Hope is real. Help is real. Recovery is real.

I found out about the death of Robin Williams on Monday afternoon, just after finishing an exciting planning session with the PeaceLove team on expanding the reach of our expressive arts programming. As a team, we were feeling proud that our experiences had impacted 15,000 people and were hopeful about the changing dialogue surrounding mental illness. But the news was unavoidable and heartbreaking. Heartbreaking because it was a sad reminder that mental illness is still largely invisible and misunderstood and robs us of talented people every day.

One in four people struggle with a diagnosable mental illness, but it impacts us all. Every single person reading this is connected to someone who is struggling, yet we lack basic awareness, understanding and resources needed to support family, friends and colleagues during difficult times. If a loved one was fighting diabetes, heart disease or cancer we’d rally to their side, openly talk about it, address it and access a network of resources to begin treating that particular illness. So why are mental illnesses any different? Is it self-shame, societal shame, a lack of acceptance? All these factors contribute to keeping mental illness locked in the closet and conversations whispered in secrecy. Further contributing to the stigma is the fact that positive stories, people and organizations that are investing in and promoting mental health aren’t widely covered or celebrated in the news or media. I think we would all agree that when we see mental illness in the news it’s rarely positive and often portrayed in a violent or discouraging light. If there is a silver-lining in Robin Williams’ tragic death it’s that he has shined a much-needed and timely spotlight on depression, suicide and mental health in this country.

I am fortunate to have the privilege to work with two amazing mental health champions. My cousin Jeff Sparr and my colleague and friend Amy Kinney have dedicated their lives to sharing their stories and struggles and making mental illness “ok” to have, “ok” to talk about, and “ok” to support. They intimately talk about the impact Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety and Depression have had on their lives and the role it continues to play. Painting and creating art have been outlets that have helped them heal, thrive and communicate emotions and feelings that are often difficult to express in words. I have witnessed first-hand the transformation that happens when a participant shares his or her story for the first time and the look of relief and hope on their faces as they receive encouragement and understanding, not judgment. Jeff and Amy do not let their mental illness define who they are; instead they embrace their challenges, inspiring others through storytelling, creative expression and by sharing a simple, yet powerful message. Hope is real. Help is real. Recovery is real.

This past May, PeaceLove hosted our first ever Mental Wellness Speaker Series. We brought together thought leaders and community members with the purpose of shedding light on great people and organizations that are helping create peace of mind in our communities. One of the storytellers was Alex and Ani’s very own Nicki Maher. Nicki, the Vice President of Charity by Design, made a statement that resonated with me months ago and still does today. She declared that: “We are the generation that is going to spread this mental health message.” I whole-heartedly believe this. The responsibility to change the conversation surrounding mental illness falls on all of us. Together we have the opportunity to support countless people and save many lives.
I’d like to share both Jeff and Amy’s talks from the Speaker Series with the hope that by sharing their stories it inspires others to do the same.

Jeff’s Talk: http://vimeo.com/102693416
Amy’s Talk: http://vimeo.com/102695826