Search results for: stigma

Rules of the Road for Succeeding in College with a Mood Disorder

[…] like “The Mighty” and social media, you certainly won’t be living with mental illness all alone, and you’re about to join an exciting, new college community where stigma is reduced. But only about 56% of students earn degrees within six years—it isn’t easy. Your success depends partly on how quickly you can get into […]

Suicide Prevention as a Social Justice Issue

[…] The World Health Organization defines mental health advocacy as something that has been developed “to promote the human rights of persons with mental disorders and to reduce stigma and discrimination. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the major structural and attitudinal barriers to achieving positive mental health outcomes in populations.” We need […]

Life After Survival: Why Cancer Survivors Need Mental Health Care

[…] go when the anxiety tried to take over.” Heather now raises awareness not only for mesothelioma, but also for cancer survivors’ mental health. She speaks to end stigma and reach those who may need support, showing them that they’re not alone and that help is available. Just because someone’s cancer is gone, does not […]

The Bike Ride: The Story of my Son’s Diagnosis

[…] She is an activist in mental health and criminal justice reform and teaches memoir in southern California. Her newest memoir, Blinded by Hope: One Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Bipolar Illness and Addiction, shines a light on mental illness, illuminating the shadow of family dynamics that shame, ignorance, and stigma rarely let the public see. 

Suicide: A Cry for Life

[…] experiencing a suicide loss; loved ones face not only sadness, but also anger. Although the anger isn’t always rational, it is certainly understandable. Many also face the stigma our cultures—and often our churches—assign to a death by suicide. For instance, I think it’s a terrible shame when families insist that the service not even […]

How to Encourage Someone to See a Therapist

[…] are some steps you can take to tell your loved one about the benefits of seeking therapy. Show Support Misconception about mental health and therapy has intensified stigma in society. Your loved one may be aware that they need help, but may be afraid to seek it if they think you will judge or […]

Why Supporting NAMI is Part of My Mental Health Self-Care

[…] condition. The more we understand mental health and mental illness, the better we can support those around us. That’s why I support NAMI as they challenge societal stigma and educate younger generations about mental health through student-focused programs like NAMI Ending the Silence. Good mental health care and support is often expensive and difficult […]

Learning to Change in Order to Heal

[…] offer to others. I feel I am making a meaningful impact. The more visible examples of people living well with mental health conditions, the less the associated stigma will be and the more people will be willing to get help early. I don’t know if I am unique, but I don’t feel limited in […]

Sharing My Mental Health Journey on Stage

[…] comfortable in front of a live audience with ASAP, I challenged myself to audition for This Is My Brave, an arts nonprofit dedicated to ending mental illness stigma through storytelling. Until that audition, I had always been a vocal mental health advocate in my professional life, encouraging others to seek help and to always […]

NAMI’s 2017 Gift Giving Guide

[…] AWE ‘s jewelry collection. #IDONTMIND Founded by NAMI supporter and actor Chris Wood, IDONTMIND is a mental health awareness program, working to break down the barrier of stigma and bring help to those that need it. Their goal is to get people talking and generate positive messaging about mental health. Just in time for […]