National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression

As some of you may know May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Brain and behavior disorders affect one in five people.  Many of you may have had experiences with friends or family that had some form of a mental disorder. For decades these diseases have not received the appropriate amount of attention needed to generate proper funding to conduct the necessary research to develop more effective treatment options. Mental illness is something we often cannot physically see; therefore, it is often dismissed or attributed to some other personality flaw/trait. 

My family, like millions of others, were not aware of the signs, symptoms, and red flags of this mental illness. This disease was able to exist within my immediate family for far too long before we were able to identify that something was wrong. Unfortunately, by the time we did realize it and began exploring treatment options, a great amount of irreparable damage had already occurred. 

I will forever be plagued with questions that cannot be answered. To a certain degree, I will never forgive myself for not realizing the magnitude of the situation developing right beside me.  I lost my brother and best friend to mental illness. It is something I hope none of you will ever have to experience. While I cannot change the past, I hope to help build a brighter future for those who suffer from this disease.

Over the last few years, mental health has finally been getting the recognition it deserves. The new dynamic approaches of treatments offer new hope for people who suffer from a wide variety of mental illnesses. As with any disease as complicated as this, there is still much more research to be done.  

Every May I will help raise awareness and/or funds to donate to a mental health charity.  The Brian and Behavior Research Foundation is a great organization. 100% of their donations go to research grants distributed to the leading scientists around the world.


Thank you for taking some time to read my story and support this great cause!


-Frank Galante

More information about Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Since 1987, we have awarded more than $408 million to fund more than 5,900 grants to more than 4,800 scientists around the world. We are committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

Michael's Story: Through his mid-teens Michael had borne the burden of depression, anxiety, along with a concussion his sophomore year of High School. However, with hard work, unbelievable determination, help from family, friends, and his therapist, he had found his way to not only survive, but to grow and thrive. In the last year or two he had taken huge steps out of being a shy awkward teenager into the young adult every parent wishes for - finding his tribe through his job at Hassett Hardware in downtown Palo Alto, revelling as a student at Cañada College, mastering all the video games he could lay his hands on, or late night drives blasting 70 and 80s classic and punk rock and playing Name That Tune with Mom or Dad. It was a joy to see him enjoying life, blossoming in all dimensions, and building adult connections and interests. Michael's family had never been happier, or seen a brighter future before them. 

Unfortunately, we believe whatever doubts and fears that gripped Michael post-concussion had resurfaced recently. He had complained of having trouble sleeping, and that he was stressed. In May, Michael Ryan Courtney, passed away at the age of 18 by suicide.

Michael's Project: a fundraiser to honor Michael's life and all the lives of those who have been taken from the world too soon because of mental health conditions. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those between 15 and 35. A person dies by suicide every 12 minutes. We are hoping to use our voices and the help of out communities to change those statistics.


Donate: Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Since 1987, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded more than $394 million to fund more than 5,700 grants to more than 4,700 scientists around the world. We are committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

I’m running a marathon!

While I am wholeheartedly excited for the personal challenge, this is not about me. I’m dedicating this run to the people in my life and outside of it who have suffered or are suffering with mental illness directly and/or indirectly. Simply said, its a beast to live with. Acknowledging the strength of those who are or have had to live, cope, and try to recover from mental illness has honestly given me motivation to do my part. While i’ve been fortunate personally, I’ve watched a lot of people in my life struggle, and their acts of perseverance have at points literally moved me to tears.

 

So why am I blabbing about all this?

Candidly, I want to raise a lot of money for a foundation that is helping to contribute to the improvement of the human condition. Specifically, this foundation funds research that looks at advancing the existing treatment, resources, and cures available for people who live with mental illness. By helping them, we are helping our community, and that is something I think we can all get on board with.

 

In closing

I’m running this marathon to inspire you to become more aware, more cognizant and gentle with those around you, and frankly for you to help advance a cause and foundation that I think is well worth giving to. All I ask is that you give if you’re in the position to do so. In both cases I do urge you to check in on those around you and maybe annoy them a little extra with your love! 

 

Info about the foundation

Since 1987, they have awarded more than $408 million to fund over 5,900 grants to more than 4,800 scientists around the world.

They are committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Their operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

As some of you may know May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Brain and behavior disorders affect one in five people. Many of you may have had experiences with friends or family that had some form of a mental disorder. For decades these diseases have not received the appropriate amount of attention needed to generate proper funding to conduct the necessary research to develop more effective treatment options. Mental illness is something we often cannot physically see; therefore, it is often dismissed or attributed to some other personality flaw/trait.


My family, like millions of others, were not aware of the signs, symptoms, and red flags of mental illness. This disease was able to exist within my immediate family for far too long before we were able to identify that something was wrong. Unfortunately, by the time we did realize it and began exploring treatment options, a great amount of irreparable damage had already occurred.


I will forever be plagued with questions that cannot be answered. To a certain degree, I will never forgive myself for not realizing the magnitude of the situation developing right beside me.  I lost my brother and best friend to mental illness. It is something I hope none of you will ever have to experience. While I cannot change the past, I hope to help build a brighter future for those who suffer from this disease.


