Changing the Stigma of Mental Health & Addiction | Erika Ball | TEDxPaloAltoCollege

Summary

Erica Ball, a first-generation Paraguayan-American, shares her personal journey from addiction to recovery. After struggling with substance use disorder, she found healing through sobriety and became an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. Together with her husband, she founded a non-profit, 'We Are Those People,' to change the narrative around addiction and raise awareness. Through storytelling, the organization empowers others in recovery and educates communities on the importance of compassion and access to mental health resources. Erica's story highlights the transformative power of recovery and the urgent need for systemic change in addiction treatment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Erica Ball is a first-generation Paraguayan-American who struggled with substance use disorder but found recovery and purpose through her journey.
• 😀 Her turning point came in 2009 when she was handcuffed and taken to a psychiatric hospital after calling a suicide hotline, but she received inadequate care.
• 😀 Erica’s sobriety date is October 3, 2015, marking the day she committed to a drug- and alcohol-free life, which led to her career as a drug and alcohol counselor.
• 😀 Alongside her husband, Frank, Erica co-founded 'We Are Those People,' a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the narrative around addiction recovery, mental health, and suicide prevention.
• 😀 The non-profit uses photos and film to raise awareness and spread hope, focusing on the humanity and creative talents of those in recovery.
• 😀 Addiction is a treatable chronic disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment, and personal experiences.
• 😀 Despite the high prevalence of substance use disorder, only 10% of those affected receive proper treatment, with many facing barriers like inadequate insurance or lack of long-term care.
• 😀 Erica emphasizes that addiction does not discriminate, affecting people of all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses, including her own family.
• 😀 Through their advocacy, 'We Are Those People' has created a platform for people in recovery to share their stories, which helps others connect and find inspiration.
• 😀 Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging, teaching, and inspiring change. It helps people listen, connect, and validate each other’s experiences.
• 😀 Erica urges everyone to share their stories of recovery, be compassionate toward those affected by addiction, and normalize mental health care to prevent crises like suicide.

Q & A

What was Erica Ball's childhood like?

Erica Ball grew up in a Paraguayan-American household. She spoke Spanish before English and attended Catholic school from kindergarten to third grade. From a young age, she was a hypersensitive child, which shaped her emotional responses and coping mechanisms.

How did Erica Ball first get involved with addiction recovery?

Erica's personal experience with addiction led her to recovery. In 2009, after struggling with substance use and mental health issues, she was sent to a psychiatric hospital after calling a suicide hotline. Her recovery journey began after this traumatic experience, and she achieved sobriety on October 3, 2015.

What challenges did Erica face in the medical system during her crisis?

Erica faced significant challenges when seeking help. After being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, she was treated like a criminal and was discharged the same day with no aftercare plan. This experience highlighted the lack of proper support systems for people in crisis.

How has Erica's life changed since achieving sobriety?

Since achieving sobriety, Erica has graduated with a bachelor's degree in human services, become a drug and alcohol counselor, and met her husband, Frank, who is also in recovery. Together, they founded *We Are Those People*, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the narrative around addiction recovery and mental health.

What is the mission of the nonprofit *We Are Those People*?

The mission of *We Are Those People* is to advocate for change, spread hope, and raise awareness about addiction recovery, mental health, and suicide prevention. They use storytelling through photos and film to emphasize the positive aspects of recovery, highlighting the humanity and accomplishments of individuals in recovery.

How does *We Are Those People* raise awareness and advocate for change?

The nonprofit shares stories of individuals in recovery, emphasizing all pathways to recovery. By providing a platform for people to share their experiences, they create a space for healing, connection, and education. They also engage in conversations around addiction and mental health to encourage societal change.

What role does storytelling play in addiction recovery according to Erica?

Storytelling is crucial for teaching, engaging, and inspiring others. It allows people to connect, validate each other’s experiences, and break the silence surrounding addiction and mental health. Storytelling has a therapeutic effect, releasing chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin that foster empathy and understanding.

How did the nonprofit's platform grow during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, *We Are Those People* saw significant growth. As people struggled with isolation and stress, the nonprofit received messages from individuals around the world, including a paramedic in Louisiana and a person in recovery in Australia, showing how powerful the shared stories were in providing support and inspiration.

What does Erica Ball encourage people in recovery to do?

Erica encourages people in recovery to share their stories and reach out for help. She advocates for open-mindedness, compassion, and the normalization of mental health conversations. She also urges individuals to support one another and break the silence on addiction and mental health issues.

What key message does Erica want to convey to people affected by addiction or mental health issues?

Erica's key message is that no one should suffer in silence. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help, sharing experiences, and extending compassion to others. She calls for a societal shift to normalize mental health care, ensuring that everyone has access to proper treatment before reaching a crisis point.