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Substance Use Carries Mental Health Risks—Yes, Even Marijuana
"We know serious mental illness and substance use disorders often co-occur. And I believe there is room for researching the medical potential of marijuana’s components. But pretending that marijuana is a harmless substance is not the way to help our loved ones." -
Keys to Managing Schizophrenia
"Schizophrenia is not a hopeless situation—people living with schizophrenia can experience recovery and live fulfilling lives. I’m an example of that." -
Learning to Change in Order to Heal
"For therapy to work, you have to be open to change. You have to accept that your way of thinking may be wrong and that your beliefs may be what is making you sick… I am proud to say that I changed." -
Caregivers: When to Push and When to Show Extra Compassion
"Marriage is difficult for anyone, but it’s even more challenging when you add in the complications of mental illness. My husband, Andrew, has schizophrenia. We’ve lived together for nearly 15 years and we’ve found success as a married couple, but our journey has been filled with many obstacles." -
Can Stigma Prevent Employment?
People living with mental illness are typically held responsible and blamed for their behavior and symptoms. Simultaneously, they are perceived as unable to make decisions for themselves. This causes people with mental health conditions to be perceived as “unsuitable” for the workforce. -
Outreach and Engagement for Early Psychosis
A first episode of psychosis can be scary and isolating. Treatment can have little appeal and feel highly stigmatizing. Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy is an evidence-based approach that skirts these (and many other) common challenges of working with young adults who have psychosis. -
Navigating the Mental Health System with Dual Diagnosis
"As mental health advocates, we are passionate about increasing access to resources and services to treat this vulnerable population. People with mental illness, particularly those with dual diagnosis, are in desperate need." -
NAMIWalks: Keeping Hope Alive
"It was a thrill to show up the morning of the walk, turning in the money I raised. I remember thinking that before my family needed NAMI, someone else took the time to walk and donate. Now it was my turn to raise money and walk for other families that unknowingly needed NAMI’s support." -
Swimming for Jack
"I came out of the water and embraced my wife Connie and my daughter Nora, and I held up the photo of Jack. My family was together again, if only symbolically, in this moment of joy, exhaustion, and sadness. I wept for Jack and for the millions of others who live with a mental illness." -
The Strengths and Stigmas of My Culture
"The Cuban 'machismo' culture can prevent individuals from seeking help. Our powerful sense of masculine pride can interfere with the insight and acceptance of help. But I believe diverse communities experience unique challenges and strengths when it comes to mental health."