Blog
NAMI Keystone PA’s Blog features personal stories, press releases, news articles, and other content that provides information, insight, personal experiences, and more.
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The Breakup
Dear Alcohol, It's been a few days. I'll be honest, I miss you a little. When I woke up the other day and decided to let you go, I still was unsure about it. After all, we have had so many good times together. When did we meet? I think I was 16 or so. But it wasn't until I turned 21...
Fighting a War in My Head
I was diagnosed in high school with depression and anxiety then later in life diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Looking back on my childhood, I can see the ways I was struggling then and the unhealthy coping skills I learned. Being diagnosed helped in some ways because it gave me a...
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Earns 2020 Outstanding NAMI State Organization Award
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has chosen NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania as the recipient of its 2020 Outstanding NAMI State Organization Award. The announcement coincided with NAMI's virtual convention that took place on July 13-14. The award recognizes the exemplary efforts to carry...
To Thrive Instead of Just Survive
Trigger Warning: The following content contains light discussion of sexual violence. Sometimes I just stare at the wall. Sometimes I just stare at the wall and find myself in the Land of Make Believe. I can run, play skip, and dance, and no one will look at me like I'm the C word (crazy)...
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Approves Resolution Condemning Racism, Recognizes Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in July, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania will be highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives to showcase how culture, race, and background impact mental health....
Recovery is Possible
I haven't always struggled with seasonal change, it wasn't until the age of 35 in late autumn that I had my first struggle with seasonal change and I attributed much of this to my loss of work during winter months. I was self-employed as a home remodeling contractor and my workload peaked during...
A Man Who Chooses To Tackle the Battle
Men and Mental Health used to sound like an oxymoron. When I grew up it was "boys don't cry," or "suck it up," or my favorite "stop acting like a little girl," as if girls were the only ones who experienced different emotions. Now, I'll agree that showing your emotions is a sign of weakness to...
Whittling the Chip on my Shoulder
I often reflect back on my initial diagnosis, relapse and how far I've come beating a path to recovery. We all know the stigma associated with mental health. Being a man, particularly in Marine Corps during my initial diagnosis, carries a little extra weight. I'm the oldest son, biggest brother...
I am simply a man who struggles with depression, simple as that. Wow.
An oversimplification of my journey through mental health would be to say that every defining moment has been shaped by some form of avoidance or denial. When I was very young my parents got divorced, my mother sent me to a children's counselor and I, as an eloquent 7 year old, insisted...