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Purpose, Belonging, Community: Starting and Opening an International Clubhouse for People with MI -Ep. 98

A New International Clubhouse in Minnesota, USA!

Guests:

Karina Forrest Perkins , Chad Bolstrom, Vail Place

Nishi and Margaret, Members

Vail Ramsey County Clubhouse in MN, USA had a huge turnout for its Grand Opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony. Vail Communities in Minneapolis is spearheading the Clubhouse expansion.

The Clubhouse is a "One-Stop Shop", functioning as a community-based hub, a single point for people to access, integrate, and coordinate a range of services to work toward mental health recovery.

How Can YOU start one?

The Vail Communities Clubhouses are just two of over 300 programs that follow the Clubhouse Model. A Clubhouse is a place where members and staff work together side-by-side to operate all aspects of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse can also help with housing, employment, education, health and wellness and so much more. The Clubhouses also offers a wide variety of social, recreational, and cultural events and activities.

Links:

https://vailcommunities.org/clubhouses

• https://clubhouse-intl.org/what-we-do/what-clubhouses-do/
• https://clubhouse-intl.org/our-impact/clubhouse-outcomes/
• https://www.vailplace.org/join/clubhouse-program/
• https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=bf1bddf3-b973-4d4d-a523-1d62aa732684&v=sdk&appcode=STP731&eguid=3368cea9-0776-4c6c-86cd-7d731136318b&pnum=1
• https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2024/02/vail-place-poised-to-open-mental-health-clubhouse-in-st-paul/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLzfYUQ76gc

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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Guests : Laura Balboni Craciun, Policy Director National Shattering Silence Coalition, MA, and Arundati (Arun) Nagendra, Ph.D.

At the recent S&PAA conference (Mindy ) and at the Johns Hopkins schizophrenia symposium (Mimi and Randye) , as well as on our Facebook page, many families tell us their stories about cannabis - many now see it as causing, or at least triggering psychosis. That led us to this episode.

Although schizophrenia contains a spectrum of symptoms and influences, many now believe that marijuana was the last straw that “pulled the trigger” which resulted in psychosis and its aftermath - and that, if we’d known the dangers we could have done more to prevent our loved ones from serious mental illness episodes.

Do science and statistical evidence back this up?

What can the average advocate do NOW?

S&PAA Position statement re cannabis: (see more on website or SPAN website)

1. Oppose legalization of recreational cannabis use
2. Pair any legalization effort with stringent, practical harm-reduction practices.
3. Hold the cannabis industry financially accountable.
4. Implement public health initiatives that educate about the risks of cannabis use.
5. Conduct research into the effects of cannabis use.
6. Finance clinical assessment and intervention.

Links:

https://sczaction.org/

SPAN:

https://span-scz.org/

SAM -

https://learnaboutsam.org/

Johnny’s Ambassadors -

https://johnnysambassadors.org/research/

NSSC-

https://www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/

Oppose marijuana rescheduling to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) : https://www.votervoice.net/SAM/Campaigns/115038/Respond

NSSC-Darrell Hermann’s peer talk on psychosis recovery (including genetic vulnerability and cannabis at 51:00 during the Q&A).

https://youtu.be/hpR4Jv1o2Gk?si=IMn8rai6x0bokqL5

Cannabis and psychosis

http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html#

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-on-food/202105/what-really-happens-in-the-brain-during-a-cannabis-high

Laura’s story in Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/cannabis-tr

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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“Guest Mom” Laura Pogliano

The Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Symposium brings together world-renowned experts in psychiatry, mental health, and neuroscience in order to present diverse aspects of the disorder, discuss their findings with colleagues, and be available to answer attendees’ questions.

This year, the speakers presented their cutting-edge and multidisciplinary approaches, including those that interfere among molecular pathology, digital science, public outreach, and clinical psychiatry.

Families were invited to attend - for FREE - and could attend a panel discussion the night before, plus the chance to participate in round-table lunch discussions with the speakers.

Through this symposium, they hope to translate the efforts of the lab bench to the bedside, and eventually to society by discussing and addressing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses from both clinical and scientific standpoints.

The symposium was open to all: researchers, clinicians, and family members of those diagnosed with schizophrenia.

It was amazing. Here Mimi and I review what we learned, along with friend of the podcast, Laura Pogliano. (she was also with us for Episode 25, with Bob Kolker who wrote Hidden Valley Road)

Links:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty-areas/schizophrenia/symposium

To support the symposium:

https://aspire.hopkinsmedicine.org/project/40520

Message from the Director:

We have assembled here in the Schizophrenia Center a broad and deep pool of expertise in the Hopkins tradition that integrates patient care, research, and public health.

My role is similar to an orchestra conductor, trusting my musicians and striving for balance among all the instruments. I see my job as one to support and facilitate the talent that surrounds me.

Thank you for your interest in our work.

Sincerely,
Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D.

Speakers:
Sabrina Berretta, MD
Raquel E. Gur, MD, PhD
Brandon Staglin, MS
T. Scott Stroup, MD, MPH
John Torous, MD

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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No One Cares About Crazy People is a feature documentary film-in-progress about the tragedy, crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America – and a burgeoning national crusade to do something about it

NO ONE CARES ABOUT CRAZY PEOPLE takes us inside the tragedy, chaos, and crisis of severe mental illness in America. It derives in part from Ron Powers’ acclaimed book of the same name, a hybrid narrative of tragic family memoir and searing social history.

Guest: Gail Freedman, Director & Producer

Your support is critical to help us complete this film and tell the powerful stories that can be a catalyst for new understanding and action. All gifts, grants and donations are fully tax-deductible.

