Vic Armstrong
Vic Armstrong
Keris Myrick - Owning It
Keris Myrick - Owning It
Keris Myrick - Owning It
Thursday 25th April 2024
Keris Myrick shares her journey from schizophrenia diagnosis to mental health advocate, tackling issues like ghost networks and intersectionality.
31 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Vic Armstrong
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Barriers: Keris Myrick's Journey in Mental Health Advocacy
Episode Overview
- Keris Myrick discusses her journey from schizophrenia diagnosis to mental health advocate.
- Explains the issue of 'ghost networks' in insurance and its impact on access to care.
- Highlights the importance of considering intersectionality in mental health services.
- Advocates for community-driven solutions to address mental health disparities.
- Emphasises the role of lived experience in shaping effective advocacy.
"When we speak, we're afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed, but when we are silent, we are still afraid."
In this episode of the Strong Talk Podcast, Vic Armstrong sits down with Keris Myrick, a powerhouse in the mental health advocacy space. Keris, who wears many hats including Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation at Inseparable and host of the podcast Unapologetically Black Unicorn, shares her compelling journey from being diagnosed with schizophrenia to becoming a leading voice in mental health reform. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to equity and justice.
Keris discusses the concept of 'ghost networks' in the insurance world, where providers listed as available are often not actually accessible. This leads to significant barriers in obtaining mental health services, especially for historically marginalised communities. She also tackles the idea of parity in mental health services, pointing out that equal coverage does not always mean equal access, particularly in black and brown communities where resources are scarce.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation is Keris's take on intersectionality. She highlights how people with mental health challenges often face additional hurdles if they also have physical disabilities or belong to marginalised racial groups. Her work aims to bridge these gaps by advocating for policies that consider the full spectrum of an individual's experience. Keris's lived experience deeply informs her advocacy work.
She recounts how her own struggles and triumphs have shaped her approach to creating change. From starting art groups to running a peer support organisation, she has consistently used her personal journey as a tool for broader social impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of mental health advocacy and the importance of inclusive, community-driven solutions.
Keris's insights are not just informative but also incredibly inspiring, offering a roadmap for how we can all contribute to a more equitable mental health landscape. So, if you're looking to be inspired and informed about mental health advocacy, don't miss this episode with Keris Myrick. Her story is a testament to the power of lived experience in driving meaningful change.