Watched this video today. We've talked about removing the stigma from mental illness a lot this week, and I think this group did a great job by presenting it in a funny, entertaining way. Check it out!
Tuesday night we went to a parent support group at our MHMR. They decided to have a theme - Sock it to Mental Health Stigma and asked everyone to wear silly socks. I was the only one in my family to wear silly socks though.
They had several presenters... including Bear! Unbeknownst to me (and if they'd asked I would have said NO since it seems to play into his issues) they'd asked him to present to the group now that he's almost 18 - about how great the MHMR facility was, and how they helped him get better and made. OK, maybe that's not what they asked him to present about, but that's the way it played out.
Bear decided at the last minute that he wasn't going to do it (so they compromised and had his Skills Trainer "interview" him). I was fuming by the end of it. They asked Bear how he felt when he was first diagnosed (wasn't actually his first time being diagnosed, but was his first time in Texas with the adoption etc., and he ended up in residential treatment). Then they asked Bear about how much better his life was now. He has only been with this MHMR program for less than a year. He's lived with US over 4 years and has been out of residential treatment for over 3 years. WE did all the work - not them!
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A group called Via Hope also presented at the support group. They are working on a mental health advocacy grassroots organization for teens and young adults. They gave a presentation regarding a new Youth Mental Health Advocacy Retreat.
What's happening?
Via Hope is bringing together youth for a weekend of fun, learning, and CHANGE. Participants will learn about mental health, proactive ways to advocate for themselves and others, and how to shape conversation around mental health.
Who are we looking for?
14-24 year olds who are passionate about creating change and who are interested in mental health advocacy. You do not have to have a diagnosis. Just the passion!
Where and When?
The retreat will be held at the University of Houston in Houston, TX from August 5th to August 7th, 2011.
Contact Lauren Cohen at (512)693-2000 or Lcohen@namitexas.org for an application packet and more information.
1 comment:
I would of been fuming to, they should of asked you considering all that has gone on and knowing what they do about where he is at.
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