Reduce The Stigma

Empowering Careers by Reducing Stigma in the Workplace

Learn how reducing stigma in the workplace can empower individuals to pursue fulfilling careers and create a recovery-friendly environment. Find out how second chances and support can lead to success in the workplace.On this episode of Reduce The Stigma, Kevin Hyer, CEO of the Hyer Calling Foundation, shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery and how it led him to establish the foundation. The Hyer Calling Foundation aims to reduce the stigma of substance use disorder in the workplace and help individuals in recovery secure and maintain long-term employment. They provide a range of services, including job placement assistance, mentoring programs, expungement support, and career counseling. The foundation emphasizes the unique strengths and qualities that individuals in recovery bring to the workplace, such as hard work, self-awareness, humility, gratitude, and perseverance. They also highlight the importance of creating a safe and supportive workplace environment for individuals in recovery and offer suggestions for employers to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.Takeaways🗄️The Hyer Calling Foundation works to reduce the stigma of substance use disorder in the workplace and help individuals in recovery secure and maintain long-term employment.💪 Individuals in recovery bring unique strengths and qualities to the workplace, such as hard work, self-awareness, humility, gratitude, and perseverance.💡Creating a safe and supportive workplace environment is crucial for individuals in recovery to sustain their recovery and be successful professionally.📗 Employers can support recovery by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, training staff on addiction and recovery, and providing resources and support for employees in need. Visit www.hyercalling.org to learn more.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Kevin's Background01:26 Hyer Calling Foundation's Mission and Services04:05 Challenges and Stigma in Recovery 07:00 Supporting Recovery in the Workplace10:23 Importance of Second Chances and Success Stories24:01 How to Support and Connect with Hyer CallingFull episode transcript: https://reducethestigma.com/breaking-stigmas-building-careers-kevin-hyer/#recoveryfriendlyworkplace #employmentinrecovery #recoverytalk #recovery

Your Struggles Don’t Define You

In this video, we discuss how your struggles don't define you. Whether you're dealing with mental health issues, addiction, or other challenges, remember that there is always hope for recovery.In this episode of Reduce The Stigma, Matthew Thompson, a peer support specialist and community health worker in South Dakora, shares his journey of trauma, mental health, and substance use disorder. He discusses how he turned his struggles into advocacy and became a peer specialist to help others. Matthew emphasizes the importance of peer support, where individuals with lived experience can relate and provide non-judgmental support. He challenges stigma and encourages those struggling to reach out for help.Work with Matthew: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/469Takeaways🤝 Peer support is valuable for individuals struggling with trauma, mental health issues, and substance use disorder.🗣️ Being open, honest, and non-judgmental are key qualities of a peer support specialist.🥊 Challenging stigma and providing a safe space for individuals to share their struggles is crucial.🚨 Reaching out for help and connecting with others who care can make a significant difference in someone's life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:08 Matthew's Journey and Military Experience05:00 Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Use09:00 Role and Importance of Peer Support12:08 Personal Style and Approach as a Peer Specialist18:33 Final Thoughts and Message to Those StrugglingFull transcript of the episode: https://reducethestigma.com/meet-the-peer-matthew-thompson/#militarymentalhealth #veteranstories #recoveryjourney #hopewarrior

Secrets to Success: Hard Work & Self-Love

Discover the secrets to success with hard work and self-love. In this video, we'll explore the importance of self-care, accountability, and peer support on the journey to success and recovery.In this episode of Reduce The Stigma - Meet the Peer, host Whitney Menarcheck interviews Rodney Hough, a certified peer specialist in New York. Rodney shares his journey and lived experience with substance use, incarceration, and recovery. He discusses the importance of accountability and hard work as well as the necessity of loving yourself first. Rodney also discusses his additional training and certifications. The episode concludes with words of encouragement for those going through a hard time.Work with Rodney: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/522Takeaways:- Self-care is essential for personal growth and the ability to support others.- Gratitude and recognizing one's own accomplishments are important for mental well-being.- Becoming a peer specialist allows individuals to use their personal experiences to help others.- Challenging stigma is crucial in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.- Words of encouragement can make a significant impact on someone going through a difficult time.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Rodney's Background03:56 Life in Addiction and Incarceration12:24 Turning Point and Path to Recovery19:56 Role as a Peer Specialist29:36 Message to Those Struggling with AddictionFull transcript for this episode: https://reducethestigma.com/meet-the-peer-rodney-hough-certified-peer-specialist/

Empowering Survivors: A Conversation with River City Center | Anna Meredith | Reduce The Stigma

Join host Whitney Menarcheck in an eye-opening conversation with Anna Meredith, the education and survivor services supervisor at River City Domestic Violence Center in Yankton, South Dakota. Discover the vital role that River City plays in helping individuals fleeing domestic violence and offering resources to break the cycle. Gain insights into the services provided, such as the 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, legal support, and community connections. Learn valuable tips on recognizing signs of power and control, how to be an active bystander, and the importance of prevention in building healthier relationships. Don't miss this informative discussion on raising awareness and supporting survivors on their journey to recovery.

