OC87 Recovery Diaries

Mike Veny is an advocate who speaks boldly about his journey with #mental #health. Mike Veny is also a lifesaver. The first life he saved was his own. The #struggle to keep moving forward in his life’s work is a challenge. Sometimes, Mike says, he feels that he is a fraud, trying to stay cool while a not-so-silent fight goes on in his head. He has to put on a “polite businessman” persona when all the while another, more critical and abusive voice in his head teases and taunts him.  This mental health short film playfully explores Mike’s very real lived experience. Visit our youtube channel to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTq6HUXZ 💙  #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

Navigating the intersection of alcoholism and mental health has been a journey of self-discovery for Sonia Kahlon. As she reflects on her past struggles with addiction, Sonia realizes the lies perpetuated by society, particularly within her American and Indian cultures. Ignoring addiction and mental illness only exacerbated the challenges she faced. She aptly describes it as putting "lipstick on a pig"—a futile attempt to mask deeper issues.  Through her journey, Sonia has learned that using substances to cope with anxiety is not a sustainable solution. Instead, she has dedicated herself to learning and practicing healthy coping mechanisms. Regardless of the approach, Sonia's truth lies in acknowledging her discomfort and treating it with the compassion it deserves. Her story serves as a reminder that healing is not linear, and it's okay to embrace both the highs and lows of the journey. By prioritizing self-awareness and self-compassion, Sonia has found a path to healing that honors her truth and resilience.  To read more about Sonia's journey, visit: https://lnkd.in/gaY-7R6a  How do you prioritize self-awareness and self-compassion in your journey towards healing from addiction and mental health challenges? #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

Alexis Zinkerman candidly shares her journey of self-discovery after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Upon receiving her diagnosis, Alexis grappled with the weight of her new label, knowing it would shape her life indefinitely.  But it wasn't until she was discharged from the hospital that the reality truly sank in. She was faced with the challenge of navigating life with this newfound understanding of her neurodiversity. For Alexis, life after diagnosis has been about acceptance and empowerment. She has learned to embrace her diagnosis as part of her identity while setting boundaries that allow her to thrive in both work and personal life.  She encourages others facing similar challenges to let go of the limitations imposed by their diagnosis. Instead, she urges them to see it as a tool for understanding themselves better and as a catalyst for leading a rich and creative life.  To read more about Alexis's journey and her insights on life after diagnosis, visit: https://lnkd.in/geDeHFsP    #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

"Vulerabul" cleverly combines "vulnerable" and "bul," a term used among Black men in Philadelphia.  It's a powerful word that captures the complexity of masculinity, acknowledging both the strength and vulnerability inherent in our experiences.  In a society that often expects Black men to embody unyielding toughness, "vulerabul" challenges this narrative by embracing vulnerability as a source of resilience and authenticity.  It's a reminder that it's okay to show our softer sides, to lean on each other for support, and to break free from harmful stereotypes.  As Black men, embracing our vulnerability is an act of courage that allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others, fostering genuine relationships and personal growth. #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

In a world full of unpredictable situations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But focusing on what you can control makes all the difference. 💡 Here’s how: 1️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for rest, healthy meals, and activities that recharge you. 2️⃣ Stay Present: Ground yourself in the moment—breathe deeply and take it one call at a time. 3️⃣ Manage Your Mindset: A positive mindset can shift your perspective in high-pressure situations. 4️⃣ Communicate: Don’t hesitate to speak up when you need help or resources. You control your ability to reach out! Your role is demanding, but knowing where to focus your energy can prevent burnout and increase resilience.  🔗 Click the link in our bio to explore more resources on managing stress and thriving as a first responder. Let's take control together! 💬  Drop your best tip in the comments! 👇🏼 #FirstResponder #StayStrong #FocusOnYou

