Given this national campaign, why do people with mental health challenges die decades earlier than the general population? Many point to the observable: smoking, obesity, psychotropic medications and lack of exercise. What we tend to overlook is that when people live below the poverty level candy bars, chips and fast food are cheaper than fruits, vegetables and fresh fish. And where are the grocery stores in inner city poverty areas anyway? Convenience stores are on every street corner. What we tend to overlook is that people with mental health challenges often feel ‘apart from’ rather than ‘a part of’ their neighborhood and live in social isolation. Smoking, food and sitting in front of the television become our friends.
In this keynote, Gina will share her story of mental health recovery after 17 years of back-to-back institutionalization and escaping from Harrisburg State Hospital to live on the streets. She will use the ABCs of whole health to help us understand that wellness matters.
We will explore:
A- What are my Abilities and How can I take Action?
B- Will I have a place to Be, a place to Belong and a place to Become?
C- Do I Count? Can I Connect? Do I have something to Contribute? And Am I Capable?
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood; it’s a Beautiful Day for a Neighbor; won’t You Be Mine?
By the end of this keynote, participants will be able to:
1. Witness a mental health story of recovery, resiliency and relationships.
2. Understand the health factors which lead to early mortality for individuals with mental health challenges; and what we can do about it.
3. Relate the ABCs of whole health to your individual life and to the neighborhood where you live.
