Shownotes Transcript
Doncha McDonald shares how Morningstar's unique peer-led approach transforms lives by creating power balance among those with mental illness. Through her personal journey with schizoaffective disorder, she reveals how finding purpose through community support was more healing than medication alone.
• Morningstar's "secret sauce" is that everyone who works there has lived experience with mental illness
• Doncha struggled with delusions for years, including symptoms of anosognosia—the inability to recognize one's own illness
• Depression was more painful and dangerous than delusions for Doncha
• Connecting with others at Morningstar who had mental illness helped her develop self-love and purpose
• EMDR therapy has helped address underlying trauma behind depression
• Morningstar offers free daily groups and activities at their location by Goodwill on East Poyntz
• Success stories include individuals moving from homelessness and addiction to stable housing and family reunification
Visit morningstarmentalhealth.org to learn more or arrange for Doncha and Richard to speak at your organization about mental health.