Brian Marshall shares his deeply personal experience with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and how it saved his life during a period of debilitating depression. At the age of 19, Brian found himself trapped in the grips of a severe and seemingly hopeless depression. He describes feeling like a "frozen being," devoid of joy and even contemplating suicide as a way out.  Reflecting on his journey, Brian credits ECT with providing him a lifeline when he had almost given up hope. While acknowledging the side effects, such as memory loss, he emphasizes that they pale in comparison to the debilitating effects of depression. He encourages readers facing similar challenges to consider ECT as a viable alternative and believes that it has the potential to significantly reduce the suicide rate among those battling depression. To learn more about Brian's journey with ECT and how it changed his life, visit: https://lnkd.in/gJPB4vBc  #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

💡 October is #ADHDAwarenessMonth, and it’s the perfect time to deepen our understanding of ADHD and how we can support those who experience it. ADHD encompasses more than just attention difficulties; it represents a distinctive way of engaging with the world. Together, let’s strive to foster inclusive environments. 🙌 📢 A special shoutout to Compeer of Greater Buffalo for collaborating with us on this important message. We invite you to share your experiences or tag someone who inspires you in the comments! 💙💚 #ADHD #ADHDAwareness #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness #ADHDSupport #InclusiveCommunity #BreakTheStigma #EmpathyMatters #Compeer #checkonyourfriends

Ever wondered how anxiety and creativity intersect? 🌀  Join us for this latest installment of the Recovery Diaries in Depth podcast as we sit down with the multi-talented Jerzy Jung, who opens up about her personal battles with anxiety, fear, and shame in the world of performing arts. Discover how the devastating loss of her father to cancer became a turning point in her mental health journey and creative endeavors. As we discuss the art of accepting compliments as gifts rather than dismissals, we explore the powerful impact of therapy and the shift in societal attitudes towards mental health from the late 90s to today. Reflect on the enduring nature of anxiety with us, as Jerzy shares insights from her essay "Everything Will Kill You: Anxiety, Fear, and Shame on Stage", published on our site almost a decade ago. Growing up in a loving family didn’t shield her from the burden of hiding her anxieties, mistakenly believing they were uniquely hers.  💙 As we navigate through her stories, we uncover the hereditary aspect of anxiety and the importance of self-kindness and humor in managing mental health challenges. From childhood fears to the irrational worries amplified by shame, we learn how to focus on what can be controlled in the present. View our latest podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gVdztVYk or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️  Recovery Diaries in Depth is supported in full by a generous grant from the van Ameringen Foundation. #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #podcast

Daniela Silva's journey with psychoanalysis is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection and self-discovery.  Through the therapeutic process, Daniela has learned to confront her inner struggles and reshape her perspective on life. At times, Daniela felt invisible, her voice drowned out by the noise of her own thoughts. However, through writing, she found solace and a means to leave her mark on the world.  Daniela realized that her purpose in life is rooted in the present moment. Rather than dwelling on the past or fixating on the future, she focuses on embracing the present and cherishing the value of her emotions.  Through psychoanalysis, she has found a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in her life. To read more about Daniela's story and her journey with psychoanalysis, visit: https://lnkd.in/guV24Rh2  #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare

James Jefferson's journey through trauma, PTSD, and suicidality is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. Despite grappling with vices and the weight of trauma, James has emerged as a beacon of strength and inspiration. Through his own healing journey, James has transformed his pain into purpose. As a wellness coordinator within his service, he now stands at the forefront of mental health advocacy in policing. By providing peer-to-peer support and sharing his own truth, James offers a lifeline to fellow officers navigating similar challenges. James reminds us that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. In his words, "When nothing is certain, anything is possible." To learn more about James's story, visit: https://lnkd.in/gDyZxM4v #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthjourney #breakthestigma#youarenotalone #endthestigma #mentalhealthwarrior#mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness#mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness#mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthisimportant#mentalhealthcare #healthmatters #mentalhealthcommunity#mentalhealthadvocacy #qotd #selfcare