A Father and Son's Journey To Mental Health Advocacy

UPDATE: Since this interview was recorded, Tim has left NAMI WLA and now serves as Communications and Operations Director for an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Los Angeles. He and Ryder are developing a talk and workshop based on their shared lived experience.

Tim and Ryder Davis's journey into the mental health space began when Ryder was diagnosed with bipolar1 disorder in February of 2018. (Their more general mental health journeys began at birth, as all of ours did!) While Ryder was bravely taking on a condition he neither deserved nor asked for, Tim began attending family support groups and classes offered by NAMI Westside LA, the local affiliate of the Nat'l organization. NAMI not only provided Tim with much-needed support and education, but it also provided a calling. Previously serving as NAMI WLA's Sr. Program Director, Tim has spearheaded the expansion of their Family and School programs, which include offering Ending the Silence presentations to students and families about the importance of prioritizing mental health and learning how to be good friends to those of us struggling with mental health conditions. Ryder's recovery has been an inspiration to his family and friends and, as one of NAMI WLA's incredible ETS Youth/peer presenters, to students and parents throughout the LA community. Tim and Ryder have given countless presentations together, led workshops on communication, and continue to enjoy having honest conversations around any number of relevant, complicated topics. Even when they don't always agree!  Update: Since recording, Tim no longer works for NAMI WLA, but continues to support their work and mission.