According to NAMI one in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions. The stigma and resulting shame around mental health are often determining factors in a person’s decision to not open up and seek help. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an opportunity for us to play our role in bringing awareness to those who do not understand and may even discriminate against individuals with mental health conditions. With awareness we can provide the individuals, families and communities we engage with help with reducing the stigma of mental health and seeking mental health services. A mentor of mine used to say, “If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting.” Let’s get out there and change what we’ve been doing for the sake of a different and better result. NAMI has a great campaign called #CureStigma. You can learn more about it on their website: www.NAMI.org/stigmafree and at www.curestigma.org Another great way to address the stigma surrounding mental health is to talk about it. SO GET INVOLVED IN THE CONVERSATION. OOTify provides an excellent platform for everyone to join the conversation. How have you been affected by stigma? How have you managed to overcome the effects of stigma? Why wouldn’t we care for our minds in the same way that we care for the rest of our bodies?
