Family and Friends

Oftentimes, we vent because we think it'll make us feel better. But have you ever stopped to notice how you actually feel after the vent session is over?
Now, this does not mean you shouldn't vent or share problems with a trusted person who can help you problem solve or listen. I just wanted to share a helpful tip I learned in therapy. Since I stopped "venting" as much, my emotional reactions are better and I'm not as upset as often. I hope it helps you today. 🙂
#Addiction #AddictionRecovery #AutonomicDysfunction #Agoraphobia #Anxiety #AnorexiaNervosa #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealth #BipolarDepression #BipolarDepression #BackPain #Blindness #CeliacDisease #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #Epilepsy #EatingDisorders #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Endometriosis #FamilyAndFriends #Fibromyalgia #Gastroparesis #Grief #Headache #JointHypermobilitySyndrome #HearingLoss #HemiplegicMigraine #Insomnia #ADHD #BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #Trauma

Our amazing education team at NAMI-NYC came together for a strategic planning retreat – taking time to reflect, collaborate, and dream big about the future of mental health education. We are so excited for what’s ahead! Check out our current programs: naminyc.org/find-support

#MentalHealth #FamilyAndFriends

First the first time in 5 months I managed to mow my lawns. It’s been a long recovery after shattering my tibia. A wonderful couple from church have been doing a great job of looking after the whole garden. I am very grateful for their help but it’s good to be back doing it myself.

I was in a huge amount of pain last night. I knew it would be taxing but I am glad to be another step closer to life getting back to normal.

There is hope.

🌷 Choose to bloom 🌷

Take one of NAMI-NYC's free mental health classes this spring and gain valuable coping skills. You will learn how to prioritize your mental health, express your needs, and navigate NYC’s healthcare system.

Whether you are living with a mental illness or are supporting a loved one who deals with mental health challenges, these classes are for you. Sign up today: naminyc.org/classes

#MentalHealth #classes #FamilyAndFriends

¡Padres y cuidadores, esto es para USTEDES! ✨

Únanse a NAMI-NYC para una presentación especial en línea de Hablemos el martes 5 de mayo, de 6:00 a 7:00 p. m. Escuche al Dr. Ezequiel Lafont compartir herramientas para ayudar a la salud mental de su hijo, y a Mariana Pinanez compartir su experiencia con los desafíos de salud mental durante su juventud. Regístrense aquí: www.eventbrite.com/e/hablemos-lets-talk-tickets-1986451037527

✨ Parents and caregivers, this one’s for YOU! ✨

Join NAMI-NYC for a special Hablemos presentation online on Tuesday, May 5, 6-7 PM. Hear from Ezequiel Lafont MD share tools to help your child’s mental health and Mariana Pinanez share her experience with mental health challenges as a youth. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.com/e/hablemos-lets-talk-tickets-1986451037527

#MentalHealth #FamilyAndFriends #Caregiving

I cant imagine the anguish and fear that the disciples must have felt after the events of good Friday. Jesus had been killed in the most cruel and violent way. Their hopes and dreams were shattered. The plans they had had been shredded. Where do they go now?

Sometimes we can have our own Friday experience. And there seems to be no hope anywhere. But hang onto hope, because Sunday is coming. The pioneers of all the worlds major religion had this in common, they all died. And stayed that way. Christianity though is centred around the death AND resurrection of Jesus. Easter Sunday assures us we have a well founded expectation and hope. Happy Easter.

#Depression #Hope #Relationships #FamilyAndFriends #Anxiety #MentalHealth

Made this very simple graphic as a guide for family members #FamilyAndFriends

Well-being is built through small choices that care for your mind and body.

#MentalHealth #selfcare #FamilyAndFriends

I watched a documentary this week about a family who believed their Dad walked out of their life when they were young children. They carried that wound for decades. A years ago their world was upended when the body of their father was found buried and police confirmed he had actually been murdered.

The true story is told of an alcoholic man who had two sons. One son became an out of control alcoholic as well. The other son never touched alcohol. When both were asked why they chose the paths they did they both gave the same answer, “What do you expect with a father like mine”.

For a long time I was angry and bitter with my parents. They were supposed to nurture their children and to some extent they did. However, my childhood was at times horrendous due to S.abuse and extreme violence including being burnt.

One day it hit me. I could continue to see myself as a victim and be trapped in a vicious cycle of anger and pain, or I could commit myself to doing what I could do to help others find healing and a better life.

It’s been a process. A long process. One where I have had to face some uncomfortable truths. I have also learnt many facts about my parents that have helped understand some of their life’s journey. Unfortunately all these facts surfaced after they both had died.

I learnt my Mum shot and killed my Grandfather to save the life of her Mum and an unborn baby. Her Dad was well known to police and she was never prosecuted for the killing. It was ruled self defence and the police were actually happy he was taken out.

My Dad was abandoned as a baby and was told his Mum died giving birth to him. A guilt he carried for decades. However when he was 50 he was notified his Mum had just died. For 50 years she had been in a psychiatric facility, why, nobody seems to know.

Getting past your past is not easy. It can be extremely painful and challenging. Choosing not to be a victim strips the power away from our abusers.

Over the years I have financed numerous charities and services here in Australia and overseas. Sometimes people on the receiving end will wax lyrical about my generosity. I appreciate their sentiments but the truth is I have chosen that life because it helps me heal.

Where are you in your journey of healing?

In 1999 a fellow Pastor rang me and asked me to go with him to Thailand. The trip was in 3 weeks. I said “I would pray about it”. Which meant I had no intention of going but I didn’t want to sound unspiritual.

It became clear God wanted me to go so I went. For 10 days we worked non stop. The night before coming home I was asked to speak one more time. I was exhausted and protested. Finally I agreed to go and would speak one last time.

For a long time before the trip I had been praying to have a true friend. One that would be there for both good and bad times. One I could be transparent with.

After I spoke, everyone there asked me to pray for them. I prayed short, to the point prayers for everyone. Yet, I was drawn back to one guy. I asked him if he struggled with this area of life, that I specified to him. He was shocked and asked how I knew. I explained God had revealed this to me because I could help him.

We became best friends. Many years ago when I first faced mental health issues he jumped on a plane and came to Australia to see me. We are always completely honest and accountable to each other. I would die for him.

Through the busyness of life we have not seen each other for 7 years. Until yesterday. He was in Manila on a business trip. I was flying into Manila after our ministry in Davao.

We got to meet for one hour before he left The Philippines. What a precious miracle. To be able to hug, talk and laugh. One beautiful hour. If I hadn’t gone to Thailand when I did. If I had rested on the last night. I could have missed our friendship. I am so grateful!