NEAR FUTURE GOES MENTAL
I have been searching for the right words to express the complexity of my feelings learning about a friend's decision to take her own life last week. She was a beloved mother, wife and friend to many. The loss was collective and profound. Having experienced the particular pang suicide presents, I didn't feel the blame and guilt that can be a natural reaction when a loved one choses to leave their family and friends behind. I believe she believed that she was making a decision which was best for everyone. She was wrong, but not malicious. She clearly didn't get the help she needed, despite an incredible support system. In tandem, half a dozen friends had reached out asking for resources for their children's depression or addiction issues, epidemics that are crippling the nation. Last week was so personal, yet so common and prolific.
With all of this weighing heavy on my mind, holding back tears and braving torrential rain, I moderated a conversation that couldn't have been more timely or more cathartic. In collaboration with Project Healthy Minds, hosted at mental health advocate Sheri Sobrato's beautiful home, we conjured an inspiring and heartfelt evening focused on resources and solutions. I am immensely grateful for an honest and powerful conversation featuring founders and practitioners trailblazing towards a brighter future. With that in mind, this newsletter is dedicated to the teams taking on trauma and giving us some of the tools we need to be more {peace of} mindful,
* It was also a reminder that we need more time together taking on tough topics. I hope you will join us next week at Barndiva in Healdsburg for an uplifting "Trash Talk" (see the invite below). Happy Valentines month, Zem & team
THE PRESENTERS
Phil Schermer, Founder & CEO of Project Healthy Minds. PHM is the world’s first marketplace focused on simplifying the search for mental health resources. With the support of influential organizations, leaders and public figures, they are on a mission to destigmatize mental health help and provide resources for all.
Dr. Shebani Sethi, founding director of the flagship Stanford Metabolic Psychiatry program, her unique approach to psychiatric treatment incorporates metabolic-based interventions. Dr. Sethi is deeply committed to advancing research, improving patient care, and broadening access to these services.
Dr. Nolan Williams, director of the Brain Stimulation Lab at Stanford. He and his team utilize brain stimulation and neuroimaging techniques to develop novel treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases. In his recently published study, Dr. Williams shares the positive outcomes of Ibogaine on depression and PTSD.
Dr. BJ Miller is a hospice and palliative Care MD and Co-Founder of Mettle Health, which provides support and guidance for individuals and families in the face of health and other existential challenges. Tending to the gaps in the health care system, they help patients and caregivers focus on what’s most important – healing, thriving, being, beauty. Watch this video to learn more.
More Family Strengthening Solutions
Feeing isolated in his teen parenting navigation, founder Jeff Zawadsky founded ShineTogether, a digital platform for parents of teens struggling with their mental health. As a member, you gain access to a supportive community of parents going through similar journeys.
