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NOV. 13 - Virtual Anti-Stigma Panel Discussion


Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 7-8 PM Eastern Time I will participate in a virtual panel discussion sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, "Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma." This will be a lively conversation that I don't want you to miss!

This event is important to me because people living with a mental health conditions like myself cope, and manage, our diagnosis in diverse ways including artistic means. The Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma is an anti-stigma campaign by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, who I support and worked with in the past through a documentary, Living with Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery (available to view on YouTube).

As an advocate, peer, and writer I am looking forward to this conversation to share the truth about mental illness, which is recovery is possible despite stigma and setbacks. Individuals living with mental health conditions can overcome silence and stigma by coping within the arts. One of my coping skills is writing. In fact, I maintain my personal blog, "Overcoming Schizophrenia," which shares my lived experience and resources, since 2008.


This virtual panel discussion will be moderated by Vickie Mabrey as we explore the stories of Jeff Sparr, co-founder of Peace Love, a mental health advocate, and art teacher, Dr. Adam Savit, a psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Research at Janssen, and myself, a lived experience expert, and author of What's On My Mind? Do join the conversation with questions and comments to show your support! Thank you, Ashley Smith.






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