Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1182

Tonight's special guest is Mary Ann Goughler, from Sharpsville, PA, an abuse survivor and advocate as she struggles with Paranoid Schizophrenia, PTSD and depression. She says, "I have overcome a great deal and share my personal story of growth so I can give hope to all people who suffer from any type of Mental Health issues. They/we can lead full and productive lives. I am living proof." A wife, mother, artist, writer, and poet, Mary Ann has struggled with the stigma and challenges of Schizophrenia. She's created a moving video that expresses her experience which we've posted on the NAASCA web site. "Schizophrenia~Learning To Thrive" is a video biography of living and thriving with Schizophrenia, and Mary reminds us, "This is National Suicide Month (September). I want to offer hope / support for all. Thank you in advance." Lynn Tolson, another NAASCA family member, said it well: "Wow, MaryAnn, what a well-done video. I see you incorporated your fantastic art into it. You really gave your all; what a gift you are sharing with survivors and others who may struggle with mental health. Thank you for showing us how you cope, create, and thrive. Very inspiring." We couldn't agree more! Mary reports she also has "a terrific dog that helps me get thru the day, and I'd like to offer support/hope to all those who suffer from mental health concerns, while trying to lift the stigma attached to it. I love life, try to live it to the fullest and have lots of stories to tell." She encourages others to follow her BLOG, "In a Nutshell" - marushka-g.blogspot.com - and concludes, "In the years to come, this work may help prevent and better treat the illness."