Over the last few years, mental health has finally been getting the recognition it deserves. The new dynamic approaches of treatments offer new hope for people who suffer from a wide variety of mental illnesses. As with any disease as complicated as this, there is still much more research to be done.  


Every May I will help raise awareness and/or funds to donate to a mental health charity.  The Brian and Behavior Research Foundation is a great organization. 100% of their donations go to research grants distributed to the leading scientists around the world.


Thank you for taking some time to read my story and support this great cause!


Frank

Walk Across Michigan for Mental Health

After battling depression, anxiety, and alcoholism for the past 6 years, I finally started taking my life back into my hands.  I’ve learned that opening up and talking about our stresses and fears can truly help us find our happiness and peace.  I believe a more open dialogue about our mental health struggles will help foster the courage to accept the challenge of change.  I have found that making many small changes to my thoughts and habits has had a huge impact.  One of the biggest changes I’ve made is to my internal dialogue.  It really isn’t fair to have a negative or hateful relationship with ourselves.  I have a wonderful support system of family and friends, but how am I supposed to love and support them in return if I don’t have a loving and supportive relationship with myself?  I’ve found that when I’m loving and patient with myself the hard work of self-improvement becomes a fun challenge and failures become learning lessons that can even be a bit comical if your heart is light and open.


The route I will walk is 310 miles from Marine City (just north of Lake St. Clair along the St Clair River) to Ludington.  I have 15 days, from August 10th to 24th, to walk the route, which is an average of 20.7 miles per day.  I embark on this walk and open myself to the opportunity to strengthen my perseverance and acceptance of my path in life.  I also hope this walk inspires you to continue to develop strategies and habits that work for you.


Sharing my goals of my walk on social media has already started conversations about mental health and I’d like to keep the chatter going!  I would also like to raise money for the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds research on mental health and addiction.  The more we know, the more we can accept and love our journey.  Please consider donating in support.  All money raised will go directly to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.


If you would like to follow my walk or talk to me about your own mental health journey, I am on Instagram @walkingacrossmichigan and on Facebook, Paul Andrew.  More information about the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation can be found on their website, www.bbrfoundation.org.


Tips and strategies I use to improve my mental health:

-Positive affirmations. I am strong. I am patient. I am loving. I am health.

-Paying attention to my internal dialogue and changing the way I talk to myself when it is negative.

-Noticing my “symptoms” of when I become stressed (e.g., increased heart rate, eyes become sensitive to light).

-Treating myself the way I treat my loved ones.

-Remembering even the most unpleasant feelings are temporary.

As some of you may know May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Brain and behavior disorders affect one in five people.  Many of you may have had experiences with friends or family that had some form of a mental disorder. For decades these diseases have not received the appropriate amount of attention needed to generate proper funding to conduct the necessary research to develop more effective treatment options.

 Mental illness is something we often cannot physically see; therefore, it is often dismissed or attributed to some other personality flaw/trait.  My family, like millions of others, were not aware of the signs, symptoms, and red flags of this mental illness. This disease was able to exist within my immediate family for far too long before we were able to identify that something was wrong. Unfortunately, by the time we did realize it and began exploring treatment options, a great amount of irreparable damage had already occurred. 

 I will forever be plagued with questions that cannot be answered. To a certain degree, I will never forgive myself for not realizing the magnitude of the situation developing right beside me.  I lost my brother and best friend to mental illness. It is something I hope none of you will ever have to experience. While I cannot change the past, I hope to help build a brighter future for those who suffer from this disease.

 Over the last few years, mental health has finally been getting the recognition it deserves. The new dynamic approaches of treatments offer new hope for people who suffer from a wide variety of mental illnesses. As with any disease as complicated as this, there is still much more research to be done.  

 Every May for the rest of my life I will help raise awareness and/or funds to donate to a mental health charity.  The Brian and Behavior Research Foundation is a great organization. 100% of their donations go to research grants distributed to the leading scientists around the world.


Thank you for taking some time to read my story and support this great cause!


Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Since 1987, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded more than $394 million to fund more than 5,700 grants to more than 4,700 scientists around the world. We are committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. Our operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.

We as a family are raising funds to further research at the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation to help scientists gain a better understanding of mental health and wellness in honor of our late brother and son, Angad Sraon. 

Angad sadly departed this earth on July 7th, 2018. Since Angad was born 22 years ago, he displayed immense artistic talent and was building a career in the creative arts. He won numerous awards for his many paintings and compositions, some of which were auctioned at a gallery and others displayed at our local Town Hall. He attended the prestigious Pratt University and dreamed to work for Disney to create uplifting films that inspire future generations. He believed in art as an extension to one's emotions and produced deeply reflective pieces that we will forever cherish. 

Angad was a soft-spoken and loving person who brought adventure wherever we were. He loved traveling to tropical destinations for both the adventurous hikes and the relaxing beachside retreats. His humor and wit will never be forgotten. 

We hope you'll join in our efforts to increase funding to researchers who can unravel the mysteries of mental health afflictions and hopefully help young adults from departing too soon.

Let's save more lives.