A 10-Step Plan to Fix Our Mental Health System

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To say we are in a time of great unease and uncertainty is an understatement. We are stressed, oppressed, bullied, harassed, victimized and our mental health is often stretched to the limit. As many as 1 in 4 of us will deal with a mental health challenge at some point in our lives. Record numbers of people with severe mental illness are warehoused in jails and prisons or lie cold and homeless on our streets. The number of suicides increases …

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Be Brave and Have Hope

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Stories of Hope: An Interview with Marie McCormack This is part of a series featuring individuals who share their life experiences with mental health issues. Recently, I asked mental health advocate Marie McCormack 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? MM: I was 20 years old when …

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

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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, …

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Life is About Creating Yourself

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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: …

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Your Life Has Purpose

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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 …

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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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