Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Diane Bruno On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken Mental Health System
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
We need to work toward a holistic approach. Mental health is health — period. We need to break down the traditional barriers between mental and physical health care to create a more caring and above all comprehensive approach to overall well-being.
The current state of the mental health system is a conversation that echoes in the halls of policy-making, the corners of social advocacy, and within the private struggles of individuals and families. As we continue to witness an unprecedented need for robust mental health support, the shortcomings of the existing system become more glaring. It is within this backdrop that we seek the insight of those who are at the forefront of behavioral health. In this interview series, we are talking to behavioral health leaders, policymakers, mental health practitioners, advocates, and reformers to share their perspectives on healing our broken mental health system. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Diane Bruno.
Diane Bruno is the founder of Diane Bruno Life Coach LLC and Diane Bruno Freelance LLC. She is passionate about empowering women to live authentically! In her role as a Certified Life Coach, she is dedicated to guiding and partnering with her clients, committed to their success through life’s challenges and opportunities.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
I am the owner of Diane Bruno Life Coach LLC and Diane Bruno Freelance LLC. A certified life coach blogger, freelance writer, digital content writer, former funeral director, and former public relations professional, I specialize in life transitions. No stranger to life’s detours, after more than 20 years as a public relations professional in New York City, I decided to make a seismic career change and became a funeral director. Years later, after working as a funeral director an injury sidetracked my career, and I transitioned once again deciding to tap back into writing, but something was missing — my desire to help people and make a measurable difference. I embraced the role of a life coach, and I could not be happier!
I grew up in Westchester County, NY. An only child — I had an idyllic childhood and wonderful parents who encouraged me to be true to myself and follow my dreams!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Know Thyself — Socrates
For me without insight into my authenticity and abilities I would not be able to function in this ever-changing world!
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. It is often said that “the mental health system in America is broken”. What does that statement mean to you? From your perspective what is “broken” today?
From a life coach’s perspective, the statement “the mental health system in America is broken” suggests a lack of accessibility, affordability, and holistic support. There are gaps in services, limited preventive measures, and challenges in addressing diverse individual needs, hindering the overall well-being of those seeking mental health support.
What about any bright spots? Do you think there are any elements that we get right in today’s world that we wouldn’t want to reverse unintentionally?
In today’s mental health system, the bright spots include a notable increase in awareness about mental health’s societal impact. The growing compassion and ongoing conversations surrounding mental health are positive developments that we wouldn’t want to reverse. These elements contribute to a more empathetic and informed approach to mental well-being.
In your opinion, what are the 5 most impactful things that could help heal the broken mental health system? These could be on any level including training, workforce, policy, culture, equity etc.
Addressing and healing the ongoing challenges in the mental health system requires a multifaceted approach.
1 . Integration of Mental and Physical Health Services is imperative:
- We need to work toward a holistic approach. Mental health is health — period. We need to break down the traditional barriers between mental and physical health care to create a more caring and above all comprehensive approach to overall well-being.
- We must ensure that mental health is integrated into primary care settings, and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. We are getting there but it is slow and arduous.
2 . Investment in Prevention and Early Intervention:
- We as individuals and as a collective society must work toward prevention and early intervention to identify and address mental health concerns before they escalate.
- Implementing educational programs in schools and workplaces to promote mental health awareness and resilience is important.
3 . Policy Reforms and Increased Funding:
- We must all, not just those in the mental health sphere, advocate for policy changes that prioritize mental health and ensure equitable access to care.
- Increased public and private funding for mental health services, research, and community-based programs is nonnegotiable to improve accessibility and affordability.
4 . Destigmatization and Cultural Competence:
- Launch public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage open conversations.
- Promote cultural competence within the mental health system to address the unique needs of diverse populations and reduce disparities in care.
5 . Shift in the Narrative
- Social media has expanded our reach and influence. Compassion and understanding are more important than ever. We are all connected, and how we treat each other is how we can all make a difference in our collective mental health.
By addressing these aspects, we can work towards a more comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate mental health system that meets the diverse needs of individuals and communities. All these strategies are connected and are necessary for meaningful and sustainable change.
If all of the items on your list were magically implemented tomorrow what change might we see in the world? What are the signs (big and small) that would show us that the system is being healed?
From my perspective as a certified life coach, if all the proposed changes were magically implemented tomorrow, signs of a healing mental health system may include:
Empowerment Through Open Conversations:
- Increased public awareness and open discussions about mental health, empowering individuals to seek support without fear or judgment.
Holistic Empowerment:
- Recognition of the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, reflecting a holistic approach that aligns with the empowerment principles often emphasized in life coaching.
Proactive Well-being Cultivation:
- Early identification and intervention for mental health concerns, showcasing a proactive approach to well-being that resonates with the coaching emphasis on self-discovery and personal growth.
