Season Two. Episode Eight (part 1) - featuring Crystal Pinnock

After a traumatic experience leading to severe depression,
Crystal was diagnosed with Bi-polar Disorder by
her psychiatrist. A year after the diagnosis,Crystal had a near
death experience that led to her decision to take her mental
illness and mental health seriously.





Almost four years later after almost being shot to death at the
U.S border by police, Crystal launched - Mental Health Speaks Out
and is a motivational speaker on mental health awareness, and the
importance of the removing the veil of shame that has stigmatized
mental illness.





When Doctors told Crystal and her family that she will never be
able to attain a degree - because of her mental
illness....Crystal defied the odds placed against her and is now
a recognized and honoured facilitator who works alongside the
Durham Regional Police Service as a trainer on how to:


communicate with persons experiencing mental health crises

identify issues related to stigma

recognize the role of the family

access mental health services

issues related to the use of force






Crystal was awarded for her radio show, Mental Health Speaks Out
on Riot Radio at Durham College which talks about mental health
and is inclusive of professionals and organizations in the
community such as; Durham Mental Health Services, Canadian Mental
Health Association, Durham Regional Police Service-Mental Health
Unit, Naturopathic Doctors, Nutritionist, Women’s Resource
Counseling Centre of Durham etc.





Crystal has spoken at Colleges and Universities, as well as
churches, even libraries and multiple events across the GTA. Her
work in the community as led her to being awarded the Starter
Company Grant from the Business Advisory Centre of Durham.





Pinnock is now studying to become a Mental Health Pastor and has
recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakwood
University and is working as a Mental Health Evangelist.





Crystal is proactively working on a book about her life and her
journey with mental health. Her goal is to eradicate the stigmas
about mental illness especially in the Black community.





Find her:


Youtube - Mental Health Speaks Out


Twitter - @mentalhealthbee


Support this podcast at —
https://redcircle.com/the-blind-stigma-podcast/donations