We are privileged to share blog postings from our Ambassador Jessie Close, Adrienne Gurman, Henry Boy Jenkins, and other guest bloggers. Please visit regularly as our content will be updated often.
Take a few minutes and read. I know how much you need to hear from a mother who is completely honest about the missiles and darts of motherhood, mental illness; impossible teenagers, and the fact that, at night time, all that holds true is that you love them so completely, so ridiculously…
Stability is subtle. If you knew me when I was sick and struggling, you’d see enough of a change in me today that I might appear normal. Not pretending to be normal to blend in, but less awkward, less preoccupied, more present. That’s what I want, to be free to be mentally ill and still be a part of the landscape of human connection without the pretense of convention.
Then as life does, something happened during my darkest of moments, when I couldn’t see a light – much less one at the end of any tunnel- I found refuge. Something that helped hold things together. Something that made me feel human. Something that made me feel alive.
I’ve heard so many stories about people that are faced with a friend or family member that is struggling, and because they feel like they don’t know what to do, and fear they may do something “wrong,” they ignore it. They put it off and hope someone else jumps in to help.
My past gave me strength to move forward and be a voice for mental health discussions. There were many difficult times along my journey and days I thought I would not survive, but I did. Instead of letting the words people say to you bring you down, let them empower you. For each of you is a warrior and a voice, together we can change to discussions surrounding mental health disorders.
By: Karla Shaw “…They ask me what I do and who I do it for…” – Tauheed ‘2Chainz’ Epps I know what you’re thinking: “Did she just quote 2Chainz?!” Yes. Yes, I did. Not a nursing or psychology theorist… 2 Chainz. But, in my defense, it’s the end of the…
By Danielle Apple “How much does a social worker make?” “You’ll never make any money” “You really want to listen to people’s problems all day?” “That’s a lot more school, good luck paying off loans” These are just a few responses I hear when I tell people I want to…
By: Jolene Cannady There is an old saying that medicine is equal parts art and science. This could not be truer for nursing. My name is Jolene Cannady and I am a proud nurse practitioner (NP). Nursing entered my life during a time when I was lost. I am a…
By: Muniza Siddiqui, MD Growing up in an immigrant family, my exposure to Psychiatry and Psychology was almost nonexistent. Instead, I was exposed to financial hardships and lessons from my parents about working hard to achieve one’s goals. As a child, I felt helpless watching my parents work tirelessly and…
By: Gilbert Hernandez Nursing as a career path extends far beyond what many may perceive as monotonous, insignificant skill-work, long shifts, and subservience to the orders of doctors and the requests of patients in traditional hospital or office settings. The application of nursing care has become meaningful and even essential…
