Dr. John Grohol
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

I had the privilege to meet Dr. John M. Grohol, Psy.D. at the Alternatives Conference in Orlando this past winter.  It was the first time we actually talked in person, although we have communicated via e-mail since 2008.

I can truly tell you that he is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met – and I’m not just saying that cause he’s my boss!  Okay, maybe I’m saying a little of that because he’s my boss, but the truth is he’s one down to earth guy and extremely intelligent individual! Yet he does not talk down to you. He treats you like an equal and peer.

That is a very rare personality trait among extremely intellectual people.  Dr. John has been a mental health hero since I started blogging here at Psych Central (May 2010).

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month’s Cartoon-A-Thon will be Dr. John Grohol’s 3rd Caricature ( Cartoon-A-Thon’s May 7 Mental Health Hero: John Grohol and Dr John M Grohol Mental Health Hero). I want to thank Dr. John for having me here at Psych Central.  I hope to continue to draw many, many, many more caricatures of my hero Dr. John Grohol!

Dr. John Grohol is an expert in online psychology and behavior, researcher, author and CEO & founder of the leading mental health and psychology network, PsychCentral.com. Since receiving his doctorate in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1995, Dr. Grohol has worked tirelessly as an online patient advocate and publisher of independent, objective mental health information designed to reduce the stigma associated with these concerns.

Read his …

Tod Juke
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Tod Juke uses a combination of education, doctor-patient communication, medication compliance, journaling, mood charts and “never” giving up the hope, to stay well.

Tod Juke was diagnosed with depression in 1996. He was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder in 2002. After 6 long years of no relief from a “miserable” depression, Tod received 14 treatments of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) in 2005.

On March 3, 2006, Tod made a suicide attempt and spent 3 days in Saint Elizabeth Hospital. Tod then attended Saint Elizabeth Hospital Behavioral Health outpatient program. In the summer of 2006, some 15 years after first being diagnosed, Tod was finally treated successfully by the late Dr. Silvana Menendez, Psychiatrist at Saint Elizabeth Hospital.

He is currently living mostly symptom free and in recovery on medication. (read more about this mental health hero)

Julie Fast
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

Julie Fast received the Mental Health American Journalism award for writing the best mental health column in the United States

Julie A. Fast is a world-leading mental health expert on the topics of bipolar disorder, depression, seasonal affective disorder and mood management. She is the bestselling author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Get it Done When You’re Depressed and The Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder.

Julie is a critically acclaimed national speaker, family and partner coach and sought after media source on the topic of mental health management. Her books have sold over 150,000 copies and her popular websites have received over one million visitors.

Alfred Jefferson
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

I’m an advocate with epilepsy and situational depression.

I don’t like to sit around doing nothing when I feel something needs to happen, so I joined a NAMI affiliate’s board of directors, 3 committees, 2 councils and I used to be a member of a program that took part in getting the word out to those who should know and those who need to know what’s happening in Hillsborough county.

(Read More about this Mental Health Hero.)

Julie Hanks
2012 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon

Drawing done by Chato Stewart

A self-proclaimed “social media junkie,” licensed psychotherapist Julie Hanks, LCSW was recently recognized as the #1 online depression influencer by ShareCare for her extensive work promoting mental health resources online.

Hanks has over 20 years in the mental health field, providing outpatient psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with complex mental health and relationship problems.

In addition to providing therapy and serving as Executive Director of Wasatch Family Therapy, she writes for PsychCentral’s Ask The Therapist and Private Practice Toolbox, and for her own site JulieHanks.com. Mrs Hanks’ down-to-earth professionalism makes her a sought after TV and media contributor.

She recently appeared on TLC and Discovery Health and has been quoted in national publications including Women’s Health, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, E!, Social Work Today, and others. Ms. Hanks also consults with private practice therapists around the world to help them embrace technology and create a practice that is good for their own mental health. Her most valuable experience has been in the trenches of family life for 23 years as wife and mother of 4 children.