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Category: The Guide’s Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals

We’re Thankful for North Carolina’s Youth & Professionals Who Have A Passion To Learn by Kyle Reece

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in Kyle Reece, The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

As Youth Training Coordinator at North Carolina Voices Amplified, I host trainings throughout the year for a wide array of audiences. Whether I am hosting a Youth Leadership Training for transition-aged youth or providing Youth Peer Support 101 trainings for young adults with lived experience who want to provide peer support, or even trainings for community stakeholders and providers, such as our Youth Engagement webinars- the fact remains, our community has a desire to learn and support youth and young adults however they can. We see young people with a desire to gain leadership and advocacy skills, young adults who want to utilize their experiences and support youth who may be struggling, and a community of system of care focused providers who are eager to learn how they can best serve the youth they encounter. This past year we met with so many passionate youth, young adults, and professionals, and it’s important that we highlight them and the passion they bring to the trainings we offer.

One of the great pleasures of providing youth trainings is not only having the opportunity to provide youth and young adults with the tools and skills they need to be leaders within their roles, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet young people who are eager and excited to be providing youth peer support and utilizing their advocacy skills. We met a 20-year-old who is getting her GED and came with her LINKS coordinator to our Youth Leadership Academy in September. Not only was she the youth who participated the most in the academy and was eager to share her experiences to further engage the conversation, but she also left with a continued desire to showcase the skills she learned in our advocacy training and was asking us how she can continue to advocate for foster care youth across North Carolina. We see young people with a desire to learn and grow as youth advocates in all our trainings. These young people recognize that they have a voice and inherent leadership skills and seek opportunities to utilize their voice through our trainings.

For many young adults who have navigated systems and services while facing mental or behavioral health challenges and were able to get they help and support they needed, they often want to give back by providing youth peer support to youth who may be facing similar challenges. This year we offered a couple Youth Peer Support 101 trainings, and we were amazed by the passion of the young adults who have made it their mission to give back. There was a young woman who took our Youth Peer Support 101 training in October, and although she is not currently in a role that provides direct peer support, she took the training with the desire to eventually provide peer support and is excited to learn about her organization can offer leadership opportunities to the youth they serve. We also trained a young woman who is so excited and eager to get started in the work that she exudes passion and energy, as well as her desire to provide direct support to youth. Having the opportunity to meet the young people who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, as well as assist them in their efforts by providing training and ongoing technical assistance is truly the highlight of our work!

We don’t stop at providing trainings to youth and young adults. With our community webinars and trainings we offer throughout the year, we meet countless professionals who are eager to learn how they can support our youth just by being educated on youth engagement and rapport building strategies. Even for those who may not be working directly with youth or providing direct services to them, they have a passion to learn about what they can do to better create a system of care that positively effects youth in their communities. This continued desire is so prevalent in North Carolina, and we are so honored to be able to offer trainings that engages professionals in thinking about how they can best serve youth through their work.

As we wrap up a very successful year of trainings and look forward to all the wonderful opportunities we will provide in 2025, we mustn’t forget that without the passionate youth who seek youth leadership and advocacy opportunities, or young adults who have a passion to provide direct peer support to youth in need, or even professionals who just want to learn more about how they can engage youth in the work they do- without these amazing people we simply could not provide such amazing training opportunities. Please take time to thank these dedicated and passionate people who make system of care in North Carolina so impactful and incredible!

From Farm to Board Table by Kyle Reece

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

It was 14 years ago when I first walked onto the farm. Time sure does fly. At that time, I was at my absolute lowest point. I had no hope and felt like I had nothing. The bleakness of the situation would have been harrowing for any youth. I was being separated from my family, from everyone I knew, and sent to what would be my home for the next ten months. Every waking minute, I wished I could go home. I prayed that things would get better—better for me and better for my family. I did not want to be on that farm.

All these years later, looking back, I wish I could reach out to 16-year-old Kyle and tell him things would get better. I wish I could tell him that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But I know that 16-year-old Kyle had to brave the trials before him. I am proud to say that I bravely went through those scary nights on the farm, wishing it would all improve.

