Unveiling privilege in mental health recovery
When I first became a public mental health advocate, I was solely focused on the message that it’s possible to bounce back from a mental health crisis and manage — thrive, even — with a diagnosis such as Bipolar 1. My ambition was relatively modest, thinking that perhaps I would reach someone else who received an intimidating diagnosis and felt ostracized and “doomed.”
Asian American advocates changing the narrative on mental health
Protecting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for most people, especially Asian Americans, who have been unfairly used as scapegoats. With the president leading others to use the term “China virus,” hate crimes and other forms of racism and aggression toward Asian Americans have surged, harming the community’s mental health.
You’re not alone: Stability Leaders share their mental health challenges and management strategies during COVID-19
If you’ve been feeling increases in depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts during this pandemic, you’re not alone. We recently conducted a survey of Stability Leaders to determine how COVID-19 is impacting them. Here’s what we found from 45 respondents from across the U.S.
Stability Leaders’ Top 4 Strategies for Managing Mental Health During COVID-19
One of the greatest benefits of being the executive director of The Stability Network is that I am surrounded by an incredible community of people who provide support and strength when things in my life aren’t going as planned. I hope that during this challenging period, our shared stories of living with mental health conditions can provide encouragement for you as well.
Rebalancing with new boundaries
Like a lot of people, I used to get up every day and go to work. I had a 45-minute commute on my motorcycle. During that time, I’d be completely focused on what was going on around me—my head on a swivel making sure I’m tracking cars and keeping myself safe. This total focus allowed me to forget about everything else and concentrate on one thing. It was like my meditation.
Treatment works—even during a crisis
While it takes some effort, mental health conditions don’t have to be life-ending. Stability Leaders are a great example of this fact. We all manage our mental health and can have successful careers, families, and fun!
Stability Leaders share strategies during live panel
On May 6, The Stability Network hosted a webinar on managing mental health during this pandemic with Stability Leaders Katherine Switz, Kyle Elliott, and Geralyn Giorgio. Our Leaders shared strategies—from scheduling time for exercise and meditation to tuning out of social media and into themselves to pillow fights—that are helping them manage their mental health…
We’re never going to forget this so stay present
This is a monumental time in the history of the world; we’re never going to forget this. While it can be overwhelming, recently I’ve been trying to be more present to what’s happening and how I’m feeling so that I can be more present with them and mark this time together.
We are strong and adaptable
People are strong; we are adaptable. This crisis will not last forever and we will get through this. We humans will adjust to the new normal of what comes afterward and find happiness there as we always do.
Interview with our founder on mental health and covid-19
From recognizing and validating emotions to finding time for vigorous exercise, Katherine Switz shares what has worked for her and many Stability Leaders to manage mental health during this difficult time.