Changing the Stigmas of Mental Health.

We believe the negative stigma surrounding mental health can change. Our goal is that the conversation about depression and suicide would be encouraging and honest, that those who need help could attain it, that people who struggle would know they are not alone. But this won’t happen overnight, nor will it be achieved through one person. One of the goals of National Suicide Prevention Week is to inform and enable groups of people to actively pursue such change—together. Which is why we asked you…

HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY WORKING TO CHANGE THE STIGMAS OF MENTAL HEALTH?

“By participating in the Stride to Prevent Suicide 5k held in our community and raising awareness about suicide, it’s no longer a “dirty word.” - Stephanie, 34

“Personally, I have become open about what I’ve struggled with. Depression, anxiety, self-harm… All it takes is one person to tell someone they’re not alone.”

“We can do this by promoting weeks like National Suicide Prevention Week and educating people of the giant effect that it has on the world.”

“I’m studying to become a professional counselor, and I try to correct stigmatizing attitudes and statements when I hear them. I’ve also done an Out of the Darkness community walk, and I would like to do another one.” - Katie, 24

“I am, and have been since 2008, raising awareness via a campaign at colleges and universities across Cornwall, England. Spreading the concept of hope and help by getting students to write the word LOVE on their arms.” - Ruth, 21

“I wrote a blog “coming out” about my depression and anxiety, which was huge for me because it’s not something that is allowed to be talked about in society today.” - Ashleigh, 26

“Education through professional work as a counselor and trainer of Mental Health First Aid. Also providing Crisis Intervention Training to law enforcement community to assist with responses to those with mental illness.”

“I’m wearing TWLOHA and having conversations. I’m telling people about the importance of these issues and sharing why it’s important to me.”

“I started a UChapter at my undergraduate university. Now, as a graduate student in a different state, I am researching how writing and community outreach can have a positive influence on others, particularly those afflicted by mental health disorders. I also began a mandatory program as part of my undergraduate university’s orientation week, in which students are taught to recognize the signs of suicide and how to effectively encourage victims to seek help.” - Jessica, 22

“Suicide has hit my town hard in the past 10 years, and since then we have had a lot of walks and presentations to promote suicide prevention.”

“In our chaplaincy centre, we try and promote big organisations who target mental health stigma like Rethink and Time to Change, and we teach about a God who loves, and who strives for peace and hope.”

“I send one of my friends a textgram each morning, giving her a reason to continue living each day.”

“I wrote, acted, and produced a play about TWLOHA and mental health. The reaction from the students has been wonderful, but what meant more to me was the parents’ reactions. It was amazing to see that they walked away with a new and better understanding of adolescent life and the struggles we face.”

“I try to help as many people as I can. Teach them how suicide is not a joke and that we can help others that suffer from depression. Although I am only a teenager, I try and help friends and strangers online by listening to their stories and letting them know they’re not alone and that there is hope.” – Karla, 15

“We have started a joint program of all the school boards in the area to educate on the effects of mental illnesses. I have gone to numerous conferences to share my story with educators to help them understand how mental health is related to performance in school.”

“As a University Chapter president, my chapter is organizing a lot of awareness events on our campus this year to get people talking about mental health issues rather than hiding from them.”

“I work as a nurse, so I try to educate my patients on the signs of depression and that just because they feel alone or helpless does not mean that they are “crazy.” So many people think that if they admit that they are depressed that will mark them as being crazy. I try to educate them that depression is an illness and can be treated.”

“I’m a senior in high school, and one of my teachers and I are working on being a part of the Storytellers with TWLOHA.” - Nicole, 17

“I am studying sociology at school and hope to use it someday to help people who are suffering. I see that things are getting done, but it’s not enough. I hope one day my efforts will help to change that stigma. I think just talking about it can make the difference and lets people know that it is ok to ask for help.”

“Our school and our community, due to three student suicides this year, is trying to bring more attention to mental health issues, how common they actually are, and what we can do to help.”

“I’m committed to working with young people and sometimes the means encountering kids who have a family with mental health issues or are struggling themselves. If that’s the case, I make certain they are talking to the appropriate people, getting the right help. Other than that I just try to get clued in myself so I know what I’m talking about. I talk to people as much as I can.”

“Sadly, in my small town no one talks about it. You never hear about it and people even joke about it. I wear my TWLOHA shirts proudly and take every chance I can get to talk to people, make them aware of how serious this matter is.” – Cherokee, 23

“We have counseling programs and recently our student health center has a paper that students must fill out whenever they come in for an appointment. The questions ask if they are having symptoms of depression, and if they do, they then are referred to a counselor or a psychiatrist.”

“I am a Girl Scout, and for my Gold Award I worked to raise awareness and focused on depression and suicide prevention among teens. I am also studying to be a counselor.”

“I’m starting to talk. Secrets only keep you sick, and the more I share, the more people share with me. It makes you realize you’re not in this thing alone.”

“I’ve published multiple articles in my high school’s newspaper regarding mental illness in our community. It’s really gotten people to reach out and acknowledge this problem.” – Renee, 16

“By educating people on the severity of mental health disorders, and offering words of encouragement to those that are suffering.”

“I work in the mental health field now teaching kids coping skills and replacement behaviors to prevent a tragedy and give kids worth.”

“I try everyday to educate people on the real facts about depression, self-harm, and other emotional and mental disorders. It’s time that people stop believing what people tell them to believe and start understanding the facts about illness. They should know mental and emotional illnesses are not a choice.”

“I have been doing the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention overnight and community walks to raise money and bring awareness to suicide, along with bringing Active Minds (an organization geared towards college kids to reduce stigmas and promote mental health awareness) to my school.”

“We strive to let everyone know that they are welcome. We strive to love others by serving them and giving them a place to come as they are, meeting them in their questions.” – Sidney, 18

“Talking about it and being honest. I don’t hide my past, and I’m open when people ask direct questions. I’ve dealt with the “this is all for attention” comments whether it’s directed towards me or about someone else. I want and do get the word out. We’re all people. We all have pain. Pain is pain and it is real. Let’s create a space and talk.” – - Lindsay, 20

Tell us how you are changing the stigmas of mental health using the hashtag #NSPW12. You can learn more about NSPW and see how others are participating by following TWLOHA. #PleaseStayAlive