Smashing Down Barriers to Rising Above Challenges
 with Humor, Storytelling, and Goodwill
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world."  --Gandhi

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From Stigma to Advocate

To become effective mental health advocates, we must rid ourselves individually of any stigma and shame we may feel about living with mental illness.  Writing my story in a book for the world to read helped me.

From Stigma to Advocate – Continued

Learning of great leaders including Churchill and psychologist Fred Frese who have lived with mental illness has helped me feel worthwhile and want to be a mental health advocate.

Be of Few Words

There seems to be too much talking and not enough listening in our world today.  My grandfather after whom I was named, Marvin Owen Ashton, was known as "a man of few words"--and that was meant to be a compliment.  He listened and took action to help others more than he talked--a great heritage to try to live up to.

Native American Suicide Prevention Walk:  “Let’s Tighten Our Moccasins and Continue to Fight Together!”

Today's event near my home included speeches and Native American ceremonies, singing, and dancing.  But what was most impressive to me was the determination witnessed to maintain the wonderful traditions and culture and to overcome problems including suicide rates.

Mental Health Advocates Can be Like the Giant Sequoias in Deflecting Fire

Effective mental health advocates have healthy self-esteem and really care about helping others.  These characteristics help them deflect unenlightened hurtful comments that could offend.  These traits are like the tannic acid in  giant sequoia trees that thwarts fire so they live long and grow huge.

Self-Awareness is Critical to Recovery from Mental Illness

Understanding anosognosia and the Dunning-Kruger effect can help us take a good look at ourselves on our way to recovery.  "Being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being."
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Psychology Meets Financial Analysis:  A Depressed CPA’s Nirvana!

Psychologist use net present value calculations to help determine the effectiveness of community substance abuse and mental illness prevention programs.  Wow--this is the kind of stuff a CPA who is a mental health advocate can really get excited about!

The Giver: My experience in moving Beyond a World without Emotion and Color -- Through Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

This great movie reminded me of how psychotherapy helped me_ to move from a life of little pleasure to one of richness and feeling love.

Encouraging Others to 
Rise Above Fog

On a winter day several years ago, I hiked up a mountain near my home.  When I turned around to look at the valley below, civilization had disappeared!   A temperature inversion had trapped the cold cloudy air near the ground.  The valley was a bowl full of suds.  I was now above the fog in fresh air and sunshine.  When I had been down in it, I was not aware of how thick and unhealthy it was.  But now I could see it clearly.

I see this experience as a metaphor of my life’s journey.   For years I unknowingly lived with chronic clinical depression and generalized anxiety.  But through caring and skillful efforts of therapists and from antidepressant medications, I am now in a much better place.  Life is richer and more enjoyable.  My relationships are healthier.  My work has moved from drudgery to being fulfilling.  While I still have bad days now and then, I consider myself in recovery.

                         Owen Ashton

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