David Susman

“I Want to Share Your Stories of Hope”

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Have you been personally affected by mental illness or a mental health concern? Would you like to share your story of your experiences, challenges, treatments and successes? If so, I would love to help you share your unique and personal story. I’ve been sharing such first-person accounts for some time now in my “Stories of Hope” series here on this blog. You will find dozens of true and inspiring stories of men and women from all over the world who …

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A Dozen Self-Care Strategies for Helpers & Caregivers

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Chances are good that you’ve served in a helping or caregiving role for someone else at some point in your life. My definition of “helper or caregiver” is pretty broad. It includes not only those who work professionally in a helping role (health care workers, counselors, therapists, teachers, clergy, first responders), but also family and friends who provide care for loved ones with health issues, disabilities and other limitations or challenges. We’re learning more and more how stressful these helping …

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‘Deconstructing Stigma’ Through Faces and Voices

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You’re walking through a large metropolitan airport and you notice a colorful 235-foot long display of striking 8-foot tall photographs of people of all different ages and backgrounds. Who are these people? You’re curious to know more. As you slow down and take a closer look, you notice the text accompanying the photographs. You quickly discover that all of the people are talking about their personal experiences with mental illness. Mental illness?! In a public airport? You read a little …

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Living with Mental Illness Does Not Define Me

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Jacqueline Cioffa 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 Jacqueline Cioffa about her history of mental health challenges and about some of her current advocacy efforts. 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? JC: My initial …

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Recovery After a Suicide Attempt: ‘A Journey Toward Health and Hope’

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Perhaps you (or someone you care about) have had such significant distress, depression or hopelessness that you attempted to end your life by suicide. However, if you’re reading this, I’m so glad you made it through that incredibly difficult experience. Often there is little support for suicide attempt survivors, so I’m always looking out for helpful resources. If you or someone you care about has struggled with these issues, check out the free publication called “A Journey Toward Health and …

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10 Great Films About Mental Illness

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Since I’m a clinical psychologist, I’m often asked, “What are your favorite films about mental illness?” I’ve certainly seen many, many films over the years which depict various mental illnesses, and they range in quality from wonderful to horrible. The worst films perpetuate common myths and misperceptions about mental illness, including: People with mental illness are violent. Parents cause mental illness in their children. Psychiatric hospitals are dangerous, scary places filled with sadistic, uncaring staff. Strait jackets are still commonly …

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Picture a Healthier You Through Art Therapy

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It’s commonly said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Art can move us, inspire us, and it can be either a satisfying hobby or a very rewarding profession for a talented few. But it’s not widely known that art therapy is an effective treatment used to help individuals with mental illness or substance misuse. I was pleased to be able to talk with Fran Belvin, an experienced licensed professional art therapist and colleague in Lexington, Kentucky. I asked …

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Your Time to Shine Will Happen

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Suzan Roberts-Skeats This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked Suzan Roberts-Skeats about her history of mental health challenges and about some of 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? SR-S: I guess I was aware I had …

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