MY House Matsu
MY House Matsu
Diagnonsense Ep. 1: The Wonderful World of Justin Pendergrass
Diagnonsense Ep. 1: The Wonderful World of Justin Pendergrass
Diagnonsense Ep. 1: The Wonderful World of Justin Pendergrass
Friday 25th February 2022
Justin Pendergrass and Kurt Konak discuss peer support, suicide prevention, and the power of non-judgmental spaces in Diagnonsense Ep. 1.
Explicit
37 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
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Author:
MY House Matsu
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Diagnonsense Ep. 1: Justin Pendergrass' Journey in Peer Support and Suicide Prevention
My job isn't to help you, you know, change your mind and wanting to end your life. Right, I can show you what I've done, but mine was different, right, it's got to be different because it's mine, and I'm happy to sit with people and talk through that process and and allow them to vent and say things that you know.
Ever wondered how personal experiences can shape someone’s career in mental health support? In the debut episode of Diagnonsense, Justin Pendergrass and Kurt Konak open up about their unique paths and their impactful work at MY House in Wasilla, Alaska. Justin shares his deeply personal story, from battling his own mental health issues and addiction to becoming a peer support specialist.
His journey is a testament to the power of lived experience in providing genuine support to others facing similar struggles. The episode dives into the nuances of peer support and the importance of creating non-judgmental spaces for those in need. Justin's approach to suicide prevention is particularly compelling; he focuses on offering a safe environment for individuals to express their feelings rather than trying to change their minds.
This perspective underscores the value of empathy and understanding in mental health care. Kurt and Justin also discuss the quirky aspects of life in Palmer, Alaska, a town that tries to capture the essence of Middle America. Their conversation touches on the unique challenges of working in a small community, including dealing with homelessness and addiction.
Music therapy emerges as a significant theme, with Justin highlighting how music helped him process his emotions and connect with others during his toughest times. This episode is not just informative but also deeply moving, offering listeners a raw and honest look at the realities of mental health support work. Tune in to hear Justin and Kurt's candid discussion about their experiences and the vital role of peer support in suicide prevention.