Chato’s Wife
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Hi! I feel so privileged and honored to be included, however, I am no hero…just an ordinary woman relying on her faith to help her cope with extraordinary family circumstances.

My thoughts, prayers and “respect” go to all True Heroes–those living with the day-to-day, moment-to-moment challenges of chronic illness, pain of any kind and to their caregivers and loved ones!!

I’m thankful for the courageous example of the hero in my life, you know him as Chato Stewart. My husband has been a mentor of mine for 20 plus years now. The lessons he teaches have not always been funny or easy, but necessary for my personal growth as an individual. I am still a work in progress, but hope to reach my full potential some day…

I’ve learned the importance of distinguishing the “real” person from the symptoms of his illness. I’ve learned the value of patience, endurance, forgiveness and compassion when dealing with unexpected, unforeseen chaos. I’ve learned a family can survive many emotional tsunamis with God’s help and with support of true friends. Most of all, I’ve learned LOVE….”bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things….because Love never fails.”

Barry Erdman
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Barry Erdman, LCSW, DCSW, licensed clinical social worker, has provided assessment and practical therapeutic solutions for difficult life problems with adults, couples and families in Boulder, Colorado since 1979.

He specializes in using both conventional and alternative therapeutic modalities for resolving depression, anxiety, grief and loss, medical healing, communication, life transition, abuse, sexual issues and addictive disorders.

“I subscribe to an humanistic/existential framework. What that means is that I like to treat people like human beings first and not categorize people into diagnostic stereotypes. I also seek to meet and understand each unique individual from their perception of their own life experience as they know it.”

Day Lou – Chato’s Sister
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

She has supported me, listened to me when I’ve been balanced and heard me when I needed help; even calling the police once when I was suicidal and saved my life one night back in June of 2004. Yes, this is my sister and my friend. She is also my Mental Health Hero!

She is a mother of 3 living outside Boston. She is a wonderful mother and provider for the family. She reads the Bible daily and is a faithful woman. She is fearless, funny and frankly, fantastic!

My sister is an excellent letter writer, but it’s odd – she doesn’t email me that often, besides sending me cute photos of babies and cats/kittens!  She also comments a lot on my RSS blog feed when she likes a cartoon I drew.

Day was once a black belt karate champion and can cook an awesome veggie lasagna!

Luv ya big sis!

Amy Ebbeson
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

I have the honor and privilege of teaching Mental Health at Worcester State University. It is amazing to me that for many of my students, this is the first time mental health issues have been talked about in an educational setting.

This is real, it affects all of us. I have been teaching the class for over ten years, every semester, and whenever I do, at least a few students disclose their own struggles. Stigma has us believing that mental illness is “those people”- so we better not talk about it, lest we be judged.

It’s not “those people.” It’s me, you, our neighbors and friends. In fact, I don’t know if it is possible to be mentally healthy in American culture where people’s value is attached to their checkbook and their physical attributes.

Stigma and oppression are keeping people from leading the best life they can imagine and we should do everything we can to put a stop to it ! For me, my mental health comes from having a purpose and a loving family – music therapy, pet therapy and being outdoors also top the list.

Lee Horbachewski
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

“You are not alone. You are loved.” Words that Lee Horbachewski lives and breathes, to let others know they are not alone through the journey of depression and anxiety.

Lee’s book, “A Quiet Strong Voice – my journey through depression, anxiety and attempted suicide” is about to be released. This is a tell-all memoir of the dark times she faced in 2004 and how she moved through them, to choose life.

“This book is the book I wish I had when I was in the psychiatric ward. Short, easy to read with larger text and something I could relate to.” Says Lee.

Together with a passionate group of individuals, Lee created with Going Blue 4 U campaign in 2011 that reached across Canada. The campaign was dubbed “the awareness campaign putting a colorful spin on the blues” by the media and got people talking about mental illness in a lighthearted, casual way.

Lee is working hard behind the scenes to create an even better campaign in 2012.