Embracing Accomplishments: A New...

As we welcome a new year, it’s common for us to set...

Stigma and Bipolar Disorder:...

People with bipolar can look, sound, and seem just as “normal” as...

Crisis cafés: so much...

There isn’t one definitive way to explain what a crisis is. It...
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Empower Half An Hour Podcast Features Michelle Hammer


Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist and spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is an NYC native featured in the WebMD documentary Voices, which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. In May 2015, she founded a mental health-focused clothing brand called Schizophrenic NYC, which is a clothing brand with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health.



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Embracing Accomplishments: A New Year’s Perspective

As we welcome a new year, it’s common for us to set resolutions and goals for the months ahead. While looking towards the future is important, it’s equally important to take a moment to reflect on the past...

Bigger Waist Today! Diabetes Tomorrow!

Is your waistline growing? So are the dangers! A bigger waist circumference (WC) increases the risk of diabetes, metabolic diseases, and death. ...

Stigma and Bipolar Disorder: Identity and the Myth of ‘Normal’

People with bipolar can look, sound, and seem just as “normal” as other people do. What is “normal,” anyway? And who decides? I’m used to people telling me I don’t look like who I am. “You don’t look Muslim.”...