After being diagnosed with Autism at 13 and spending the following years struggling with severe anxiety and depression, I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital four times before eventually ending up at the farm. This farm, a relatively large residential treatment center in Virginia, wasn’t a typical farm with chickens or cows (though there were donkeys). It was as much of a farm as it was a home, but for the purpose of this post, it was my farm, and for ten months, it was my home. I hated it there—not only because I was an hour away from my loved ones, but because it was a tough place to live. Being surrounded by nearly 60 other youth with mental and emotional health needs was terrifying.

Although I was fortunate to have a family who loved me, whom I could call once a night and see every other week, I felt incredibly lonely, isolated, and without much hope. That changed when I met Mr. Mario.

Mr. Mario was excellent. He understood me. He talked to me at my level. He showed that he cared about me and believed I could get better. Mr. Mario was the only staff member at the farm I could trust and was the only reason I could get through those daunting ten months. He believed in youth voice—that I should have a say in the care I received. He thought I was intelligent and capable enough to advocate for myself. He believed all I needed was for people to believe in me, show they cared, and support me as I received the medical help I needed to get off that farm eventually.

Because of staff like Mr. Mario, I eventually did leave the farm. While I still struggled at home and later ended up in a therapeutic foster home until I graduated high school, I was no longer in a place as scary as the farm. After graduating, I got connected with several youth empowerment organizations. These groups shared the same beliefs as Mr. Mario: that I should have a voice in the care I receive and that I should have the opportunity to advocate for system-wide change. They believed that the best way to improve these farms was for people with lived experience to share insights on making meaningful changes that would impact other youth.

For the next decade, I shared my lived experience to improve systems and services and transform these farms. The journey wasn’t easy, as I navigated my mental health along the way, but I was in a stable place, helping other youth use their voices to get the support they needed.

As the Youth Training Coordinator at North Carolina Voices Amplified, I now train youth peer supporters who share the same values Mr. Mario did. I support young people who have gone through their complex challenges and have come out on the other side. I want to give back and support youth who are still struggling. I am very proud of my role, and I know Mr. Mario would also be proud of me.

I also serve as a Board Advisor for the Association of Children’s Residential and Community Services (ACRC). In this role, I support farms across the country and the world by sharing my experiences and helping youth on these farms not feel so scared. I also ensure that every youth has staff who care about them as much as Mr. Mario cared about me.

As I sit here in Virginia Beach at a board meeting, I can’t help but laugh. This process has taken me 14 years—from being in a residential treatment farm in Virginia, supported by someone who believed in me and encouraged me to speak up and speak out, to now being able to share my voice at a system-wide level and help other youth do the same. These opportunities were beyond my imagination when I first walked onto that farm. But because I had people who believed in me, nurtured me, helped me grow, and inspired me to give back, I can say that I’ve gone from farm to (board) table.

How delicious is that?

Kindergarten Readiness: The Social and Emotional Edition by Joy Herrera, Bringing Out the Best Early Childhood Specialist

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

Entering Kindergarten is a time filled with new beginnings, growth, and bonding opportunities, but it is also a time in which your child will begin to navigate emotions, anxieties, relationships, and a world beyond the comfort of home and family. Equally important in the kindergarten journey are the experiences of parents who will share many of the same triumphs and worries that their children do. But fear not! Having a plan will make things much smoother. Here are some key activities to try for social and emotional preparation:

  • Talk about big school. Have conversations about what it will be like, the routine, and the importance of making friends.
  • Encourage independence with tasks such as dressing, using the bathroom, and meals.
  • Practice social skills like turn taking, sharing, and listening to others.
  • Identify and work through emotions. Is your child familiar with a variety of emotions? If not, it’s not too late to begin naming emotions, talking about how they feel, and finding a way to overcome the difficult ones. Reassure your child that it’s normal and okay to feel nervous and excited about school.
  • Read books and stories about starting kindergarten.
  • Visit the school before the beginning of the year. Attend any open houses. Take the opportunity to play on the school playground. Possibly make a book with pictures of the school.
  • Keep a consistent routine, this is crucial during the lead up to school and once the year has begun.

