Welcome to another edition of sibling stories with Alana Ezderman, where we shed light on the personal experiences of siblings of loved ones with mental illness. My interviewee, Pran, was struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed. His brother had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and he found himself constantly trying to find solutions for his brother and parents. Pran had grown up in a tight-knit family and was close with his brother. His parents had created their thriving life from scratch after fleeing war-torn Sri Lanka decades ago. For Pran, they were the model of unlimited strength and resilience, and he strived to emulate that bounce-back mentality in his own life. Here’s Pran’s story…

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Sibling Stories with Alana Ezderman -Pran

Growing up with a sibling with mental issues means homelife is consistently tumultuous. Many children try to help their siblings- while also creating an armor of self-protection that shields them from pain, but prevents them from sharing their true selves. My interviewee, Bennie, stepped in to get her brother the care and correct direct diagnoses when his symptoms worsened to a point of crisis, setting him on a course of recovery. Now, Bennie is beginning the journey of removing her armor to reveal the greatest version of herself.

Sibling Stories with Alana Ezderman – Bennie

NAMI NYC Staten Island presents an informational webinar, recorded May 4th, 2021 for Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as May is Mental Health Month. Panelists include Dr. Adam Smith and Dr. Eli Shalenberg of Richmond Behavioral Associates. Ken Cybulska, Christine, and Annie share their stories of living with symptoms of TD.

Tardive Dyskinesia Webinar

Welcome to Sibling Stories with Alana Ezderman, featuring interviews with siblings of a loved one with mental illness to foster hope, resilience, and community support. This podcast is for all of those siblings out there who need a voice- either a voice to listen to, or a voice to speak.  When the brother of my first interviewee started showing symptoms, Tatiana stepped into the role of caretaker at just 28.  Her story is that of unending courage, resilience, and support.  Tatiana is an excellent example of both self-care and perseverance.  Here’s Tatiana’s story.  

Sibling Stories with Alana Ezderman

David and his mother Paulette share their journey with mental illness, starting when David first had symptoms of schizophrenia. David and Paulette are both experienced program facilitators with NAMI NYC Staten Island, helping countless others in their paths to recovery and living well with mental illness.

David and Paulette

This podcast is the follow-up to the episode recorded with NYC police officer Michael Balioni. In this episode, Michael’s wife, Nicole, bravely recounts her own story. She describes her struggle with substance abuse, the impact it had on her family, and her subsequent recovery. Since then, Nicole and her husband have become advocates for others living with similar struggles, networking with local groups and leaders in the recovery movement.

Nicole’s Story

Kyle is a young college student who has already dedicated himself to helping others. He is pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling. Kyle candidly shares personal experiences and traumas, so please keep that in mind before listening.

Kyle’s Story

Michael Balioni is a NYC police officer who shares his story of personal struggle and growth after his wife developed a severe opiate addiction following a motorcycle accident. Michael has collaborated with the office of Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to help spread the word about prevention and coping with addictions and co-occurring mental illness. https://sihope.org Developed by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Staten Islanders now have a place to turn. http://sobrietywalk.com/ Learn more about the Sobriety Walk, happening November 2019, check out Instagram @sobrietywalk or email michael@sobrietywalk.com .

Michael B

For this episode,  Alana shares her lived experience and empowerment through positive psychology. She is an active member of NAMI and shares her time helping others. Alana completed a program at The Flourishing Center.  https://theflourishingcenter.com

Alana’s Story

Another collaborative effort with Five Flags Company Inc, Elliott shares about his addiction and recovery. https://www.aa.org/

Elliott’s Story

Another collaborative effort with Five Flags Company Inc, this brief but poignant episode features Bernadette, who shares about her addiction and recovery. https://www.aa.org/

Bernadette’s Story

This is another collaborative project between NAMI NYC Staten Island and Five Flags Company, Inc. Five Flags Company works to promote financial empowerment for those who are less fortunate on Staten Island and beyond. Drug addictions are prevalent issues, particularly on Staten Island. By sharing experiences of those living with addictions, their loved ones, and clinicians, we hope to offer insights and tools for coping with the ravages of addiction. Moreover, we want to get the word out to young people at risk. This is Michael's Story.

Michael’s Story

A message about drug abuse from Marjorie Pugliese, Ph.D., educator and Executive Director of Five Flags Company, Inc.

Marjorie Pugliese, PhD

Catherine is a full-time college student who has been living with anxiety and depression for the past six years. She also documents her story on an Instagram blog titled @positivelycat. She is working with NAMI to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Catherine’s Story

Chris shares his experience as a parent of a child living with addiction. He shares insights that offer strength and hope for others. https://www.nar-anon.org/ This episode is the first collaborative project between NAMI NYC Staten Island and Five Flags Company, Inc. https://www.makeusjobs.com . Five Flags Company works to promote financial empowerment for those who are less fortunate on Staten Island and beyond. Together, we recognize the primary need for health and wellness. Drug addictions are prevalent issues, particularly on Staten Island. By sharing experiences of those living with addictions, their loved ones, and clinicians, we hope to offer insights and tools for coping with the ravages of addiction. Moreover, we want to get the word out to young people at risk for substance abuse.

Chris’ Story

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