There often comes a time in our lives when we ask ourselves: how did we get here? How did we arrive at the place we’re at today? I often find myself contemplating: who or what is responsible for the inadequate policies and procedures we continuously endorse as efficient mental health treatment? More importantly, what steps can we take to enhance services for the mental health population moving forward? And lastly, how can we safely and effectively re-introduce the option for asylum to one of the most vulnerable populations in society?
Read MoreI’ve had ample opportunities to publish the book, but turned them all down. The truth is, the book was no good and I knew it. In my mind, I would say things like “you surely know enough to help people now,” or “you know so much about life, just do it.” But deep down I knew that I would change in ways that the book could not. Then what?
Read MoreHopelessness, I know, can seem like an abyss of nothingness in your heart craving to be filled with something you just don’t have. It is like someone hooked a giant sucking machine to you and sucked out all the life—I’ve been there. I’ve felt it.
Read MoreThe pandemic has given each one of us more challenges than we knew what to do with — in various aspects of life, at that. With these challenges, however, came golden opportunities to learn more about ourselves and our capabilities, too. At the start of lockdown, many cried foul as services and resources were reduced or, in some cases, taken away. However, fast-forward to just a few months later, and people have learned to adapt and pick up invaluable skills along the way — in turn, becoming more self-sufficient and resourceful.
Read MoreIt’s rather common thinking amongst mental health practitioners that in order for this group (the not ready, but wish they were group) to change, first, there usually has to be some type of negative catalyst mixed into their current situation. The drugs run out; wife leaves; car crashes; electricity gets turned off; friends stop loaning money, etc. The belief is that in order for them to change, the consequences of not changing have to finally outweigh the consequences for changing.
Read MoreI’m sure there are several great well-researched blogs/scholarly articles on why counseling doesn’t work for some. But I’d like to do something different here and tell you, from my own experience, about three types of people who absolutely can’t change and how they can get ready to do just that
Read MoreYears ago, I won a trophy (small, albeit) speaking about my son’s autism and my homelessness and how these collided. “Serendipity,” I called it. I spoke of how it took an autistic person like my son, Cullen, to understand an ex-homeless fella like myself and vice versa. Some 5 or 6 years later, after years of pure frustration and helplessness dealing with his autism and delays, I never dreamt I would feel the way I do about him now.
Read MoreThis COVID-19 lock-down has been tough. But I think it’s especially challenging for those of you who already are struggling with OCD. Just like people who survived the great depression still stash money, you might fear that you may incessantly wash your hands, surfaces etc...forever. And the truth is, the media’s atomic bomb of fear around COVID is causing more of you to live your fears than your dreams…
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