The first day of kindergarten is a monumental occasion often filled with excitement and perhaps a few butterflies in the stomach. To make the first day as smooth and as memorable as possible, consider preparing in these ways:

  • Make the first day special with a comforting routine or ritual.
  • Discuss a goodbye plan so that they understand that you’ll be back to pick them up at the end of the day.
  • Allow your child to take a picture of your family to school. If permitted, let them take a comfort item such as a favorite toy or blanket.

Once the first day of school arrives, you may begin to see some unexpected issues come up. Unfortunately, many children “save up” the raw emotions that they felt during the day.  It is normal for your child to wait to get home before they unleash their feelings. And you, the parent, may receive the backlash of those emotions because our children see home as a safe place to release what has happened during the day. It is our place as parents to provide comfort and advice. Avoid asking questions like “How was your day?”  as soon as you see your child. Rather, talk about how happy you are to be together again. Later in the evening you may ask specific questions such as, “Who did you play with today?”, or “Did you learn something new about your teacher?”.  Children often have a hard time recalling and talking about their day so using these strategies can bridge the communication gap.

It is important to identify what is causing barriers as well as ways that you can help.

Sleep: You can expect your child to be very tired and sleepy the first couple of weeks of school. Allowing extra sleep time, even pushing bedtime up 15-30 minutes can make a positive difference.

Hyperactivity: Your child, maybe for the first time, will be expected to sit at a desk quietly and to be still. Large body movements are being replaced by fine motor activities more often. The result can be mental and physical exhaustion at the end of the day. After school is a great time to encourage your child to run outdoors to expend energy. Giving high protein snacks are great options to offer as well.

Meltdowns: You and your child can expect emotional overload. They may be trying to hold back feelings throughout the long day.  Try using feeling words as you reflect on your child’s feelings. You might say, “it seems like you are tired and frustrated. How can I help you feel better?” You may offer a cool down spot that serves as a safe haven filled with pillows, stuffed animals, and calm choice visuals. Go with your child to this space if they want you to be with them. Model how you would calm down in the area and offer guidance as your child attempts to center themselves. Offer calm down solutions that can be used by both of you. Co-regulation (parent and child using resources to calm and center together), will build trust, bonding, and teach skills.

Lack of self-control: You may notice more boundary-pushing. They may take siblings’ toys or “forget” about household rules. Just as we exercise our muscles to gain physical strength, we can’t forget to exercise the way we go through routines and rules. At home, a cozy spot as mentioned above, will be helpful if they need time away to ‘reset’. Don’t change your rules and expectations. Children need consistency and thrive on routine. Provide a visual schedule, practice following school rules, and find other creative ways to help with the adjustment.

The journey to and through kindergarten can be tough but think of it as an opportunity to broaden your child’s life experiences, bond through learning and mutual respect, and as practice for the years of school life ahead.

 

Knowing By Lived Experience Part II of III: 4 Ways to Love Yourself as a Black Woman with a Mental Health Diagnosis

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

 

For years, I struggled with the notion that I was “less than” because of my bipolar disorder. I felt I would never find true love, accomplish my goals or be able to love myself because of my diagnosis. I saw my symptoms as significant flaws that were holding me back from everything I ever wanted.

After a few years of living in disarray and not working towards my potential, I began soul searching. I realized I could live the life I wanted with my diagnosis—I realized it all started with how I treated myself.

Here are four ways you can love yourself as a black woman with mental health challenges:

  1. Find Your Affirmation

While trying to get to the root of my feelings of inadequacy, I found my faith again. I returned to small concepts I learned as a child in church. During this time, I was dealing with a great deal of anxiety, so I wrote scriptures on sticky notes and stuck them to my mirror. I read them while putting on my makeup every day, sometimes aloud and sometimes silently.

