08/25/2026
This we are coming back to something that has been sitting with us. 💚
Last week we talked about Hayden Panettiere and Lindsay Clancy. Two women who told their stories. Who were celebrated for their bravery. Who did everything our culture asks of people who are struggling.
And it still wasn't enough.
Because here's the uncomfortable truth:
"We have built an entire cultural performance around public recovery, and we have quietly confused disclosure with protection. Someone tells their story. We call it progress. We share the interview. We buy the book. And we feel, collectively, that something has been solved.
Nothing has been solved."
Sharing a story is not a treatment plan. Applauding someone's bravery is not a safety net. 💚
More recently Mychal Threets — beloved new host of the Reading Rainbow reboot — wrote something that stopped us in our tracks:
"I am not okay. Maybe I'll never be okay. I'm seeking help. Going to the hospital tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God's grace."
And then: "No matter what happens to me, I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me."
THAT. Right there. 💚
Not the applause. Not the interview. Not the book deal. The extraordinary people who worry. Who help. Who show up.
That is what actually saves lives. Not disclosure — connection. Not performance — presence. 💚
That is what our volunteers do here at NAMI Anchorage. Every single week. Showing up because they have been there too and they refuse to let anyone feel that emptiness alone. 💚
And we cannot keep doing it without your support.
💚 Become a member at www.nami.org — from $5/year
💚 Donate at www.namianchorage.org
💚 Show up. For us. For each other.
All donations are tax deductible — receipts provided upon request.
