92. Living with Mental Illness: Real Life, Real Policy, Real Peer Support

Today’s episode takes a raw and relatable look at what it means to live with mental illness—and why peer support is more than just a feel-good idea. We’re joined by Josh, a certified peer support specialist, NAMI program leader, and unapologetic gamer navigating home ownership (with the help of a clueless cat). From personal experience to public policy, Josh shares how his journey shapes the work he does across Iowa. We dive into national mental health statistics, explore the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system, and unpack what it would take to truly center lived experience in the systems meant to serve. Come for the driveway-gravel woes, stay for the conversation that might just change how you see peer support.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover how NAMI provider training enhances support for reentry programs.Explore the invaluable benefits of peer support in improving behavioral health.Uncover the unique challenges of mental health care within incarceration facilities.Learn about the pivotal role peers play in driving criminal justice reform.Understand the significant impact of peer support specialists on reentry success.The key moments in this episode are:00:04:26 - Josh Hubbell’s Introduction to NAMI00:08:05 - Challenges in Mental Health Education in Corrections00:10:56 - Gaps in Reentering the Community00:12:19 - Speaking to Law Enforcement and Mental Health Advocacy00:12:39 - NAMI's Training Component with Law Enforcement Academy00:14:18 - Treatment Options in Prisons00:16:20 - Overrepresentation of Mental Illness in Criminal Justice Settings00:20:33 - Utilizing Peers in Mental Health Support00:24:43 - Employment Barriers for Felons00:25:11 - Stigma and Labels00:31:25 - Addressing Policy Issues00:34:42 - Self-Care and Advocacy00:36:52 - The Importance of Unity Links: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4182175/#:~:text=Introduction,health%2C%20and%20social%20services%20intersect.Connect with us: https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartnershttps://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartnersWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jPggZkuPxSU