Charles Feldman, Rhode Island Mental Health Advocate
It has been almost 30 years since Charles ‘Charlie’ Feldman’s last hospitalization for mental illness. Since then he has not only enjoyed a full recovery, but has been a staunch advocate for those experiencing, and living with, mental illness. A proponent of good medication, Charlie sites social networking, social support, therapy groups, and vocational development as major influences along his personal road to recovery. “Relating to people I have something in common with has given me a way of dealing with issues I might not otherwise have had an outlet for,” he says.
In 2002, the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations (RICCMHO) recognized Charlie with their Advocacy Award for his commitment to Rhode Island citizens living with mental illness. “Charlie was recognized for his consistency, and the spirit he brings to the advocacy effort,” said Liz Earls, Director of RICCMHO. She continued, “He’s funny and so concentrated on his efforts. He has such a meaningful way of explaining issues and is just steadfast about it.”
Another award dear to Charlie’s heart is in recognition for his more than ten years of service to the Rhode Island chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI RI), where he has worked diligently as an Administrative Assistant. The award reads, in part, “You are truly the heart and soul of NAMI,” an opinion espoused by Executive Director Chaz Gross, who feels that “NAMI RI could not run without Charlie.” Currently, Charlie co-facilitates a NAMI RI Connection Support Group, as he has for some years, and is the Rhode Island representative for the National NAMI Consumer Council.
Charlie continues to distinguish himself in the mental health field, serving for two separate terms as the Chair of the Board of Mental Health Consumer Advocates of Rhode Island (MHCA-RI), an organized, consumer-based group. In addition, Charlie was a key figure in the development of Save Our Mental Health Services Coalition (SOS). SOS is a vibrant and active peer-run organization working to promote better mental health services, a greater understanding of mental illness, and system reform in Rhode Island.
At its inception in 2002, SOS focused primarily on the organization of annual rallies for better mental health funding. “It was my idea, I guess,” said Charlie. “But when I asked members of the group to take a step forward if they would like to be Chair, everyone took one step back.” When ‘rally fatigue’ set in, the group redirected its attention to lobby days and meeting with legislators to educate them on the reality of mental illness and present-day recovery. Comprised of representatives from various Rhode Island advocacy groups, SOS has recently written and published a booklet entitled, “Stories from the Heart.” Distributing the first copies at the SOS Gubernatorial Forum in July, SOS intends to distribute the booklet to legislators at the State House, particularly those newly appointed. “We just have to stand up for the safety net in our society,” suggests Charlie. “That means joining together to ensure that the basic necessities are provided for: food, shelter, employment, and treatment.”
Throughout his years of advocacy, Charlie has faced and overcome many hurdles; however, the stigma around mental health and individuals in recovery remains a constant barrier. “It is upsetting when people have stigmatizing attitudes,” he explains. “It hinders such great opportunities for education and personal growth.” Charlie sites a personal experience while looking for a volunteer position with a person he had interacted with previously. “I mentioned I was on disability and his whole attitude changed. After that, I no longer felt welcome.”
Charlie’s own experience has helped him tremendously when advocating for those newly diagnosed with mental illness. His first suggestion is to “find a mental health professional that you can trust and relate to. If you can see right from the beginning that you are not clicking, it might be a good idea to try someone else.” He continued, “However, if you sense that your feelings are based on your symptoms, stick around, find a support group, take time away from school or work if necessary, and encourage family and friends to take the NAMI Family to Family class for a greater understanding of what you are living through.” For Charlie, spirituality and meditative practice have also played a large part in his recovery. “Don’t give up on your hopes and your dreams,” Charlie emphasizes. “Work within a structure you can tolerate and go with that, make recovery happen!”
NAMI RI - 154 Waterman Street, Unit 5B, Lower Level, Providence, RI 02906 - 401-331-3060. NAMI National - 1-800-749-3197.