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Deconstructing Stigma: Novel Therapy

The following story features Luanne Rice, a 60-year-old novelist and participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life mental health public awareness campaign. “My throat hurt. I was holding back tears and words.” For Luanne, writing is therapeutic. She creates...

Deconstructing Stigma: Therapy Truly Saved My Life

The following story features Ivy, a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental health disorders look like and is...

Depression Robbed Me of My Music, But I Was Stronger Than the Illness

Lisa is a volunteer in Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health, McLean’s national public awareness campaign intended to change the way mental illness is perceived. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with...

Deconstructing Stigma: Finding a Path Toward Recovery

The following story features Joe F. , an author from New York and participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental...

Deconstructing Stigma: We Save Each Other

The following story features Mary S., a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental health conditions look like and...

Video: Patient Story – Wayne

Wayne is a former patient at McLean’s LEADER program which offers substance addiction and trauma care for first responders. Journey to Recovery To help manage the difficulty of his job as a lieutenant at a correctional facility, Wayne would drink for 4-5 hours a day. Drinking wasn’t a pleasure for...

Deconstructing Stigma: Revealing Leads to Healing

The following story features Brandon, a NFL wide receiver, co-founder of PROJECT 375, and participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life mental health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the...

Video: Deconstructing Stigma – Chris

As a participant in McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign, Chris tells his story of his struggle with addiction and how getting the help he needed inspired him to fight stigma by talking openly about his recovery. “I work in the world of sports, where any perceived weakness is judged negatively...

Video: Deconstructing Stigma – Leslie

Leslie Chihuly, CEO of Chihuly Studios, wife of acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly, and a volunteer for McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign, talks openly about her personal experience with mental illness. Read more about Leslie’s story. About Deconstructing Stigma Deconstructing Stigma: Changing...

Video: Deconstructing Stigma – Sean

As a participant in McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign, Sean tells his story of his struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder and how getting the help he needed changed his life. Read more about Sean’s story. About Deconstructing Stigma Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental...

Deconstructing Stigma: Remember to Live in the Moment

The following story features Meghan, a 27-year-old nanny in Massachusetts and participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life mental health public awareness campaign. Learn more at DeconstructingStigma.org. A trip to the local market could send Meg into a severe state...

Living a Healthy Life Without Alcohol

By 5pm, Kathy Stafford’s busy day with the kids was winding down and she would reach for a glass of wine. But as time went on, one glass in the early evening wasn’t enough. “I found myself wanting and having a glass of wine well before 5pm,” says the mother of two whose battle with alcohol lasted...

A Historical Parting: McLean’s Registrar and Historian Retires

On June 30, 2020, Terry Bragg, MSLS, MA, will retire from his position as the director of McLean’s Registrar and Professional Staff Office (RPSO), a position he has held for more than 35 years. Bragg began working at McLean Hospital in November 1981, when he was recruited to establish an...

Great Expectations: One Student’s Road to Success at Pathways Academy

Jeffery Lindeland is a two-sport athlete for Belmont High School who successfully fundraises on behalf of his teams and is reaching academic goals in a grade-level math class. Five years ago, his mother, Joy Anne Moses, did not know any of these things were possible. Diagnosed with a cognitive and...

Deconstructing Stigma: Finding Strength Through Writing

The following story features Vaidehi, a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental illness look like and is...