Those scriptures helped me see that for everything I was feeling, God was my remedy. I had to remember I am wonderfully made for a purpose and my diagnosis is not a mistake or a flaw that makes me incomplete, but a piece of who I am that makes me unique and more qualified for my journey. It’s been about two years, and the same scriptures are still there. You can use quotes that affirm or lift you.

  1. Put Yourself First

In dealing with my mental health diagnosis, sometimes I’m not as social. I let phone calls and text messages go unanswered. I’ve been absent from family events. I’ve even put my college degree on hold to get myself back into a positive headspace. It isn’t always easy, but looking back, it’s been worth it. What can you contribute to the ones you love most with your head in the sand? What good is a college degree if you can’t get up in the morning and use it at your job?

In putting myself first, I’ve found the people and things I put on hold were still there when I emerged a better, healthier person. Of course, there has to be an understanding, and they have to be aware of your issues for this to work out, but the people who truly love you always will understand. If things have gotten out of control for you, or you’re busy and not productive, take a step back and don’t be afraid to say no. Try focusing on you and see how things change.

  1. Ask for Help

I fought before asking for help for the longest time. I grew up in a single-parent, only-child household where my mother was superwoman. She handled her job, her child, and her family obligations and went to church every Sunday. She was more than competent in every regard. I watched her build a great life for us, and as I began to battle with my mental health, I felt as though I should have been able to handle it all, as she did.

My sophomore year in college, I broke down and asked for help. I began seeing therapists. It was a hard decision, but one of the best decisions I ever made. The same was true when it came to asking my family for support. It’s still tough, but I push through.

Recently, I called my cousin to chat with her. I told her I was experiencing anxiety. She talked me through the issues that were concerning me, made me laugh, as always, and told me she loved me. Maybe you need a therapist, or perhaps you need just a listening ear, but either way, don’t try to carry it all alone.

  1. Protect Your Peace

As women of color, we often have to fight the stigma within our communities surrounding mental health challenges. There have been times in my mental health journey when people I trusted have given me advice based solely on their opinion or lack of knowledge. It can leave you feeling even more inadequate and questioning what you know to be true for yourself.

For instance, a loved one once told me they didn’t believe I was bipolar. Because I am a very strong person who understands what I’ve gone through, I let the comment go. But for someone who struggles with coming to terms with their diagnosis or challenges, this comment could have been very damaging.

You will cross paths with people who don’t think mental health diagnoses are real or don’t believe in treating mental health conditions with medication, but I am here to tell you that you have to protect your peace by doing what’s best for you. Also, you may have to limit your interactions with people who invalidate your struggle. Protecting your peace includes changing how you deal with people or situations that interfere with your harmony and happiness.

I’ve worked extremely hard to get to a positive space in my life, and I’m sure you have, too. Lately, I’ve found myself ending negative conversations. If I’m talking to someone and they are negative, I stop the conversation or shift to a positive topic. This is not selfish: It’s self-care.

These four practices have empowered me to live unapologetically. They have led me to my purpose and given me the courage to pursue my dreams. I hope these tactics give you the confidence you need to build your own system of loving yourself.

This content was first released on NAMI.org in July 2019.

6 Tips for Promoting Inclusion and Reducing Tokenization of Lived Experience Professionals by Rachael Landau

Written by ncvadm on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

As organizations continue to grow and strengthen their inclusionary practices for lived experience professionals, there are some factors that should be considered by the organizations. Agencies and organizations that employ lived experience professionals should be thoughtful and intentional in their efforts to avoid tokenizing these individuals. Tokenization may occur when an agency appears to be inclusive, however, their organizational practices do not encourage authentic engagement, both in terms of decision-making and providing opportunities for engagement, rather than limiting their involvement. When organizational cultures support and elevate the voices of lived experience, they move closer to inclusionary practices, and they have the power to shape social justice reform at and beyond the agency level. Agencies should be prepared to ensure that these employees are valued, respected, and considered at all levels of decision-making. Here are some tips for promoting inclusion and reducing tokenization of lived experience professionals:

1. Assess for readiness and do some homework: it’s vital that employers understand the complexity and value of lived experience and the ways in which these perspectives can strengthen the mission of the agency.

