Journal

I have been slammed up busy since we have lost our backer. I have been all over the map physically and emotionally. We are committed to making this move forward and I have been making a lot of progress. I have been in discussion with a multitude of foundations about being part of their umbrella since our backer took his board with him before our own 501c3 (charitable status with gov't) I have also continued to get requests for collaboration activity that I will be pursuing so the message we are conveying is having an impact. I want to thank all of you for hanging in there with me through these tough times. Between my wife and I (both of us are afflicted with bipolar disorder) we have been lucky enough to have such a great support system, both for each other, and in the community. She works in MH advocacy as well with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness, also where we met) so I have been active with them from time to time during legislative advocacy out in DC and here in Tennessee.

I am happy to say that I always feel blessed to be in the situation I am in since it always opens doors that might not have been there otherwise if you stay committed to your beliefs and continue to fight for the things you want most.

After the 8 years of trials and struggles it took me to get stable recovery under my belt, I want to make a difference for our future generation. I have a beautiful six year old daughter myself and now two wonderful stepsons that I couldn't be prouder of. Every day I can get out of bed and make a difference in someone’s life is a day that I feel like the wealthiest/luckiest man alive. I have been though all of your recent posts and had to do a "gut check" in order to write this post. Thank you once again for all you do.

Michael Corbin

Director

everyminute.org

Here is a group to talk about the promises and hope that research can provide 57 million Americans! 

Stigma reduction can only begin when there is an educated public discourse about mental health problems in society.  The arts and entertainment industry has a wide-reaching audience with the potential to render public opinion if not to set the agenda about what is discussed in American homes.  Therefore portraying mental health problems accurately, objectively and respectfully in the media provides gigantic strides in the effort to reduce stigma and stimulate discussion about mental health issues.

SAMHSA's Voice Awards recognizes TV and film writers and producers who have incorporated dignified, respectful, and accurate depictions of people living with mental health problems into their programs and films.  Last Wednesday, everyminute.org presented a Voice Award to General Hospital for episodes addressing bipolar disorder at the star-studded 2008 Voice Awards in the Paramount Theatre of Hollywood.   Co-hosted by the award-winning actor, Joe Pantoliano and Nikki Blonksy from the film "Hairspray", the show honored shows like "The Sopranos," "Monk," "House", and the films "Reign Over Me" and "Canvas".  

everyminute.org congratulates all the winners especially the tireless efforts of mental health consumer leaders and advocates raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues.  These torchbearers demonstrate that recovery does happen and that people with mental health problems are productive, contributing members of their workplaces, communities, and schools.

everyminute.org would also like to applaud Joe Pantoliano for his candor about the need to address pertinent mental health issues.  Now is the time for an open, honest discussion in the media that will permeate into the dinner conversations of American families.  Once we overcome the fear of talking about our mental health problems, we will start to gather the strength to unite in support of a transformation in the perception and realities of mental illness. 

Read more about the Voice Awards here.