The journey of mental health recovery often goes unnoticed, woven with personal struggles and resilience. It’s with a deep sense of honor that the Mental Health Affairs Blog announces the Giovanna Nuesslein Award. This award is a tribute to those enduring the complexities of mental health recovery, often without sustainable relief or stabilization.
Our Connection to Giovanna: The bond between Giovanna and me began in an unlikely setting — the admission unit of the Greater Binghamton Health Center’s Binghamton State Hospital. Our paths converged at a critical point in our lives; we arrived and were discharged from the hospital simultaneously. This shared experience forged a connection that withstood time and distance, though primarily nurtured through digital communication. Giovanna’s journey, marked by immense struggle, culminated in a heart-wrenching conclusion, reinforcing the necessity for understanding and supporting mental health recovery.
Award Eligibility: The Giovanna Nuesslein Award is open to individuals who:
- Have a diagnosed mental health condition.
- Are actively engaged in mental health treatment.
- Experience ongoing challenges in managing their mental health, regardless of a specific diagnosis.
- Encounter co-morbid health issues impacting their overall well-being.
- Have a story of resilience and perseverance in their mental health journey.
Nomination Process: Anyone can nominate a candidate for the Giovanna Nuesslein Award. You can nominate someone or nominate yourself. To submit a nomination, please email me, J. Peters, at recovery411@gmail.com with “GN AWARD” by October 15th, 2024. The Mental Health Affairs editorial board will select the recipient, who will be announced on December 17th, 2024.
Through the Giovanna Nuesslein Award, we aim to illuminate the often-unseen struggles in mental health recovery. It’s a call to acknowledge the silent battles and to inspire a collective effort to enhance our mental health support systems. Let’s honor Giovanna’s memory by recognizing and supporting those on similar paths.
Call to Action: We encourage our community to participate actively in this initiative. Share this message, discuss the importance of mental health recovery, and nominate someone you believe embodies the spirit of this award. Together, we can significantly impact the lives of those journeying through mental health recovery.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
