“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.”
Peter Marshall
Read Mike’s Brochure
Grandfather, Musician , Friend
I’m a father, a grandfather and a friend to many. I’m also a professional musician who plays the guitar, sings, writes songs, plays the drums and has released 3 musical cd’s that have been sold in every state of the USA and in many parts of the world. As a drummer I spent two years in the late 70’s touring all of Great Britain with the hard rock band “American Train”. We performed in many of the same venues back then as did The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & The Rolling Stones to name a few. As a singer/songwriter/guitarist, I have performed throughout America — from Boston to LA to Hawaii and many parts in between. My musical endeavors have given me so many valuable and interesting experiences. I’m also an advocate, public speaker and writer of published articles that address the concerns of mental health, trauma, & abuse. I like to hike, swim, camp, explore, spend time with family & friends, read, listen to music, watch movies, listen to the radio, and I love coffee & pizza!!!!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
That is who I am as a person… but I also deal with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD], depression [major in the past], severe back problems, and mild Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI]. My health concerns are the result of childhood and teenaged years filled with the pain and suffering caused by severe and protracted sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from my parents and many of their friends. My adult life has known the pain and isolation due to the stigma and discrimination of being labeled “mentally ill” – that stigma helped lead to a brutal assault and other traumas and violations upon me.
Please know, I AM NOT A DIAGNOSIS — A diagnosis is not a destiny and it is not my destiny, though many have tried to make feel otherwise. I am not an illness. These health concerns have affected so much of my life due to the stigma and discrimination and the fears and misunderstanding associated with child abuse, sexual abuse, depression and post traumatic stress.
Further Reading
Anchormag.com Article - Advocacy Resume
- Presentation- The Silence of Suicide
- Presentation-Thriving-not-just-Surviving
Hope, Healing and Help
I have been advocating, presenting, writing and speaking out on the issues and concerns of Trauma, Abuse and Mental Health Challenges since 1993. My goals and agenda have been the same since I started – to address the stigma, discrimination and the fears surrounding these health concerns and to show that Hope, Healing & Help is available.
I have been a victim, a survivor and now thriver in life and my presentations and workshops reflect that
Thank you. Michael Skinner