2. Create opportunities for lived experience professionals to be involved in decision-making: this is especially important in terms of decisions that may potentially impact them directly or the youth and families they work with. Not only should they be included in these efforts, but their voices should be elevated and validated.

3. Collaborate effectively with lived experience professionals: employers need to recognize the valuable perspective that lived experience professionals bring to the organization and create opportunities for authentic allyship and partnership with these team members.

4. Individualize your approach: there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to lived experience, so naturally, there should not be a cookie-cutter approach in supporting these professionals.
5. Avoid minimizing the experiences of others: a person’s experience is just that: THEIR EXPERIENCE. When professionals share their experiences, it is so important that their employers validate and honor what is shared.

6. Empower and identify opportunities for personal and professional growth: lived experience professionals should be provided with opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills, as well as share their knowledge and skills with others.

By promoting the inclusion of lived experience professionals and creating opportunities for their personal and professional growth, everybody wins. Organizations are privileged to employ staff who are willing and able to share their lived experience to impact the lives of others. The perspectives that these professionals bring have the potential to shed light on systemic issues and bridge gaps to promote social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The knowledge and skills that they bring to the table are unique and cannot be learned in a classroom or read about in a book. Therefore, these professionals should continue to be elevated, supported, utilized intentionally, and most importantly, valued.

3 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

The temperature has dropped, the daylight hours have decreased, and for some this means the Winter Blues has set in. This can be overwhelming especially for those battling the physical and mental downside the change in season while supporting those with mental health challenges. Here are three ways to combat the Winter Blues as a lived experience professional:

1. Be Productive. Keeping busy and being productive can aid in fighting the Winter Blues. The sense of accomplishment that comes from productivity releases dopamine, a hormone that plays a role in learning and motivation. Other ways to get dopamine include exercising, reading a book, or spending time in nature. Productivity doesn’t always mean doing something that will add another check to your to-do list such as completing documentation or a training. Sometimes it means doing something that your future self and those that you support will thank you for later, such as spending time with a pet.

2. Sunlight. Sunlight is vital for those fighting the Winter Blues because when there is less sunlight, the body produces less serotonin. A deficit in serotonin can lead to a decrease in mood, sleep, appetite, and memory. Get outside during daylight hours as much as possible. You can do this by taking walks through your neighborhood during your breaks if you work from home, having lunch outside or even meeting with your youth and families outside. A nice change in scenery can do wonders not only for you, but those you support. After all, you are probably not the only one struggling, so bundle up and get outside!

3. Stay connected. During the cold months, it’s easy to want to stay in and sleep and eat more than usual. Do not fall victim to those desires by staying connected to friends, family, and co-workers. One way to stay connected is to keep up with any holiday traditions with friends and family. If you don’t have any, take the time and put forth the effort to create some. If you’ve lost family members in recent years, be intentional about creating new memories with those who are still with you. Staying connected prevents isolation and helps fight the Winter Blues.

Highlights from the Family Partner Workforce

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

This month we’ve focused on defining what we do through a social media explainer video campaign that coincided with Global Peer Support Celebration Day on October 19th. A couple of other examples  of how we make an impact through lived experience come directly from the Family Partner Workforce.

Lydia Aponte-Tucker shared, “I am blessed to have a profession that allows me to help and give in such of meaningful way. I’m dedicated to support, educate and provide resources to parents and caregivers whose child or children are experiencing mental health conditions. I help navigate and facilitate resources available to ensure the best quality of life for my families. My passion for my profession originated after experiencing being a parent of a child with a mental health condition with no support nor knowledge at the beginning of our journey. Realizing that a lot of the challenges and obstacles I went through came from the lack of support, the lack of knowledge and the lack of resource awareness was the force behind me becoming a Family Partner. I am committed to be part of the movement that will take mental health to the next level because we have come far with mental health, but we still have a long way to go.”

