Crossing Paths: Mental Illness and Caregiving | Mental Health Monday
With Melissa Duncan & Jihan Gabart
Monday, February 7, 2022 @ 11:00 am PST
Crossing Paths: Mental Illness and Caregiving with Melissa Duncan & Jihan Gabart
Our speakers will discuss the facts about mental illness and how it intersects with caregiving. The roles of a caregiver are pivotal in the wellness and health of any person managing/battling mental illness. Jihan and Melissa will share facts about mental health and caregivers assisting people with mental illness and the effect it has on them. They believe their journey is not their own. They will tell their truths to showcase how vital this conversation is and to let others know they are not alone.
During this engaging session of #MentalHealthMonday founders of the non-profit SoMypolar INC, Melissa Duncan & Jihan Gabart will help us learn:
- About the diagnoses of multiple mental health challenges
- How mental health and caregiving intersect
- Why they started their non-profit and the work they wish to do in the world
ABOUT MELISSA DUNCAN & JIHAN GABART
SoMypolar INC consists of Melissa Duncan and Jihan Gabart. They are a nonprofit organization that services the mental health community. Melissa is diagnosed with more than one mental health illness and chose to live a life larger than what society portrays possible. Her diagnosis was given over 10 years ago consisting of Bipolar1, OCD, and schizoaffective disorder. Jihan is currently her caregiver, a role that she was thrown into after witnessing the struggles of her childhood friend. A role unfamiliar for both embarked them on a journey and catapulted them into a movement to fight stigma and shed light on an example of when people love others with mental illness and what it can do.
Somypolar INC has hosted many discussion panels on mental health awareness, mental illness, and the vital role of a caregiver to someone with mental illness. They aren’t just talking about it; they are proof you can thrive no matter the situation.
Jihan Gabart is an Interactive Care Advocate, founder of SoMypolar Inc, and an owner of an IT Consulting Firm. She is on a mission to fight the stigma that affects those with mental illness and spread awareness. Her work in the community came from a place of love when she became Melissa Duncan’s caregiver. A role at the time she was thrown into and didn’t understand, but now wants to use her experience to help others.
Melissa Duncan is a Mental Health Thriver, founder of SoMypolar Inc, and travels the country as an IT Consultant. Melissa’s condition presented at a very young age when she realized she was ‘different’ from her peers. Receiving her diagnosis almost 10 years ago gave her a new voice. No one should have to feel the stigma from mental illness, and no one should be afraid to seek help. Her work in awareness and breaking the stigma is just the beginning of a bigger picture of mental wellness.
CONNECT WITH MELISSA & JIHAN
We believe that when women heal, families heal, and communities do too.
The SHE RECOVERS Foundation Weekly #MentalHealthMonday Educational Series is composed of hour-long, live, recovery-focused educational sessions featuring today’s leaders in women’s wellness, mental health, and addiction recovery.
All #MentalHealthMonday sessions are broadcasted on Facebook and added to our Youtube Channel for future viewing.
With Great Thanks
This series is made possible by Alkermes.
The SHE RECOVERS Foundation was awarded funding in 2021 as part of the Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program to re-launch #MentalHealthMonday in the fall of 2021. This critical grant support will help us to continue delivering our innovative #MentalHealthMonday Educational series and better meet the increasingly diverse needs of our growing community. We are humbled, grateful, and invigorated by this honor.
