World mental health day- "Our minds, our rights"

 Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when people come together to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of taking care of our social-emotional well-being. This month provides an opportunity to destigmatize mental health and encourage individuals to seek help and support. Mental health is an essential component of our overall health and wellness, and yet it is often overlooked or neglected. 

Language. The language we use when discussing mental health can have a powerful impact on stigma. For example, it is important to avoid using hurtful words and labels such as “crazy”, “psycho,” and “strange” when talking about yourself or someone else with a mental illness. Related, try to avoid using mental illness diagnoses as casual descriptors because it stigmatizes actual mental illness.

Empathy: Listening to and empathizing with those who are experiencing various forms of mental illness can help to reduce stigma. Rather than judging or blaming, it is important to provide compassion and support, which can help some people feel more comfortable seeking help and talking about their experiences. Seek to continue to provide support, whether for yourself or for others, by offering compassion and dignity through your thoughts, words, and actions. 

Advocacy: Advocating for policies and programs that support mental health can help to reduce stigma. Supporting mental health initiatives and challenging discriminatory practices and policies can help to promote change and reduce stigma. There are many opportunities for fundraising, community outreach, and awareness events during Mental Health Awareness Month. National organizations such as Mental Health America (MHA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the National Institute of Mental Health hold events and fundraisers.

Seek Help: Seeking help for mental health issues when needed is important. It's important to recognize that mental illness is not a personal failing, and seeking help, such as therapy, is a sign of strength, not weakness. Encouraging others to seek help and showing support for those who do seek help is important to reduce stigma and reassure those around you. 

In addition to these steps, it is important to recognize the role that community support can play in promoting mental health and well-being. 

Contact us for more information: 9731580731