Recap on Virtual Panel Discussion Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma

Last night I participated in a virtual panel discussion to promote Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma, which is a an online gallery, and campaign that brings awareness to coping skills through the arts of self-expression. This website is a great resource for peers like myself living with a diagnosis, caregivers, and individuals seeking awareness on mental illness, and recovery. The discussion was moderated by Vickie Mabrey, who I had the pleasure of meeting and working with through Mona Terrell & Associates, The National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ), and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, in the past. Vickie Mabrey is a former ABC News Nightline Correspondent. I enjoyed working with her again on this important discussion, because it covered an array of information that the public should become familiar with such as coping through artistic means, and expanding our support system.

Our discussion mentioned support groups, which the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers throughout the United States, which I am also a member of through NAMI Georgia. Our panel discussion mentioned the significance of establishing and updating a psychiatric advance directive, which I will elaborate in my upcoming book, What's On My Mind? Coping Takes Work! Panelist, Jeff Sparr, who is co-founder of PeaceLove, teacher and self-taught artist (https://peacelove.org/about/), recovery story is amazing! I could relate to his experience of being diagnosed in my 20s and experiences with people who do not understand. Throughout the discussion he provided great insight that I wholeheartedly agree, and want to continue this conversation. Panelist, Dr. Adam Savitz, a psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Research at Janssen gave detailed information on the biology of mental illness and its effect on peers like myself, and commonalities. He offered explanations that was easier to digest and follow opposed to much doctor jargon.

I really enjoyed being a part of this panel discussion because the public needs more information from lived experience experts and professions to reduce stigma. A great way for individuals to interact and learn more about living with mental illness is to read blogs by peers in recovery. In fact, my personal blog, "Overcoming Schizophrenia," details my own experience with the diagnosis. My blog was established in 2008, and is linked to fellow bloggers in recovery with much lived experience and artistic means of expression. Also, I thank our viewers for their engagement and questions and comments! Moreover, I thank everybody at Janssen for bringing me back to participate in this project, which sheds light on recovery! My relationship with Janssen began in 2010 with their non-branded documentary, Living with Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery (2011) that is available to watch on YouTube. I am a strong supporter of Janssen, because of their educational campaigns that is community-oriented, and uplifting to my peers, our caregivers, and supporters.

Janssen is a part of Johnson and Johnson, and Ruder Finn collaborated in the preparations of this event and Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma. Lastly, I encourage you to learn more about Jeff Sparr's organization who co-founded PeaceLove, and to visit the Champions of Science:The Art of Ending Stigma website. The website features a gallery and a lot of resources to gain a better understanding of the effects of mental illness. Again, I thank Janssen for their continued engagement in spearheading non-branded awareness projects such as the documentary and this project, and for opening the door to more discussion on recovery, and coping through the arts. I will provide another link to watch this virtual panel discussion as soon as possible. In the meantime, I encourage you to review Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma gallery and information online: http://www.artofendingstigma.com/

Myself, Virtual Panel Discussion

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