))
You Are Not Alone
Manage episode 326968494 series 2797435
Content provided by Bridges 613. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Bridges 613 or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
No Shame On U (NSOU)
Featuring: Miriam Ament, Founder & Executive Director
The most impactful organizations often come from one person who has lived through a traumatic experience and recognizes that they could be a catalyst for the solution. This conversation with Miriam Ament, the founder and executive director of NSOU is a great example of the power of one individual. Miriam realized that mental health conditions, which are often perceived at a “big negative”, shouldn’t be a secret. This awareness led Miriam to focus on utilizing her life experiences in order to normalize mental health conversations. No Shame On U is dedicated to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health conditions and raising awareness in the Jewish community and beyond. Knowing that her story helps many others, Miriam shares vulnerably. On this podcast, she tells the story of how she started No Shame On U and gives examples of the impact it is making. I was personally impressed to hear that NSOU offered 240 programs over the pandemic. They continue to increase their impact. She also provides resources and tips for those who are struggling with mental illness. Two tools, of many possible ones, that Miriam mentions on this podcast are gratitude and exercise.
No Shame on U held their first official event in November, 2015. They hosted speaker/author Kevin Briggs. Kevin Briggs is known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate. Kevin is a California Highway Patrol officer noted for his work in suicide intervention, having dissuaded more than two hundred people from jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay. In 2013, Briggs retired from the California Highway Patrol to focus his efforts on suicide prevention. He is the author of “Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair.” His book can be found here on Amazon. He also has a Ted Talk from 2014 found here.
Most importantly, to those with mental illness Miriam’s and the message of No Shame On U is that they are not alone. I am grateful to share Miriam’s story and the work of NSOU. If you or someone you know is in crisis please utilize the resources listed below.
Research on Mental Health Conditions (from No Shame On U’s Website)
More than one in four Americans ages 18 or older lives with a diagnosable mental health issue - 26.2%. This means that on average, every family is touched by mental illness. Yet two thirds of those diagnosed do not get treated. Research shows that stigma is one of the key barriers to people seeking mental health treatment. Founded in November, 2014, No Shame On U is dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental health so the people who need the help will seek it, family members and friends will know how to provide proper support, and to save lives. We achieve our mission through our community outreach programs, classes and workshops, our online presence of over 120,000 social media followers, our weekly blog, our podcast, distribution of our fact sheets, crisis information magnets and videos, and educational presentations.
For No Shame On
Thank you for tuning in to The Bridging Connections podcast. Please partner with us to promote this important work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or visit our website at www.bridges613.org for exciting news about innovation in Jewish life. This work depends on your feedback and donations. Please consider leaving feedback and or making on donation. We are grateful for all your support.
69 episodes
Share
