Are you a family member of someone taking psych meds, a prescriber of psych meds, or are you, yourself, taking psychotropic medication?
Are you interested in hearing real perspectives on people’s experiences with psych meds?
Are you concerned about multiple side effects, the stigma around taking meds, access to services, navigating the system, or the challenges around coming off/starting psychotropic medication?
Despite shifts towards inclusiveness and partnership in mental health services development, meaningful open communication between professionals, service users and families within the mental health system remains a challenge.
This Mental Health Trialogue (MHT) is a monthly forum that brings together personal perspectives from providers, peers/survivors, family members and other interested parties to discuss issues and experiences with psychotropic medication, among other subjects. The goal of the forum is to foster rich discussion and to change the perception that only those who work in the field of mental health are the experts in mental health. This month's Trialogue will focus on knowing your purpose and calling in life.
A message from one of our facilitators: "Hello My name is Angel Serrano and I am an active participant and member of IDHA and a Peer Worker on an ACT Team for 13 and a half years now and with the assistance of Jessie Roth I will be facilitating a Trialogue and group discussion on: "Knowing Your Purpose and Calling in Life." No matter what our specific individual calling and purpose is in life- I believe that everyday is filled with purpose and opportunities for positive change within and outside of the mental health system and that we are all here "First, To Do No Harm."- I believe that "Our prime purpose in this life is to be good to ourselves and to be good to and. help others. And if we can't help them at least let us not hurt them." "We are all here to heal, not to harm. We are here to love, not to hate. We are here to create, not destroy." "It is love alone that leads to right action. What brings order in the world is to love and let love do what it will." Knowing our individual calling and purpose and how it specifically fits into what we do in or outside of the field of mental health or "Both" will make for a very needed and interesting Trialogue group discussion. Hope to see you at our next Trialogue to discuss this very important theme, to learn from each other and to draw light from each other. Onward & Upward!"
MHT’s combination of expertise and experience provides a unique wealth of collective knowledge to which individuals or people from different perspectives would not otherwise be exposed.
Trialogue meetings are open to current or former mental health service users, families and friends, professional mental health workers, prescribers, as well as all community members with an interest in mental health.
All are encouraged to attend!
How It Works:
Three members from the Institute for the Development of Human Arts, a psychiatrist, a person with lived experience, and a family member, will open the forum by explaining the purpose of MHT, then launch into a “trialogue discussion” about experiences with psychotropic medication. We will then open the conversation to all in attendance to share their responses if desired and foster community. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
MHT provides a supportive, non-judgemental space to share unique stories, find solidarity and discover new complementary perspectives that offer clarity, insight, and supportive community.
PLEASE NOTE: MHT is not a support group, a source of medical/psychiatric advice, or a therapy session.