May is a month full of reasons to celebrate. Mother’s Day. Graduations. Pool openings. It is also the month we celebrate the growing awareness the public has about mental health. For generations, mental illnesses have been grossly misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistreated. However, with breakthrough treatments and the intentional efforts of various agencies, individuals and the media, truths about mental health conditions are gaining awareness. We celebrate that.
At the Well Community we try to do our part in helping our friends get the real scoop. Yes, with facts and figures, but more directly with stories from our members who know firsthand the challenges and stigmas they face daily.
All through our website there is a wealth of content to help you deepen your awareness of mental illnesses and the impact they have on our neighbors. Here are links to just a few of those:
- Breaking Down Stigma Through Personal Interaction
- Stealing Options: How Poverty and Mental Illness Erode Opportunity
- Mental Illness: Not an Adjective
- The Truth About Five Common Mental Illness Myths
- In Our Own Words (two videos)
Thank you for growing in your understanding. Please share what you know and help to end stigma and increase awareness.