The Lived Experience of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder | Amanda Bosley | Reduce The Stigma

Amanda Bosley shares her journey of recovery from opioid use disorder and her path to becoming a peer specialist. A certified peer specialist in Ohio, Amanda emphasizes the importance of peer support in providing hope and inspiration to others in recovery. She focuses on supporting individuals in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and challenges the stigma surrounding it. She also highlights the need for peers to meet individuals where they are and support their unique paths to recovery. Amanda encourages self-care and finding small ways to build momentum in overcoming struggles.🤝 Peer support brings hope and inspiration to those on their journey to recovery.💊 Supporting individuals in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is key to breaking stigma and fostering effective recovery.👥 Peers meet individuals where they are, championing their unique paths to healing.💪 Self-care and small steps towards self-improvement are game-changers in overcoming life's struggles.Go to https://amandabosley.peerspecialist.us/

Crushing Mental Health Stigma

In this video, we're talking about crushing mental health stigma. Hear from a peer support specialist and recovery coach about their experiences and insights. Let's break down the barriers together!Christma Rusch, a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Recovery Coach in Wisconsin, shares her lived experience, including growing up in a challenging environment and her own struggles with mentalhealth and substance use disorder. She discusses the importance of empowering individuals through peer support and creating safe spaces for healing. Christma also talks about her latest venture, Crusched Smash and Art Studio, which aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. The conversation highlights the need to challenge stigma and celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals living with mental health and substance use needs.Work with Christma: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/506CRusched Smash and Art Studio: crusched.com Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care (straightupcare.com), the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Christma's Background01:11 Early Life Challenges and Impact06:25 Substance Use and Mental Health Journey07:40 Spiritual Trauma and Systematic Issues11:02 Becoming a Peer Specialist and Recovery Coach17:41 New Adventures and Reducing StigmaFull episode transcript: https://reducethestigma.com/crushing-mental-health-stigma-and-empowering-through-experience/#mentalhealth #empowerment #inspiration #mentalhealthrecovery

Resilience, Advocacy & Peer Support | Jennifer Lazarus | Reduce The Stigma

Join us as we sit down with Jennifer Lazarus, a certified peer support specialist with a wealth of lived experience in navigating mental health challenges. From her journey of resilience to her dedication to empowering others, Jennifer's story is one of courage, compassion, and hope.In this insightful conversation, Jennifer shares her personal journey, discussing her diagnoses, her path to becoming a peer support specialist, and the importance of advocacy in mental health care. She sheds light on non-traditional addictions like shopping and sugar, challenging misconceptions and advocating for inclusivity.Tune in to learn about the transformative power of peer support, the significance of person-first language, and the importance of reaching out for help. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or seeking to support others, this interview is filled with inspiration and valuable insights.Schedule a peer support session with Jennifer: https://jenniferlazarus.peerspecialist.us/Join the conversation and let's break down stigmas together! 💬 #mentalhealthawareness #peersupport #endthestigma #advocacy #empowerment #realstories #hope #recoveryjourney #reducethestigma

One Woman’s Story of Overcoming Abuse & Supporting Others | Sam Mason | Reduce The Stigma

Talk to Sam: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/5411133Sam Mason, a peer support specialist based in South Dakota, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and healing. Hosted by Whitney Menarcheck, this conversation delves into Sam's lived experiences as both a survivor of unhealthy relationships and a supportive loved one of individuals battling substance use disorder.Sam opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in abusive environments, which shaped her perceptions and behaviors in relationships. She discusses the complexities of supporting her partner through substance misuse while navigating the impact on her family dynamics.Throughout the interview, Sam sheds light on the vital role of peer support in mental health and addiction recovery. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, validation, and non-judgmental support in overcoming stigma and fostering healing.From addressing misconceptions about self-harm to advocating for understanding and acceptance, Sam shares valuable insights and offers a message of hope to those facing similar struggles. Her story serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their journey toward recovery and that peer support can provide the understanding and connection needed to thrive.#survivor #domesticviolenceawareness #peersupport #peersupportspecialist

Insights on ADD Medication and Personal Development | R.L. Kramer | Reduce The Stigma

Join Whitney Menarcheck in a thought-provoking conversation with RL Kramer, author of "Hocus Focus: Coming of Age with ADD and its Medications," as they explore the impact of ADD medication on personal development. From childhood diagnoses to adult reflections, Kramer shares his journey of withdrawal, self-discovery, and the complexities of living with ADD. Gain new perspectives on medication, coping skills, and reducing stigma in this enlightening discussion.#add #adhd #adhdmedication

Embracing Joy in Recovery: It’s Possible and Okay to Have Fun | Ken Dunn | Reduce The Stigma

Joy and the recovery journey aren’t usually synonymous, but if Ken Dunn, Chief Joy Facilitator has his way, that won’t be the case for much longer. With an emphasis on the importance of joy and play when pursuing a goal, learning something new, or taking on a challenge, he delivers a message of hope and inspiration. Sharing his lived experience with substance use, work, and video game addiction, Ken discusses the importance of mindfulness and acceptance. Additionally, Ken encourages everyone to design their own recovery pathway – finding what works for them and knowing that their recovery is truly theirs.Connect with Ken: https://straightupcare.org/consultant-profile/515Reduce The Stigma is sponsored by Straight Up Care (straightupcare.com), the telehealth platform empowering lived experience. If you're in need of support, check out Straight Up Care - where shared lived experience powers recovery.#joy #alcohol #recoveryispossible