NAMI NYC Staten Island community education webinar recorded on Jan. 12, 2022

HEARING VOICES?One in ten people hears voices. Voices, visions, or other unusual or extreme experiences may be unique, but they are not uncommon but there is a place where people can share these experiences in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect.

Guest Speakers:Leah Rokeach, LCSW, Private PracticeJoel Simonds, Peer Specialist

http://www.hearingvoicesusa.org/

Welcome to another edition of sibling stories with Alana Ezderman, where we shed light on the personal experiences of siblings of loved ones with mental illness.

My interviewee, Pran, was struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed. His brother had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and he found himself constantly trying to find solutions for his brother and parents.

Pran had grown up in a tight-knit family and was close with his brother. His parents had created their thriving life from scratch after fleeing war-torn Sri Lanka decades ago. For Pran, they were the model of unlimited strength and resilience, and he strived to emulate that bounce-back mentality in his own life.

Here’s Pran’s story…

Growing up with a sibling with mental issues means homelife is consistently tumultuous. Many children try to help their siblings- while also creating an armor of self-protection that shields them from pain, but prevents them from sharing their true selves. My interviewee, Bennie, stepped in to get her brother the care and correct direct diagnoses when his symptoms worsened to a point of crisis, setting him on a course of recovery. Now, Bennie is beginning the journey of removing her armor to reveal the greatest version of herself.

NAMI NYC Staten Island presents an informational webinar, recorded May 4th, 2021 for Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as May is Mental Health Month. Panelists include Dr. Adam Smith and Dr. Eli Shalenberg of Richmond Behavioral Associates. Ken Cybulska, Christine, and Annie share their stories of living with symptoms of TD.

Welcome to Sibling Stories with Alana Ezderman, featuring interviews with siblings of a loved one with mental illness to foster hope, resilience, and community support. This podcast is for all of those siblings out there who need a voice- either a voice to listen to, or a voice to speak.  When the brother of my first interviewee started showing symptoms, Tatiana stepped into the role of caretaker at just 28.  Her story is that of unending courage, resilience, and support.  Tatiana is an excellent example of both self-care and perseverance.  Here’s Tatiana’s story.  

David and his mother Paulette share their journey with mental illness, starting when David first had symptoms of schizophrenia. David and Paulette are both experienced program facilitators with NAMI NYC Staten Island, helping countless others in their paths to recovery and living well with mental illness.

This is the follow-up to the Michael B episode. In this episode, Michael’s wife, Nicole, bravely recounts her own story. She describes her struggle with substance abuse, the impact it had on her family, and her subsequent recovery. Since then, Nicole and her husband have become advocates for others living with similar struggles, networking with local groups and leaders in the recovery movement.

Kyle is a young college student who has already dedicated himself to helping others. He is pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling. Kyle candidly shares personal experiences and traumas, so please keep that in mind before listening.

Michael B is an NYC police officer who shares his story of personal struggle and growth after his wife developed a severe opiate addiction following a motorcycle accident. Michael has collaborated with the office of Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to help spread the word about prevention and coping with addictions and co-occurring mental illnesses.

For this episode,  Alana shares her lived experience and empowerment through positive psychology. She is an active member of NAMI and shares her time helping others. Alana completed a program at The Flourishing Center.  https://theflourishingcenter.com