Dr. Douglas Engelman: Tackling Mental Health Stigma and Family Support
I'm not saying I'm right about everything I'm saying, but I think I'm onto something when I talk about the complexities of how society imposes this paradigm on us and it affects the way people react to it, not only from the standpoint of the individual who's feeling some kind of, you know- mental health struggle, but also how people view that struggle from the outside, and it's all one big spectrum.
Imagine being a parent and discovering your child has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Dr. Douglas Engelman, President of NAMI Wilmington and a Medical Sociologist, knows this reality all too well. In this heartfelt episode of 'Transition Points', he opens up about his journey and the challenges families face when navigating the complex world of mental health. Dr.
Engelman doesn't just talk theory; he brings personal experience to the table, sharing how his son's schizophrenia diagnosis spurred him to focus on family support. He dives into the importance of NAMI's Family-to-Family program, emphasizing how crucial it is for families to have a solid support system. You'll find his insights on breaking down societal stigma and pressures particularly eye-opening. The conversation also touches on Dr. Engelman's collaboration with universities and social work programs to improve mental health education.
His vision to create a bridge between NAMI Wilmington and the University of North Carolina aims to foster greater community support and understanding. This episode isn't just about the challenges—it's about hope, resilience, and the power of community. Dr. Engelman's dedication to improving mental health and his practical advice for families make this a must-listen for anyone affected by mental illness. Tune in to hear how one man's mission is making a difference, one family at a time.