FOUNDER'S CORNER & BLOG

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 FOUNDER’S PAGE
Faith Bishop is the founder of the M.I.N.D.S for Peace non-profit organization.  Faith started this organization in an effort to raise awareness for the general public and offer solutions to young people dealing with mental illness. Faith's only child, Aris, struggled with the great effects of mental illness. In spite of her disease, Aris remained steadfast in continuing her education at college and trying to live her daily life as normal as possible.     Aris had a love for nature and volunteering, in addition to learning. Aris struggled with getting aproper mental health diagnosis, medicine, and dosages for the prescribed  medicine.  She saw countless doctors and psychologists to help her cope with the disease but, many fell short in their attempts. In 2013, Faith's 19 year old daughter Aris D. Bishop lost her battle with her disease. After the devastating loss of Aris, Faith began to heal by speaking publically about mental illness to any and all who would listen.  Faith took into consideration all the aspects of Aris' struggle with mental illness, including misdiagnosis, trial medications and several doctors and specialist and disappointments. She took this pain and experience and developed the key focus' for her non-profit organization, M.I.N.D.S. for Peace to offer new solutions and directions. She is passionate about helping other young people who are similar to Aris. During her speaking engagements, Faith covers various topics during her presentation, including her own triumphant childhood and survival. However, she feels many, especially teens and young adults, will leave informed and enlightened by her words of encouragement aboutmental health awareness and suicide prevention.  Faith's mission is to ensure that Aris' beautiful spirit will forever live on through M.I.N.D.S for Peace 

 Pain 

 My Journey BlogPainNovember 17, 2017, 2017 at 9:22 AM

You do not get to choose the events that come your way nor the sorrows that interrupt your life. They will likely be a surprise to you, catching you off guard and unprepared. You may hold your head in your hands and lament your weak condition and wonder what you ought to do. To suffer, that is common to all. To suffer and still keep your composure, your faith, and your smile, that is remarkable. Pain will change you more profoundly than success or good fortune. Suffering shapes your perception of life, your values and priorities, and your goals and dreams. Your pain is changing you.”
By David Crosby

 Suicide Prevention ToolkitOctober 19, 2017, 2017 at 12:59 PM

Suicide Prevention Toolkit

Nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide each year. This toolkit offers resources, tips, and other helpful information to help prevent these tragic deaths.

Essential Suicide Prevention Resources:

●        Suicide Prevention Lifeline

●        Suicide Prevention Resource Center

●        National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention

●        Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

The Link Between Drug Addiction and Suicide

Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of suicide, second only to mental health disorders. To prevent suicide in our communities, it’s important to understand this dire connection.

●        Understand what drivesaddiction.

●        Understand what a dual diagnosis is.

●        Get help with a substance abuse disorder.

●        Fight addiction in your community.

5 Ways to Help a Loved One Through Suicidal Thoughts

If someone you love is struggling with addiction, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts, here are a few ways to help:

Encourage Self-care

One of the most challenging aspects of depression for many sufferers is the tendency to neglect self-care. Things like remembering medication, getting out of the house, avoiding addictive substances, and maintaining physical health become daily hardships. Help your loved one by encouraging them to prioritize personal care and recovery processes.

Lend an Ear

Listen, but don’t overreact. Having a nonreactive person to listen to one’s problems or struggles when needed can be a huge help in the recovery process.

Be Present

Depression causes feelings of worthlessness, leaving sufferers believing that others don’t want to spend time with them or that they’re bringing the people around them down. These thoughts can be the cause of social isolation, exacerbating symptoms of depression and increasing the risk of suicide. If a loved one seems down, invite them to a movie or offer to bring them dinner. Spending time with them can help prevent the negative effects of isolation.

Share Your Pets

Some quality time with a loving animal can greatly improve mood. Dogs, in particular, can provide a nurturing presence for people suffering from severe depression, as they can sense human emotion and will work to make the person feel better. Dogs also prompt people to get out of the house for walks and trips to the park. Keeping active is key, and dogs are willing to help.

Help with Daily Chores

When someone is suffering from depression, things that were once manageable can seem impossible. Keeping one’s house clean, for example, is something most people need to feel good. A cluttered home can cause stress or further symptoms of depression. Offer to go over to your loved one’s home to pick up and clean every once in awhile. It can greatly reduce their stress and prevent depression from overwhelming them. This might also be a good time to sweep the home for potential weapons. Ask if you can remove anything that could be used for self-harm.

