Living with a mental illness can be a confusing and fear-inducing experience. For many, the stigma surrounding mental illness prevents individuals from seeking professional help or long-term solutions.
One in 17 Americans currently live with a serious mental illness and one in five have reported having an experience with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
This includes mood disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, as well as behavioral conditions like eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If untreated, mental illnesses can lead to a range of unnecessary outcomes including disability, unemployment, inappropriate incarceration, and even death.
How can people of different backgrounds and youth develop a better understanding of mental health? In what ways can society be more inclusive and accepting of the reality around mental illness?
What are the barriers to seeking treatment and maintaining recovery? How can local resources be more effective in reaching people with the most need?
Guests:
- Terri Mabrito, executive director of NAMI-San Antonio
- Joy-El Brookins, student ambassador for The Health Collaborative's Young Minds Matter program
- Huei-Yi Dempsey, member of the San Antonio Clubhouse
The Pathways to Hope Conference takes place August 24 & 25 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The event is free with registration. For more information, visit www.pathwaystohope.net.
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