“If I never do anything else, this class has helped and validated my experience so much I was just able to speak with a provider calmly assertively and eloquently while highlighting the common ground. We are the change and I believe that with every fiber of my being!,” proclaimed Jessica Page, a Family Partner 101 participant.

If you or someone you know is the caregiver of a youth or young adult who has mental or behavioral health challenges and is interested in learning more about utilizing their experience, please contact our Family Training Coordinator, Frederick Douglas at fmdougla@uncg.edu!

 

 

My Recovery Story & How Others Can Find Help with ATLAS by Ashley Riley

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

Finding addiction treatment shouldn’t be hard. When you decide to change your life, you should feel confident that your treatment facility will support you in your journey, using services backed by research and science. But unfortunately, that isn’t the case for everyone.

I began my recovery journey eight years ago.

At the time, I was facing suspension for my drinking history. Still, the University of Connecticut gave me another chance, as long as I attended a Collegiate Recovery meeting once per week, went to therapy and a harm reduction group, and attended 12-step meetings daily.

Life didn’t magically get better because I stopped using substances. It became increasingly more difficult – at the beginning of my sobriety, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Years after I got sober, I was hospitalized twice and in mental health treatment for one year.

Looking back, I can see that due to untreated mental health issues, I wanted to drink every day in my first year of sobriety. Even after that year, I struggled because I was only being treated for part of the problem – my addiction. Suicidal thoughts plagued me daily until I found the proper medication; not having treatment for my addiction AND mental health could have cost me my life.

If Shatterproof’s Treatment Atlas had been available to me, I’m confident that my journey through treatment would have looked very different.

The website can be used by anyone touched by addiction to search for and compare treatment based on their individual needs. For me, I needed to find treatment for co-occurring disorders. I also needed mental health medication, treatment inclusive of the LGBTQ+ population, and treatment that accepted my insurance – all of which can be found on the Treatment Atlas website, treatmentatlas.org.

This is huge. Not only is Treatment Atlas a resource for those searching for care, but it is also a tool to hold providers accountable – to ensure that the services they offer are helpful, progressive, and backed by science. Treatment Atlas also gives patients like me a voice by providing a space to share their experiences through anonymous feedback surveys.

Treatment Atlas brings a sense of community to the overwhelming journey that is recovery.

I am grateful that I am now a member of the Shatterproof team and get to be a part of helping to guide communities to recovery. For North Carolinians, Treatment Atlas brings a sense of hope – hope that you can find the right treatment program to meet your needs and that you never have to walk this path alone. Although Treatment Atlas wasn’t around to help me during my initial recovery journey, I sincerely hope it can now help you and your loved ones in your time of need. We all deserve confidence in our recovery journeys.

 

Introducing The Guide’s Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals

Written by Kara Lynch on . Posted in The Guide's Guide: A blog for lived experience professionals.

The Guide’s Guide–A blog for lived experience professionals

Hello and welcome to The Guide’s Guide– a blog for lived experience professionals! Here you’ll find posts specifically for individuals who use their lived experience professionally or individuals who would like to learn more about peer support, mental health, behavioral health and how to impact their communities using their lived experience. These posts will come from the NCVA Team or as some say, lived experience experts.

Many people feel that using your lived experience means you’ve mastered some part of your life and for some lived experience professionals that is the case, but the truth is no matter where you find yourself on your journey, you’re still living your lived experience and so are we! Living. Learning. Exploring. For us, using your lived experience simply means supporting someone else on their journey as they face challenges similar to ones you’ve endured. We don’t get to choose how others process their experiences, but we can guide them through it! That’s what the Guide’s Guide is all about–guiding those who guide others and giving them the tools to succeed.

We declare this section of our website a brave space where we acknowledge the challenges that come with using lived experience professionally! We aim to support and empower those who are open to engaging in sometimes difficult yet important issues that surround mental health peer support for the purposes of becoming better lived experience professionals! Whether you are a youth partner, family peer specialist or in training, we hope these posts will add value to your experience and the impact you have on those you serve!

Join the movement by following us on social media and subscribing to our YouTube channel! There’s so much in store!