Links:

https://noonecaresfilm.com/

Congrats Aiden Keltner, friend of the podcast! @amazinggraceshortfilm received 3 of the 4 Emmys we were nominated for including, Arts Entertainment Program, best director and best performer!

Amazing Grace Film

An aging single mother fights to hold onto the only life she’s ever known as her son with schizophrenia begins to lose his sanity.

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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Guests: Angela and Michael Brisbin

(plus 3 Moms updates and we read some Fan mail!)

INTO THE LIGHT Meaningful Recovery From Psychosis, a 60 minute documentary discusses how to achieve Meaningful Recovery from Serious Mental Illness with education, medication and advocacy.

A message of hope and real help, the film’s topics include: barriers to treatment, the underutilized medication, clozapine, and the importance of a supportive community.

There are over 25 interviews of patients, parents, leading medical professionals, healthcare professionals, advocates – from across the USA, including:(Bolded names have been guests on this podcast too!)

Dr Xavier Amador, LEAP;

Dr Lisa Dixon, CUIMC;

Dr Ken Duckworth, NAMI;

Miriam Feldman, SCZ: Three Moms in the Trenches;

Dr Rob & Ann Mandel Laitman, TEAM DANIEL;

Dr Jeffrey Lieberman;

Dr Jonathan Meyer;

Lynn Nanos,

Michael Orth;

Bill Rodgers, The Marathon Runner;

Dr Fuller Torrey;

Elyn Saks,

Rachel Streiff; and

Bethany Yeiser, CURESZ.

Narrated by Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams.

Sponsored by TEAM DANIEL Running for Recovery from Mental Illness, a 501c3 charity.

Angela Brisbin

Angela is the Lead Administrator for Team Daniel and the Clozapine Community Facebook group. She is the Associate Producer for the documentary Into the Light: Meaningful Recovery from Psychosis. She is a full time nursing student pursuing a Master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her mental health advocacy includes serving as a board member for NAMI or Greater Kansas City, as well as being a NAMI-certified family support group facilitator and “Ending the Silence” presenter. Angela also serves as a mentor for the CURESZ Foundation.

In 2016 Angela’s father Gary who had schizophrenia passed away and her son Michael was diagnosed.

Michael Brisbin

Angela’s son Michael Brisbin has been in meaningful recovery from schizophrenia for six and a half years. He is a full time college student and works part time as a campus librarian. He’ll graduate in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. He plans to continue his education and obtain a Master’s degree as a licensed clinical social worker and work in the mental health field.

Michael is on the Board of Directors for NAMI of Greater Kansas City, and has founded NAMI on Campus groups at his previous community colleges and his current university. He also facilitates a weekly NAMI young adult Zoom support group.

Links:

https://www.intothelightmeaningfulrecovery.com/

https://www.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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“Chris had a "tumultuous" time several years ago, dealing with the onset of schizoaffective disorder, but has overcome addiction and homelessness and established stability for himself, while also being an extremely productive artist.

His artist name, as well as his social media handle, is xoradmagical.

He's done one film for the National Film Board of Canada and is working on another.

He's prolific on TikTok, where he describes his posts as "a personal virtual diary that everybody is allowed to look at."

Chris was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2017 at the age of 20. It's a mental health condition that includes hallucinations or delusions and mood disorder symptoms such as depression or mania.”

(source: cbc.ca)

Ever wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?

We’re lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada.

SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis."

The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.

LINKS:

cbc.ca story on Chris:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/twins-pabineau-first-nation-tristan-grant-chris-1.6883003?fbclid=IwAR0fNDPFLO1ZQvP_iJb4PNFHuOEMpTDGOPD_c04nZ0bM9ZiE_U9KaI76--o_aem_th_AbJBg2jdgv7pP_Wze-PqjOWv_HtBzAM-gkYz3_qYXcLrl7TayaWPV6HkGS2XyPy4wes

Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

https://schizophrenia.ca/

Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=en

Christopher Grant linktree:

https://linktr.ee/xoradmagical

Matthew Dickson Mind Aid:

https://www.mindaid.ca/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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This is Part 2 - Matthew’s Story. Here is his bio:

“Hi, I'm Matthew Dickson! I'm a Canadian who helps people in developing countries get access to basic mental health care. I've suffered from mental health problems myself (schizophrenia).

I bicycled across Canada when I was 20 in the middle of getting an engineering degree.

But at 22 I was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

It took awhile, but I successfully recovered from schizophrenia, and in 2023 I bicycled across Canada again, becoming the first person with schizophrenia to do so!

Recovery is possible! Now I'm trying to help others going through mental illness, primarily in developing countries, as they have it worse than we do in developed countries.”

Ever wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?

We’re lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada.

SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis."

The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.

LINKS:

Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

https://schizophrenia.ca/

Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=en

Christopher Grant linktree:

https://linktr.ee/xoradmagical

Matthew Dickson Mind Aid:

https://www.mindaid.ca/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms

Ever wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?

We’re lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada.

SSY is the first and only schizophrenia awareness club organization at York University.

It raises awareness and humanizes individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. They provide a voice for people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and create an atmosphere of de-stigmatization at York University.

SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis."

The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.

I was delighted to join Christopher Grant (artist known as xoradmagical on social media), and Matthew Dickson (bicycled across Canada to raise funds for mental health services).

You’ll hear the panel in three parts - First, my story of the family POV when psychosis occurs, then Matthew, then Christopher - who reminded me so much of my son Ben’s experience, it almost felt like I was having the conversation with him I wish I could have - if there were insight.

LINKS:

Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

https://schizophrenia.ca/

Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=en

Christopher Grant linktree:

https://linktr.ee/xoradmagical

Matthew Dickson Mind Aid:

https://www.mindaid.ca/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Want to know more?
Join our facebook page
Our websites:
Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman