Are you a family member of someone who has experienced mental health concerns, a mental health professional, or do you, yourself, have lived experience as a service user?
Are you interested in hearing real perspectives on people’s experiences with the mental health system?
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 the mental health system. 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 forgiveness.
A message from Angel Serrano, Peer Worker, who will be opening this MHT: "To forgive or not to forgive: That is the question? Is it necessary to always forgive to have and to enjoy spiritual, physical, emotional, social and mental good health or is it sometimes okay and even necessary not to forgive in order to heal and to have mental good health? For those who believe that forgiveness is absolutely essential for their holistic healing and health as I do - then the questions are - What does it mean to forgive? How do I sincerely forgive from the heart? Is Forgiveness a process? Is genuine forgiveness possible? What are the benefits to forgiving? Is it necessary to forget the wrongdoing, abuse and trauma in order to truly forgive and heal? In my journey of positive transformation, forgiveness and forgiving was and is absolutely essential for my healing and mental health. Come and hear and and partake of (if you choose to) in an insightful and lively Trialogue group discussion from different beliefs and perspectives on this vitally important 12 Trialogue theme on - "Forgiveness & Mental Health. Hopefully we'll see you there!
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:
1-2 organizers from the Institute for the Development of Human Arts will open the forum by explaining the purpose of MHT, then initiate a discussion about that month’s theme. 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.