This week, we're talking with guest Tom Fryxell. Tom is VP of the Board of NAMI Capital Region. NAMI Capital Region is the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for the Capital Region of NY. Getting to know Tom through this conversation reminded us that lived experience with mental health and mental illness can be a valuable tool for others. Tom openly shares his personal struggles as well as the intense experiences of his son.

Taking action, Tom got to work, learning more about how best to equip himself with the necessary tools to overcome mental illness and to help others do the same. Tom speaks of the importance of socialization, an important point that we've talked about before. No doctor can prescribe fresh air, exercise, and authentic connections. That's our job. As a community of people who prioritize wellness, who value the contributions of those with lived experience with mental illness, we take every opportunity to emphasize the positive impact of movement, breath, and connection. Tom calls this mindful exertion. Getting active, despite the resistance, can begin to break us free from the darkness.

People like Tom are few and far between. HIs passion for helping others is so needed in the mental health world. This Saturday, October 5th at Washington Park in Albany, NY, NAMI Capital Region will be hosting NAMIWalks to raise both funds and awareness. We'll have a table, and hope to see you there!

Here are some other helpful links:
AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) - Find a mental health professional

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Crisis Intervention

IASP (International Association for Suicide Prevention) - Suicidal Crisis Support

We are very grateful to all our listeners.
We'd love to hear your feedback or ideas for future episode topics.
Reach out on IG @piecestowellness or shoot us an email at [email protected].

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by clicking the link below:

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