A Documentary about Mental Illness and Its Stigma

May 11, 2015

In June 2013, my younger son and I were interviewed by a documentary film maker who was traveling the globe for his project about mental illness and its stigma. Here is the link to the original post from my blog.

We were honored to be involved in this powerful film with such an important message. The film is now finished. I hope you'll take a peek at the film. The director, Tim Hill, plans to submit it to film festivals later this year, but hopefully, you'll help us share it via the internet as well.

Dare to Be a Teacher

August 17, 2013“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” - Segoyewatha, Seneca ChiefAs the new school year approaches and the back to school sales bombard you, consider yourself a teacher. Acknowledge your duty as a teacher, because you are a teacher. A teacher for change.While you may not have your own classroom of students to influence, your day to day actions affect others.Your daily choices and behaviors are observed and quite possibly emulated by others. Is this a good thing? Of course it is. Just think of what you can do as a teacher. You have an opportunity to be a model for change. Find a way today to promote an end to the stigma of mental illness. Just do one positive thing for this important cause.Listen to how others speak. If they are using derogatory terminology, gently suggest alternatives. Our culture remains ignorant to what the mental health community deserves. Respect. Even people like Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and Brian Williams have shown that society does not know enough about mental illness.You are a teacher. Teach.Find your local NAMI office and become a member or seek out other community organizations that support mental illness. Attend a support group or participate in a 5K walk that benefits a mental health organization. Volunteer.You are a teacher. Let's educate and change the way the world sees mental illness. Dare to be a teacher. 

Coming Out from Behind the Shadows

June 1, 2013

Today my son and I were interviewed by British filmmaker @erinamos2013 for the film "Semper Est Sperare" (http://semperestsperare.wordpress.com/) --a film about mental illness and the people it affects across the globe.

While it was a gut-wrenching experience to travel back to 2010 again and retell our story, I believe it was well worth it.  My older son called home from prison during the interview so he was able to be part of the filming too.  I am grateful to have had such a warm, empathetic listener today.  It was therapeutic to say the least.

Then we finished off the day by going out to dinner at a local "British" pub.  To our surprise, our guest confirmed that the pub met his standards!

I look forward to following @erinamos2013's progress as he meets more people who have stories to tell.  And I look forward to the finished product as I am sure it will be one step closer to ending the stigma of mental illness.