Mental Health Links of Hope and Understanding

There are so many working to increase awareness, reduce stigma,  advocate for proper treatment and services for those with mental illness - and their families. Sharing stories, spreading the word, creating events, producing documentaries, writing letters, speaking to legislators - we are everywhere.

Here are some terrific links I hope you will check out and support - and that they might be of some inspiration to you as well.

Check out this trailer for a documentary-in-progress called Voices. ("A documentary about people who live in the shadows of society") Gary Tsai, a resident psychiatrist in the Bay area, is one of its producers.

Why this film? (still in post-production, not yet released, but there is lots to see on its website)

"Some have been living on the streets for decades, others are now housed, but all are connected by their struggles, and successes, with mental illness. By shining a light on their experiences, we aspire to give them a voice and to humanize their experiences so that they are defined not by their disability or homelessness, but by their unique and compelling stories."

Here is another documentary, which has its first hometown screening tonight in Chapel Hill, NC.

view the trailer here

According to producer KevinCullen, “A Moment of Clarity” is an intimate documentary providing true insight into the world of bipolar disorder told through the life and art of emerging painter Isti Kaldor...Hospitalized during a manic period at UNC Hospital, Isti started to paint. Never having painted prior to his manic break, something in his mind was awoken, the results of which were evident in the dynamic expression of his artwork...(and Isti)has arrived at an unforeseen destination. A place where he can finally do what he dreamed of years ago. Touch peoples lives."

And here is a story of love and friendship:"

Schizophrenia Makes Finding Love Difficult, But Not Impossible"

Another wonderful source of "Links of Hope" come from the readers of Ben Behind His Voices. I am so grateful to you for reaching out to share your stories with me, comment on the book, and continue to spread the messages of understanding and possibility.

One such call led to a chance for me to see a newly-recovered side of Ben's empathy and progress. I blogged about it at healthyplace.com

Together we can truly make this particular change, one story (and, hopefully, solution) at a time.

Thank you for keeping the dialogue going.