Dianne Greeley: Redefining Advocacy for mental health reform
In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' Tony Mantor hosts Dianne Greeley, who shares her firsthand experiences and challenges in advocating for mental health reform.
Dianne recounts the struggles her loved one faced with severe mental illness and the inadequate support from health and legal systems.
She discusses the journey from personal caretaker to passionate advocate, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, education, and systemic change.
Her story highlights the human impact of untreated mental illness and the importance of compassion and involuntary treatment where necessary.
Dianne's Personal Story
The Struggles and Decline
Understanding the System's Failures
Dianne's Advocacy Journey
Future Plans and Goals
Intro Music: T.Wild
Mantor Music Publishing BMI
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24:38
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Rachelle Vartanian: From Special Education Teacher to CommunityLeader
Empowering Adults with Special Needs: One Woman’s Journey
In this episode, we hear an inspiring story of a former special education teacher who founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with special needs.
Initially serving individuals with autism, the organization's services have expanded to anyone needing support, regardless of diagnosis.
From starting with one program in a small library, the nonprofit now runs over 30 programs across nine counties and 87 cities, helping around 300 people weekly.
The founder shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and her relentless pursuit to provide a safe and nurturing environment for her son and others like him.
The organization now offers a wide range of vocational, social, and therapeutic programs, aiming for independent living for its members.
The story highlights the power of community support, passion, and the significance of creating inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs.
Mission
Personal Journey and Motivation
Starting the Nonprofit
Expanding Programs and Services
Challenges and Milestones
Vision for Independent Living
https://whynotme.world
Music intro: T. Wild
Mantor Music BMI
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27:45
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27:45
Amira Martin:Believe in Yourself: A Social Worker's Journey to Breaking Barriers
Description 2
We explore the mission and approach of MA Therapy with founder Amira Martin, whose practice focuses on providing bias-free psychotherapy to women of color while also mentoring therapists to establish their own practices.
• Amira's personal journey overcoming limited representation in professional fields through her sister's encouragement: "Don't stop yourself, let other people stop you"
• How MA Therapy serves diverse clients while maintaining a focus on BIPOC women and the LGBTQIA+ community
• Common mental health challenges seen across socioeconomic backgrounds, including anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and ADHD
• Research-backed strategies for finding happiness through community connection, belonging, and giving back
• Three-part approach to managing anxiety in challenging times: connecting with supportive community, establishing daily routines, and taking manageable action
• The importance of viewing current challenges through a historical lens and practicing consistent self-care
• How mental health needs have evolved, particularly since COVID-19 and through recent political climate changes
Tune in and share this episode with someone who needs to know they're not alone in facing life's challenges
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Victoria Lenormand: Cacao, Crystals, and Courage: Unconventional Autism Support
Description 2
Victoria Lenormand shares her transformative journey from police officer to autism advocate after her son's diagnosis, revealing how unconventional choices led to unexpected healing and growth for her entire family.
• Former police officer whose life changed when her son was diagnosed with autism at age three
• Faced impossible demands balancing work while trying to help her son fit into traditional school
• Discovered during lockdown that her son thrived without school's constraints, rising from bottom to top of his class
• Changed diet completely, eliminating trigger foods and focusing on gut health with remarkable results in six weeks
• Traveled in a motorhome for three years providing experiential learning rather than traditional education
• Explored natural anxiety management using high-quality cacao as an alternative to medication
• Found that self-directed learning allowed her son to follow his interests while developing necessary skills
• Documented their journey in her book "The Magic of Not Fitting In" available on Amazon and IngramSpark
• Now coaches other families, sharing natural approaches to supporting neurodivergent children
If you're noticing issues with gut health or anxiety in your child, consider exploring natural approaches like dietary changes and cacao. Visit Victoria's website at geminidirections.co.uk for more information about her coaching and her book.
https://whynotme.world
Intro music: T. Wild
Music: Mantor Music BMI
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25:41
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Janet Hays: Healing Minds NOLA journey to reform mental health systems
Janet Hayes shares her journey as a severe mental illness advocate reshaping New Orleans through innovative care systems for those with serious mental health challenges.
• Started advocacy after Hurricane Katrina when untreated mental illness led to criminalization
• Witnessed a friend die in custody due to inadequate mental health and medical care
• Founded Healing Minds NOLA to create a "one-stop shop" for mental health care
• Successfully led implementation of Assistive Outpatient Treatment courts in Louisiana
• Working to reform the "15-day rule" limiting psychiatric hospitalization under Medicaid
• Advocates need to understand their specific state systems rather than applying generic solutions
• Louisiana has adequate psychiatric bed capacity but lacks long-term continuity of care
• Policy barriers, not just funding issues, prevent effective treatment for severe mental illness
• Ideological positions often prevent pragmatic solutions that could help vulnerable individuals
• Advocates are more effective when they understand local systems and speak from experience
https://whynotme.world
intro/outro music written by T. Wild
Why Not me music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
Embracing Autism/Mental Health WorldwideAutism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.
Ireland