Quick Thought #9 – Trauma Recovery and Connection
I saw this article today about an amputee softball team, made of a bunch of folks who were injured during their service, the kind of people we all would typically view as PTSD sufferers, and I really found this part … Continued
Not The Birthday I Would Have Planned, But That’s OK
You may have noticed that things have been a little sparse on the blog and social media front for the last week or so. That’s because I’ve been up in Ohio following the passing of my Mother. In fact, I … Continued
Robin Lehner Fighting Stigma at NHL Awards
I’ve never been prouder to be a hockey fan, or a New York Islanders fans, and that includes all the years they were winning Stanley Cups. Such a strong statement. “I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that … Continued
In Order to Learn, We Need to Unlearn
“What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.” -Epictetus, Discourses, Book II, ch. 17 A couple … Continued
Why We All Need a Wide Support Network
The simple answer, is no one person can do everything for us. We like to think that isn’t true, but it is. As a husband who’s been watching his wife grieve the loss of her parents these last few months, … Continued
SafeTALK Training
This past weekend, I attended a SafeTALK workshop put together by the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The half-day workshop is designed to help train folks to be more suicide aware, and to be “helpers” for … Continued
Holiday Weekends and Social Media
This past weekend was Memorial Day in the US, which is a time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country, but also the “unofficial” beginning of Summer for us as well. Given … Continued
Disclosure Seems Like a Simple Word, It’s Not a Simple Thing To Do
Ah, the art of disclosure. Actually coming forward and telling someone about the childhood abuse you experienced. Seems like it should be so simple. Something bad is happening, or did happen so tell someone about it. If only…. It’s not … Continued
There Are Lots of People “Not Like You” and That’s Fine
I was reading an article recently written by college professor Rupert W Nacoste Ph.D. on Psychology Today’s website. In it, he talks about a student who suggested he include mental health conditions as an example of neo-diversity. It’s an interesting … Continued
Quick Thought Number 8 – An Example of Stigma and When We Can’t Be Open
As much progress as we’ve made in society when it comes to abuse and mental health stigma, it seems like there will always be a story like this one around to remind us why it’s not always going to be … Continued