Multiple community organizations come together for event advocating for mental health awareness

In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, multiple community organizations have come together to host a Stop the Stigma event, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. This event, which took place on a recent Sunday, marked a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to promote mental health awareness and support.

The Stigma Problem

Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that society holds about individuals who experience mental health conditions. This stigma can manifest in various ways, leading to social discrimination and prejudice. It prevents policymakers from crafting laws free of discrimination and stops healthcare workers and first responders from providing the best possible care. Most concerning, stigma keeps people from seeking the treatment they need, robbing them of their joy in life, their well-being, and, in the worst cases, resulting in ultimate harm.

The Campaign for Change

One of the key initiatives in this movement is the Mental Health Awareness Bracelet Campaign. This campaign, organized by Mental Health America, seeks to break down barriers of stigma surrounding mental health one wrist at a time. The dual-sided bracelets display messages such as "Today feels hard" and "I count today as a good day." Designed as both personal check-in tools and visible symbols, these bracelets encourage wearers to reflect on their mental well-being daily and promote open conversations about mental health.

How the Bracelets Work

When someone wears a mental health awareness bracelet, it serves as a powerful tool for initiating conversations about mental health. The individual wearing it is signaling their current emotional state, inviting others to engage with them in a supportive manner, or helping to reduce stigma about mental health by wearing the bracelet. Observers can play a crucial role by showing empathy and offering genuine support and validation. Even a small gesture, like acknowledging the bracelet, can make a significant difference.

Supporting Someone with a Bracelet

If you see someone wearing the bracelet, here are some ways you can support them:

• Acknowledge Their Feelings: Recognize the person's feelings by acknowledging them and affirming that it's okay to feel the way they do. Avoid judgment or minimizing their emotions.
• Offer Validation: Even a passing comment, like, "Today feels hard for me too," or "Thanks for the reminder to count today as a good day," can be validating and make a significant difference in the day.
• Engage in Conversation: If you have the emotional capacity and time, ask open-ended questions to engage in a conversation. Approach the individual with empathy and sensitivity, acknowledging that wearing the bracelet may signify a need for support or recognition of their emotional state.
• Respect Boundaries: Understand that the individual may not always want to engage in conversation or share their experiences, and that's okay. Respect their boundaries and comfort level.

The Role of NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been at the forefront of combating mental health stigma. Through their StigmaFree initiative, NAMI promotes public awareness campaigns, education, advocacy, and open conversations about mental health. By taking the StigmaFree pledge, individuals commit to educating themselves on mental health conditions, available resources, and the lived experiences of those around them. They also aim to help others by caring for their own mental health and supporting those who may be struggling.

How You Can Help

NAMI offers several ways to get involved in their efforts to destigmatize mental health:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, available resources, and the lived experiences of those affected.
• Care for Your Mental Health: Prioritize your own mental health and well-being.
• Support Others: Help others by being supportive and understanding.
• Join NAMI: Participate in peer support groups and increase awareness in your community.
• Make Your Workplace a Stigma-Free Zone: Help entire organizations become StigmaFree zones to increase safety and support at work.

The Impact of Stigma

The impact of mental health stigma is stark. One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, while one in twenty experience serious mental illness. Furthermore, one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder. By age fourteen, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins, and by age twenty-four, 75% begins. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged ten to thirty-four.

Community Events

Community events like the Stop the Stigma conferences and runs play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering empathy. The Stop Stigma Together organization, for instance, aims to break down barriers associated with mental health stigmas (structural, social, and self) and promote understanding and empathy. Their upcoming National Summit to End Stigma in Salt Lake City promises an enriching lineup of relevant sessions and captivating speakers that will leave attendees inspired and equipped to tackle the challenges surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

Upcoming Events

• Stop Stigma Together Conference: Mark your calendars for the transformative experience set to unfold in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Grand America Hotel from June 24 - 26, 2024.
• End the Stigma 5K Run/Walk: Join Sound Community Services, Inc. on May 18, 2024, in New London, Connecticut, as they host their first annual 5K Run/Walk to raise awareness and break down barriers in asking for help.

Conclusion

The events of recent days are a testament to the growing commitment of community organizations to tackle mental health stigma head-on. By promoting awareness, education, and open conversations, these initiatives aim to create a society where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. The dual-sided bracelets, educational programs, and community events are powerful tools in this fight to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

As we continue on this path, it's essential to remember that every story shared, every conversation initiated, and every supportive gesture counts. Together, we can change the narrative around mental health and create a world where no one struggles alone.

References

• Mental Health America: Wear and Share Campaign. Retrieved from: Mental Health Awareness Bracelet Campaign.
• NAMI: Pledge to Be StigmaFree. Retrieved from: Pledge to Be StigmaFree.
• Stop Stigma Together: Changing the narrative around mental health. Retrieved from: Stop Stigma Together.
• Sound Community Services, Inc.: End the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness 5K. Retrieved from: End the Stigma 5K.