Neil Parekh
From Excitement and Optimism in July to Despair on Election Night
We are creating a space for people to share their reactions to the election. It was something concrete I could do. I’m hoping it might help.
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NEIL PAREKH'S
LENS ON LIFE BLOG
Thoughts and observations on mental health, technology, social media, photography and more.
Dawn Helmrich
5 days ago
Waking up to the Election Nightmare; Thinking About What the Future Holds
My heart was heavy and my head was sad. I thought about how to get around this, to get out of this, to make this go away.
Neil Parekh
Nov 8
Ep. 19 Shawna Vercher | Shining Light on Shadows: Post-Election Despair, Anxiety and Fear
If you experienced strong emotions this week because of the election results (e.g. despair, anxiety) we encourage you to join us.
Dawn Helmrich
Oct 22
Talking About Suicide and Suicidal Ideation Is a Good Thing
Talking about and acknowledging that suicidal ideation and suicide attempts might actually help people who are facing severe depression.
Neil Parekh
Oct 22
Can You Imagine Yourself Stepping in Front of a Bus? I Did.
There have been two times in my life when I experienced passive suicidal ideation. Those thoughts were fleeting, but frightening.
Cindy Hsu
Oct 22
Forever Grateful for My Second Chance
I almost ruined everything in 2015 when severe depression hit and I attempted suicide. Rosie was only 11 years old.
Neil Parekh
Oct 22
Ep. 18 Cindy Hsu (WCBS) | Shining Light on Shadows: Real Talk About Suicide Attempts and Ideation
This might be the most challenging episode of “Shining Light on Shadows” that we have hosted so far. Join us for a VERY candid conversation.
Dawn Helmrich
Oct 17
A Personal Reflection on My United Way’s Teen Wellness Initiative
In 2022 United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County started a teen wellness initiative called Empowering Minds.
Steven Berbeco
Oct 14
United Way of Northwest Vermont's Mental Health Initiative
United Way of Northwest Vermont’s Mental Health Initiative prioritizes: Workforce Development, Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health.
Neil Parekh
Oct 10
Ep. 17 Steven Berbeco | Shining Light on Shadows: United Way of Northwest Vermont's Mental Health Initiative
United Ways across the country do some great work around Mental Health advocacy. Our guest: Steven Berbeco, from United Way of NW Vermont.
Dawn Helmrich
Sep 25
Posting All of My Feelings on Social Media Is Very Intentional
But the reality is that we probably all do a pretty good job of wearing that mask that says we are ok when deep down we really aren’t.
Claire Filipek
Sep 25
Coming to Terms With – And Managing – Bipolar 1 Disorder
I am a 31 year old graduate student studying Computer Science Education and I also have Bipolar I disorder.
Neil Parekh
Sep 25
Ep. 16 Claire Filipek | Shining Light on Shadows: The Highs and Lows of Managing Bipolar 1 Disorder
Dawn and I launched this twice a month show in order to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
Neil Parekh
Sep 12
Creating Community Support Through Livestream Shows
For me, my community support has been online, through livestream productions, emails, texts and viewer comments.
Dawn Helmrich
Sep 11
Your Life Is Worth Healing No Matter the Circumstances
The biggest take away for me this week is to continue to help inform people of the importance of seeking out help if you are suffering.
Dr. Rachelle Kritzer
Sep 11
The Power of Online Support Groups
Working as a psychologist in schools and in clinics, I am aware of the myriad of community supports available and the difference they make.
Neil Parekh
Sep 10
Ep. 15 Dr. Rachelle Kritzer | Shining Light on Shadows: The Importance of Community Support (NAMI, etc.)
This episode will focus on the importance of community support for people with mental health challenges / developmental disabilities.
Dawn Helmrich
Aug 20
Finding That Something That Brings Us Joy Is Well Worth the Effort
Finding that thing (or things) in our lives that makes us feel better when we're struggling is an important aspect of self-love and wellness
Neil Parekh
Aug 20
Nature Walks Are Good; But Is It the Right Place To Start With Self-Care?
I think I get overwhelmed thinking about the possibilities. Self-care is absolutely important. But where do I start?
Steffen Kaplan
Aug 20
Nature Photography Keeps Me Healthy, Happy and Focused
When I am out on my walks…I let everything flow and things just develop right in front of me as I am observing and absorbing nature.
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