Accessible and Tailored Support:
- Improved accessibility to diverse mental health services, especially in underserved areas, aligning with the coaching philosophy of providing tailored support to individuals from various backgrounds.
Alignment with Personal Development:
- Enactment of policies prioritizing mental health and increased funding for research and programs, reflecting a systemic commitment to personal development and growth, a core focus in life coaching.
Skilled and Compassionate Coaching Allies:
- Well-trained and empathetic mental health professionals providing quality care, mirroring the coaching emphasis on building strong, supportive relationships to facilitate positive change.
Community-Driven Empowerment:
- Community-driven initiatives promoting mental health and fostering support, echoing the coaching belief in the transformative power of community and collective well-being.
Tangible Progress Indicators:
- Quantifiable improvements in mental health outcomes at individual and population levels, providing tangible indicators of progress in alignment with the results-oriented perspective often emphasized in life coaching.
Emotional Intelligence:
- Increased emotional intelligence contributes to improved relationships and well-being, aligning with the coaching emphasis on developing emotional intelligence as a cornerstone for personal success and fulfillment.
Workplace Well-being and Fulfillment:
- Improved workplace productivity due to a mentally healthier workforce, resonating with the coaching perspective that emphasizes the impact of mental well-being on overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
Local Collaborative Mindfulness Series:
I’m excited to share that, in collaboration with therapists in my community, I’m hosting a series of mindfulness workshops beginning in 2024. These sessions delve into self-awareness, stress management, and overall life satisfaction. This collaborative effort ensures a holistic approach, combining my coaching insights with therapeutic expertise for a well-rounded experience.
I am also developing mindfulness techniques everyone can use, providing practical tools to enhance mental well-being that I will share on my website for free in February 2024. 2024 promises to be an exciting and transformative year for my community and beyond. I am hopeful that by offering more and more mental health wellness information and education on my website I can carve out a narrative that mental health assistance is available in many forms beyond the traditional, and more easily attainable than ever before. All coming to dianebrunolifecoach.com in 2024.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
Technology is revolutionizing mental health care and enhancing accessibility. Telehealth facilitates remote coaching sessions — all my sessions are online, apps provide on-the-go tools for self-improvement, and AI-driven platforms offer personalized support. The future holds promise for widespread, convenient, and personalized mental health resources, bridging gaps and reaching more individuals.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
Social factors like poverty, education, and culture significantly influence mental health care accessibility for life coaches. Financial constraints can limit access, educational disparities affect awareness, and cultural norms shape help-seeking behaviors. Mental health professionals must address these challenges by offering inclusive services, implementing educational programs, and fostering cultural competence to ensure effective and fair support. It is not an easy undertaking, but crucial if we are to grow into a healthier and happier society.
In light of the growing mental health crisis among young people, what innovative approaches or interventions have proven most successful for children and adolescents?
Given my practice focus is primarily on supporting women through major life transitions, I often hear about mother’s concerns regarding their children’s mental health in the digital age. I truly believe social media is the primary reason for the mental health crisis in our youth. I have found that offering mothers (parents) some sustainable proactive steps they can take has proven helpful and empowering.
Set Clear Digital Boundaries:
I encourage mothers to establish clear and consistent digital boundaries for their children. This includes setting limits on screen time, specifying appropriate online activities, and creating technology-free zones within the home. Consistent boundaries help children develop a healthy relationship with technology and foster a balanced lifestyle.
Promote Open Communication:
There is nothing more important than having a safe and nonjudgemental space for open communication between parents and their kids. This is especially important when it comes to online experiences. I encourage mothers to initiate dialogues with their children about their online challenges, friendships, and concerns. This open dialogue helps build trust and allows mothers to offer guidance effectively.
Equip Children with Cyberbullying Coping Strategies:
Make sure to teach children effective coping strategies to address cyberbullying. This includes educating them on how to recognize and report online harassment, encouraging them to speak up when they feel threatened, and fostering resilience to navigate the emotional impact of negative online experiences. Empowering children with these skills equip them to handle cyberbullying effectively and seek support when needed.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
Ricky Gervais — comedienne extraordinaire — I so admire his humor and his ability and license to speak his mind. And his love for animals mirrors mine and touches my soul.
Piers Morgan — English broadcaster, journalist, writer, and television personality. While I do not always agree with his stand on some topics, I really admire his intelligence and interviewing skills. He does not hesitate to speak his mind and backs up his arguments with real facts and thought-provoking mindfulness.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can reach me @ dianebrunolifecoach@gmail.com
And dianebrunolifecoach.com
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
Thank You!!!!!
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.
Healing A Broken Mental Health System: Diane Bruno On 5 Things That Can Be Done To Fix Our Broken… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.