I’m a storyteller, speaker, and mental health advocate.I work as a Peer Specialist at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, where I facilitate groups and offer one-on-one support to people in the Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders program. I also host a family group to help family members better understand these conditions and how to best help their loved one. I host another outpatient group focusing on the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which can help folks cope and recognize early warning signs to hopefully prevent a crisis.I've shared my recovery story with students at Harvard Medical School who were taking the Brain, Body, and Behavior course. I also speak for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) In Our Own Voice program, sharing my story at businesses, hospitals, schools, support groups, and more. I also regularly share my experience and the benefits of peer support with McLean Hospital residents, social worker interns, nursing interns, and chaplain program interns.The views shared in my writing are my views alone and do not reflect the views of my employers.I’ve written about mental health for five years and am working on writing my first book, a memoir which will focus on hope and recovery.In 2020, I was interviewed by WBUR about how the pandemic affected my mental health.A literary journal published my story, “Grief on Mother’s Day,” which discussed the grief and depression I experienced following my mother’s death a few years ago.I was featured on the Unleash Possible podcast, discussing how employers can create a more welcoming environment for those affected by mental health concerns.I spoke about the benefits of having a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance's Speaker Series. I also discussed how family members can incorporate WRAP concepts into their own self-care during a webinar for the CRAFT Family Support Project at McLean Hospital.In addition to raising awareness about mental health, I’m advocating for a society that fosters wellness for all by prioritizing everything that affects a person’s health. I believe we can’t have great health without addressing discrimination, healthcare access and affordability, domestic and workplace abuse, all forms of violence, housing, food security, and more.Above all things, I seek a world where dignity, compassion, and empathy are the norm.
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