In this episode, we explore how to feel empowered while helping loved ones on their mental health journeys with a very special guest, Viva. 

Viva is a friend of ours, part of the Eriwellbeing community and amongst many things, she is a mental health advocate. It was important for us to have this conversation with Viva as she has a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to caring for loved ones with mental health illnesses. This is a topic that we know that some people in our audience are dealing with, so we really wanted to expand on it. Viva not only shares her experience but also valuable insights, resources and frameworks that might be helpful for situations where you might be involved in a loved one's mental health journey/recovery. Viva also does high-level mental advocacy work, she recently joined the mental health board in her county. This has allowed her to not only understand how decisions are made when it comes to mental health care in her area, but it has also allowed her to better understand how resources are allocated and created an opportunity to speak up for the needs of her community. Please tune in to this very special episode, we really enjoyed having Viva on and learned a lot, hope you will too.

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Links:

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/  (US) 

LEAP method/approach - https://lfrp.org/about-leap 

LEAP method videos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjSSmkSYYvM 

LEAP Method Dr Xavier Amador Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXxytf6kfPM  

LEAP method book -https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Mental-Illness-Treatment-Anniversary/dp/0967718937/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=leap+amador&qid=1576948138&sr=8-1 

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Terminology Gravely disabled - Gravely disabled means a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental disorder: (1) is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from a failure to provide for his or her essential human needs of health or safety, or. 

A Lanterman Petris (LPS) conservatorship is the legal term used in California which gives one adult (conservator) the responsibility for overseeing the comprehensive medical treatment for an adult (conservatee) who has a serious mental illness. 

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The Eriwellbeing podcast is a mental health and wellbeing podcast, healing black and brown communities through open and honest conversations about our mental health.

Hosted by Ruthie Zerai and Mikal Woldu.

Produced by  Ruthie Zerai, Mikal Woldu and @purecreationmedia

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Disclaimer:

While we hope you love listening to and learning from the podcast, please note this is not a substitute for seeking professional help from licensed mental health professionals. Ruthie and Miki are not Mental health professionals, we are holding this space as community builders. We encourage you to seek professional help in your local area for any mental health concerns that you may be experiencing.