S7E163 Speaking UP About a Mental Health Crisis: Confronting Stigma and Seeking Safety with Pamela R. O’Neill

Speaking UP About a Mental Health Crisis: Confronting Stigma and Seeking Safety with Pamela R. O’Neill

Join the riveting conversation with Pamela R. O'Neill, a dedicated youth and family counselor with a story of adversity and advocacy for mental health. Pamela lays bare her soul, recounting her upbringing in a religious family, the profound impact of her uncle's schizophrenia on her mother that served as an example for her first career choice, and her own tribulations during the 2020 pandemic.

The chilling account of her colleague's murder by a mental health patient casts a somber shadow, exposing the stark realities and inherent dangers that mental health professionals encounter daily when working in a residence. The episode is an eye-opener on the dire need for systemic change, emphasizing the significance of speaking up about mental health stigma and advocating for safer work environments.

As we traverse Pamela's journey, she shares the therapeutic release she found in penning her book, "Speaking Up About Mental Health," during the isolating times of the pandemic immediately after the death of her colleague.

The importance of self-advocacy and safety in the face of organizational silence and some strategies to harness mental health crises are laid out with clarity and compassion by Pamela during this episode.

Pamela R. O'Neill speak up for her story to serve as a beacon for those navigating the daily ups and downs of mental health, both personally and professionally. Her courage to voice the often-unspoken truths shows the power of empathy and the critical need for solidarity and safety among those at the forefront of mental health care.

 

Pamela's introductory bio

Pamela O'Neill is a former journalist and social worker who has dealt with mental health issues both personally and professionally. Through her calling as a mental health coach, she facilitates open communication about mental health and is building a community that will work together to end its stigma. She will guide you in the discovery of your courage to speak up about any issue you feel afraid, anxious, or unclear about addressing. Pamela believes in each person's ability to regain their confidence, be healthy, and thrive. While at home in Canada, she hopes to reach a global audience with her service.

Connect with Pamela

on her website: www.pamelaroneill.com

by email: info@pamelaroneill.com

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakingUPaboutmentalhealth/ 

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakingupaboutmentalhealth 

on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelao1

 

 

Do you care about getting featured and published on Real Talk Real Women Breaking The Silence Around Abuse, alongside Pamela R. O'Neill and our other wonderful inspiring guest speakers?

Apply here: https://apply.realtalk-realwomen.com

 

Here are a few keywords to help you find this episode faster: Mental Health, Mental Illness, Workplace Safety, Trauma, Advocacy, Stigma, Empathy, Writing, Isolation, Community, Speaking Up, Systemic Issues, Protocols, Crisis Management, Social Workers, Support, Counseling, Pandemic, Violence