[…] of lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. Hearing from young people about their experiences with mental illness — and the work they are doing to combat stigma — was profoundly compelling. We also heard from parents about the lessons they’d learned navigating mental health issues with their children. Ultimately, they wanted to share […]
[…] genuine self have a few days in the sun. Michelle Cohen was diagnosed with OCD at three years old. She hopes to educate others about her condition and end the stigma against mental illness through blogging and an upcoming book about her experience with mental and physical illness. Three people smiling for a camera
[…] healing started with professional help; I began taking medication, which I’ve never talked about openly before. I had always been a huge supporter of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, yet I have never extended that courtesy to myself and my own journey. So, I hid the fact that I took medication for […]
[…] is a communications professional working in the health care industry. While she studied journalism and mass communication, her passion lies in understanding people and their mental health struggles. She is a registered NAMI Ending the Silence presenter and spends her time breaking the stigma and cuddling her dog, Pepper. Woman upset looking at a list
[…] — and I will use what self-awareness to protect and preserve this new life I have. Sarah Ryan is a writer covering mental illness topics like stigma, recovery and hope. She is a survivor of schizophrenia, and she is an ongoing NAMI Wake County blog contributor and NAMI Connection support group facilitator in […]
[…] frequently left out of the mental health conversation. This is largely because the subject is difficult to talk about — many of us feel the weight of stigma when talking about our bodies and our personal habits. However, indifference to hygiene tasks, including showering, brushing teeth, doing laundry or brushing hair, is a common […]
[…] or define, and that’s what makes you authentic and invaluable. That’s what gives you your identity. Sarah Ryan is a writer covering mental illness topics like stigma, recovery and hope. She is a survivor of schizophrenia, and she is now a wife, mother and proud owner of two pitbull rescues. She is also […]
[…] and I’m so grateful for it. Heather Loeb is a writer and the creator of Unruly Neurons Blog. She writes a mental health column in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and serves as Communications Manager at NAMI Greater Corpus Christi. Her goal is to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health. Illustration of woman in front of tree
[…] needed the validation that they were adequate and deserving of help and compassion? This Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope that we can continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness and recognize that we are all more than enough. We are inherently worthy of happiness and recovery, regardless of diagnosis, ability or anything […]
It does make me sad to think some of my suffering could have been alleviated sooner.
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
