

by

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 …

Read more