In our last blog post, I opened up about my experience with self-stigma and the concept of “normal” – for years, I felt like I could not be “normal” or participate in society in the same ways that others did.
Coping with Cognitive Distortions
“I am not my thoughts – my thoughts do not define me, nor do they always represent reality.” The most valuable realization I have had in my recovery has been learning about cognitive distortions. These are biased perspectives that we
Finding the Right Diagnosis
Guest Post by Alex Salazar My name is Alex Salazar and I’ve been recently diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. Since I was 15 I had the diagnosis of just Paranoid Schizophrenia. I am 21 years old now and on May 22
A Change is Gonna Come
by Aubrey Boggs, Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator CONTENT NOTE: Death of parent This year has been, in a word, difficult for me. I have found my mental health being pressed from every angle. In January, I had
Call to action! Senate Bill 207
By: Aubrey Boggs, Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator Under current Colorado statute, a person experiencing a mental health crisis can be legally held in a jail without committing a crime. This is incredibly dangerous for a person experiencing a crisis.
Peer Specialist Spolight: Neil’s Story
Interview by Matt Mague/CMWN intern Tony Orlando and Dawn reminded us to Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole’ Oak Tree as Joe Don Baker was Walking Tall. The Miami Dolphins completed the first perfect football season, while the designated
Call to Action for Senate Bill 021!
Senate Bill 021 will provide reentry services to individuals leaving the criminal justice system with mental health conditions. The bill provides $2.7 million to offer housing vouchers, employment services, Medicaid enrollment services, mental health treatment including psychiatric and counseling services,
Norm!
By Matt, CMWN Intern We are the best possible experts on ourselves. Sometimes we want to go, sometimes we want to stay. Each moment is not the previous, nor will it be the next. Each moment is truly its own,
Limitations aren’t always a bad thing…
By Jennifer Hill, Program Coordinator As I move forward in my career, I reflect on this message shared by Helen Keller. Growing up with a “severe learning disability” in a traumatic home, I heard “You can’t…” constantly. This message shaped
Vote as if your life depends on it…
By: Aubrey Boggs CMWN Intern Those of us living with mental health conditions know how often our lived experience is left out of mental health conversations and legislation. To me, it feels dis-empowering to know decisions about my care and