Tips for Finding a Mental Health Professional

When someone is suffering from suicidal thoughts or a mental health disorder, speaking with a mental health professional can be a big help. Here are a few tips for finding the right therapist or counselor for you (or a loved one):

●        Learn about the different types of therapy.

●        Locate a the mental health professionals in your area.

●        Know what to ask.

●        If money is a concern, look for inexpensive options.

 July 15, 2017, 2017 at 8:44 AM

Suicide Prevention Toolkit

Nearly 45,000 Americans die by suicide each year. This toolkit offers resources, tips, and other helpful information to help prevent these tragic deaths.

Essential Suicide Prevention Resources:

● Suicide Prevention Lifeline

● Suicide Prevention Resource Center

● National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention

● Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

The Link Between Drug Addiction and Suicide

Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of suicide, second only to mental health disorders. To prevent suicide in our communities, it’s important to understand this dire connection.

● Understand what drives addiction.

● Understand what a dual diagnosis is.

● Get help with a substance abuse disorder.

● Fight addiction in your community.

5 Ways to Help a Loved One Through Suicidal Thoughts

If someone you love is struggling with addiction, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts, here are a few ways to help:

Encourage Self-care

One of the most challenging aspects of depression for many sufferers is the tendency to neglect self-care. Things like remembering medication, getting out of the house, avoiding addictive substances, and maintaining physical health become daily hardships. Help your loved one by encouraging them to prioritize personal care and recovery processes.

Lend an Ear

Listen, but don’t overreact. Having a nonreactive person to listen to one’s problems or struggles when needed can be a huge help in the recovery process.

Be Present

Depression causes feelings of worthlessness, leaving sufferers believing that others don’t want to spend time with them or that they’re bringing the people around them down. These thoughts can be the cause of social isolation, exacerbating symptoms of depression and increasing the risk of suicide. If a loved one seems down, invite them to a movie or offer to bring them dinner. Spending time with them can help prevent the negative effects of isolation.

Share Your Pets

Some quality time with a loving animal can greatly improve mood. Dogs, in particular, can provide a nurturing presence for people suffering from severe depression, as they can sense human emotion and will work to make the person feel better. Dogs also prompt people to get out of the house for walks and trips to the park. Keeping active is key, and dogs are willing to help.

Help with Daily Chores

When someone is suffering from depression, things that were once manageable can seem impossible. Keeping one’s house clean, for example, is something most people need to feel good. A cluttered home can cause stress or further symptoms of depression. Offer to go over to your loved one’s home to pick up and clean every once in awhile. It can greatly reduce their stress and prevent depression from overwhelming them. This might also be a good time to sweep the home for potential weapons. Ask if you can remove anything that could be used for self-harm.

Tips for Finding a Mental Health Professional

When someone is suffering from suicidal thoughts or a mental health disorder, speaking with a mental health professional can be a big help. Here are a few tips for finding the right therapist or counselor for you (or a loved one):

● Learn about the different types of therapy.

● Locate a the mental health professionals in your area.

● Know what to ask.

● If money is a concern, look for inexpensive options

 Happy birthday Aris B!

December 17, 2016, 2016 at 2:16 PM

Happy birthday Aris! 

Aris Beezy! My beautiful, sweet, Angel! I LOVE you and miss you more each day! If you weren’t in heaven, you would be 23 years old in this world today. What a special day! When you were here, I always tried my best to show you just what a blessing you were to me. In my 40 years on this planet, I have encountered many people, tons of ladies, and what I can truly say is most are not half the woman you were!!!! REAL talk! Kait verified this when she told me that to this day, she has never met ANYONE on your level!!!!! You were simply amazing! I honor you and your spirit everyday. I am humbled to be able to call you my daughter. You were always kind, loving, patient, perceptive, wise, generous, authentic, knowing, comfy being quiet, sweet, easy to talk to, non-judgemental, open, aware, ride or die, fun, funny, great sense of humor, compassionate, empathetic, and God fearing. You always made me want to do better and be better. Even in your death you helped me. I was in such pain from losing you, that I finally surrendered to God and he saved me!!! Now, I’ve been given salvation and will see you at the pearly gates when it is time for me to join you and MaMa! I was blind, but now I see! Thank you for loving me and accepting me for who I am/was. As my dude the late, great Tupac Shakur would say, “How long will ya mourn me?” Aris, EVERY Motherf*ckin day, homie! Enjoy your birthday baby girl! Big day today!

Love you,
Mom