Today we’d like to introduce you to Quentin Monden. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A preacher’s son, Quentin grew up in a home where mental health was never discussed. In college, his world sank into darkness, and he spent more and more time alone in his dorm. Since then – thanks to grit and determination – he has transformed his pain into a platform for conversation, success, and health. Today he talks to law enforcement, young adults, and families about his depression, anxiety, and life after diagnosis. A member of the NAMI Ohio Board of Directors, Quentin serves as the Peer Leadership Representative to NAMI’s National Peer Leadership Council. He is also a gifted state trainer for the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Program and a certified practitioner of Profit from the Positive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I began my journey into mental health advocacy as a member of a local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Connections Recovery Support Group in 2013. Prior to that, I was diagnosed with Clinical depression and anxiety in 2007. I left college on a medical withdrawal twice. I lived on the east coast trying to manage college, work, and my diagnosis. Eventually, I moved back in with my parents and my younger brother. My family was not supportive and made my recovery process challenging. It took me time and work to figure out what my next move would be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My time is currently divided between being a peer support group facilitator/trainer for others with mental health conditions and sitting on the NAMI Ohio Board of Directors and NAMI National’s Peer Leadership Council. I’m also a certified practitioner of Profit from the Positive. An alumnus of the first cohort of the Sibling Transformation Project (STP) and then joined the Organizing Committee. I serve on the communications committee and manage social media. I’m a graduate of Coaching for Healing Justice and Liberation and a part of STP’s coaching team.
I recently accepted the position of Program Director for NAMI Delaware & Morrow Counties.
I’m most proud of a young man entering college in the Fall of 2015. He was a winner of the Gates Millenium Scholarship, which covers his full cost of attendance for his undergraduate degree, including books, travel, and personal expense allowance. His parents were bipolar (mom) and alcoholic (Dad). He was hospitalized in January for severe depression with psychosis. His diagnosis has morphed between bipolar and schizo affective disorder. He was re-hospitalized after contact with his parents caused him to stop taking his meds, leading to another psychotic episode.
4 years later he graduated from college in May 2019 with the highest honors. He enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the field of neuroscience and was doing very well.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
A few of the most pressing issues in Ohio are the post-COVID-19 mental health challenges youth and adults have been facing. Challenges such as social anxiety, depression, and isolation have made it challenging to move forward in life 2 years later. The other issue is the need for hybrid resources such as telehealth. Platforms such as Zoom made it possible for people to stay connected and join support groups. The option to join virtually has allowed people the ability to receive support when meeting in person was once a barrier for some.
The other lessons were reminders of how vulnerable some populations are in our country and community. The Covid-19 Crisis just highlighted the situations of low-income, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Women. The damaging effects of White Supremacy and Capitalism.
Pricing:
- NAMI Support Groups/Classes – $0
- 1:1 Coaching with me – $150 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookme.name/quentinmonden
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quent_monden/
- Other: https://wiseintro.co/quentinmonden
