CUNY Academic Commons | Shanique Y. Meyler | Activity

Shanique Y. Meyler (she/her) wrote a new post on the site I am Shanique Y. Meyler

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:40:03 -0400

Where We Locate the Wound In 1851, a Louisiana physician named SamuelRead More »Where We Locate the Wound

Shanique Y. Meyler (she/her) wrote a new post on the site I am Shanique Y. Meyler

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:45:25 -0400

Understanding Schizophrenia: A Guide for Individuals with Lived Experiences and Families Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While the symptoms can be challenging, it’s important to know that recovery and resuming a functional life are possible with the right treatment and support. What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia often involves episodes of psychosis, where individuals may experience: Hallucinations: Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that aren’t there. For example, someone may hear voices when alone. Delusions: Strong beliefs that don’t align with reality, such as thinking they are being followed or have special powers. Disorganized Thinking: Thoughts may seem jumbled, and speech can become difficult to follow. Negative Symptoms: Lack of motivation, withdrawal from social activities, or reduced ability to express emotions. Culturally Diverse Perspectives Schizophrenia affects individuals from all backgrounds, but the way it manifests and is understood can vary across cultures: In some cultures, hallucinations may be interpreted as spiritual experiences. The stigma surrounding mental illness differs, influencing how people seek help or support. It’s essential to approach schizophrenia with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that mental health treatment should be tailored to respect cultural beliefs and practices. Hope and Recovery With appropriate treatment and community support, many people with schizophrenia lead meaningful lives. Treatment may include: Medication: Antipsychotic medications help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can help individuals cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Support Systems: Family involvement and support groups are crucial in the recovery process. Resources for Patients and Families 1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMI Family-to-Family: A free, 8-session educational program for family members of individuals with mental illness. Learn more at NAMI Family Support. NAMI NYC: Offers a range of support groups and educational programs for families and individuals with mental illness. Visit NAMI NYC Metro. 2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: A confidential, free, 24-hour service offering referrals and information about mental health resources. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMHSA Resources. Treatment Locator: SAMHSA offers a free tool to help find mental health treatment facilities in your area. Use the Behavioral Health Treatment Locator. 3. NYC Mental Health Resources NYC Well: A confidential and free service for mental health support, including crisis counseling, treatment referrals, and peer support. Call 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355) or visit NYC Well. The Jewish Board: Offers mental health services for children, adults, and families, including crisis intervention and outpatient care. Visit Jewish Board Services. Mental Health Association of NYC: Provides a wide range of programs and services, including peer support and advocacy for individuals with mental illness. More at MHA NYC. Support for Families Caring for a loved one with schizophrenia can be overwhelming. Here are some ways families can stay connected and supported: Join a Support Group: Family support groups like NAMI’s Family Support Group provide a space to share experiences and learn coping strategies. Learn About Schizophrenia: Educate yourself about the condition to better understand your loved one’s experiences and needs. Self-Care: Taking care of your own mental and emotional well-being is essential for both you and your loved one. Leave a comment with any questions are support you might need. Feel free to share your wellness journey. Schizophrenia can be a challenging condition, but with the right treatment and support system, individuals can live fulfilling lives. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting a family member, remember that resources are available, and recovery is possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations like NAMI, SAMHSA, or local NYC resources for help.Read More »Understanding Schizophrenia: A Guide for Individuals with Lived Experiences and Families

Shanique Y. Meyler (she/her) wrote a new post on the site I am Shanique Y. Meyler

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 03:39:40 -0400

Celebrating Pride Month: Prioritizing Mental Wellness for the LGBTQ+ Community Happy Pride Month June is Pride Month—a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s history, celebrate its diversity, and advocate for equality and acceptance. As we celebrate love, identity, and freedom, it’s equally important to focus on mental wellness. The journey of self-discovery and acceptance can be challenging, and mental health plays a crucial role in this process. The Importance of Mental Wellness For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the struggle for acceptance and understanding can lead to significant mental health challenges. Discrimination, prejudice, and the fear of coming out can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Prioritizing mental wellness is essential for living a happy, fulfilling life. Resources for Mental Wellness Here are some valuable resources tailored specifically for the LGBTQ+ community: The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. Their 24/7 helpline and online chat services provide immediate support. Website: The Trevor Project Phone: 1-866-488-7386. Trans Lifeline: A peer support service run by trans people for trans and questioning callers. They provide a safe space to talk about concerns and receive support. Website: Trans Lifeline Phone: 1-877-565-8860 National LGBTQ+ Health Education Center: Provides education, resources, and consultation to healthcare organizations to improve access to quality healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals. Website: National LGBTQ+ Health Education Center GLAAD: Works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ people in media. They also provide resources and support for mental health. Website: GLAAD It Gets Better Project: Shares stories of hope and resilience from LGBTQ+ individuals, providing inspiration and support. Website: It Gets Better Project Tips for Caring for Your Mental Wellness Connect with Supportive Communities: Surround yourself with people who accept and affirm your identity. Online forums, local LGBTQ+ groups, and supportive friends and family can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals who are experienced in working with the LGBTQ+ community. They can offer specialized support and guidance. Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, exercise, meditation, or creative pursuits, make time for yourself. Express Yourself: Find healthy ways to express your emotions and experiences. Writing, art, music, and speaking with trusted friends can help process your feelings. Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQ+ history and rights. Knowledge can empower you and provide a sense of connection to the larger community. Advocate for Yourself: Stand up for your needs and rights. Whether it’s in healthcare settings, at work, or in your personal life, your voice matters. Being Seen and Heard Your story, your struggles, and your triumphs are important. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a larger narrative that fosters understanding and acceptance. Speak up for yourself and others, and remember that your voice is a powerful tool for change. This Pride Month, let’s celebrate not just who we are, but also our mental health. Let’s support each other in our journeys towards mental wellness and remind ourselves and each other that we are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. Happy Pride Month! 🌈 For immediate support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the resources mentioned above. Your mental wellness is important, and there is help avRead More »Celebrating Pride Month: Prioritizing Mental Wellness for the LGBTQ+ Community Happy Pride Month

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